Category: Cyprus News Agency

The EU should approach enlargement as a strategic investment in peace, stability and security in Europe, Chair of Cyprus’ House Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, Giorgos Karoullas, in remarks during the Interparliamentary Conference on the Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s accession, held in Tirana, according to a statement by the House of Representatives.

In his remarks on EU enlargement and Albania’s progress towards EU accession, Karoullas ‘underlined that the European perspective of the Western Balkans, particularly in today’s unstable international environment, constitutes a strategic and geopolitical investment in strengthening European stability and resilience’, the statement said.

He underlined, it adds, “that the enlargement process must be protected from external interference and from any attempt to promote principles and values that are not compatible with the EU acquis, while stressing that the progress of each candidate country in the accession process must be directly linked to its full alignment with the Union’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy, thereby serving the EU’s broader objective of strategic autonomy.’

It also said that Karoullas noted that EU enlargement was one of the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU during the first half of 2026 and that, in this context, Cyprus acted as an honest broker, ensuring that the enlargement process remained credible, fair and merit-based, grounded in the EU’s common principles and values.

Regarding Albania’s EU accession process, Karoullas stressed that the progress made to date demonstrates the country’s determination to undertake the necessary reforms in order to align itself with all the obligations arising from its accession path and from EU law and that the EU must continue to support the country’s European path, while maintaining a credible and merit-based accession process based on concrete achievements and reforms.

Karoullas stressed that the success of the accession process should not be assessed solely on the basis of the chapters that have been opened or provisionally closed, but also according to the extent to which European standards are incorporated into Albania’s institutions and the lives of its citizens, since the reforms being carried out today will determine the strength and resilience of the country as a future EU Member State, it adds.

Furthermore, in his remarks during the discussion on enlargement as a strategic driving force for reform, stability and security, Karoullas noted that enlargement constitutes a powerful means of promoting peace, stability and prosperity throughout Europe.

Karoullas also ‘stressed’ that the EU should not approach enlargement as a bureaucratic process, but as a strategic investment in peace, stability and security in Europe in the face of the threats it faces along its external borders. Europe of tomorrow, he noted, will be judged by the Union’s ability to remain strong, democratic and faithful to its values, while the role of national parliaments is decisive, particularly in strengthening democratic legitimacy, solidarity and a common European vision, it said.

The Shipping Deputy Minister to the President, Marina Hadjimanolis, departs Monday for Brussels, following an official invitation from the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, to participate in the Connecting Europe Days 2026, a flagship event on transport, connectivity and strategic infrastructure.

According to a press release by the Shipping Deputy Ministry, Hadjimanolis participation forms part of the Republic of Cyprus’ active contribution to shaping European transport and maritime policies, as well as the Shipping Deputy Ministry’s continuous efforts to promote a competitive, resilient and sustainable European maritime sector.

Hadjimanolis will participate as a speaker in the high-level plenary session entitled ‘Gateways to Europe and the World: Ports and the Maritime Sector in Transition’ on September 29, where she will discuss the challenges and prospects facing the European maritime sector in light of geopolitical developments, the energy transition, competitiveness, resilience and decarbonisation.

Bilateral relations, migration, in light of developments in Ceuta, the Cyprus issue and the regional situation were on the agenda of a meeting House of Representatives President Annita Demetriou held on Monday with Spanish Ambassador Mercedes Alonso Frayle.

During the meeting Demetriou and the Ambassador highlighted the close ties of friendship between Cyprus and Spain, which are based on common principles and values, the mutual respect of the two countries in the international legal order and their common status as EU member states, a House of Representatives press release said.

As regards the parliamentary cooperation, they both noted the importance of maintaining the new dynamics developed in bilateral exchanges, after the official visit of the President of the Spanish Congress to Cyprus in 2025, and the will to intensify cooperation in areas of common interest, such as migration challenges and dealing with the effects of the increase in the cost of living.

The President of the House underlined the solidarity of Cyprus with Spain for the migration crisis that broke out in Ceuta, and stressed the need for collective action at the EU level to deal with the situation.

Alonso Frayle expressed her readiness to contribute to the further strengthening of Spain’s relations with Cyprus, noting as a very positive development the increase in connectivity between the two countries, which will further boost exchanges.

Referring to the Cyprus issue the House Speaker expressed disappointment for the fact that no progress was achieved on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, due to Turkey’s continued intransigent stance.

She stressed that the Turkish side’s claim to a “two-state” solution, will never be accepted, as it would legitimise the illegal Turkish invasion and occupation.

The President of the House also underlined our side’s readiness to constructively contribute to the efforts to resume meaningful negotiations for a bilateral, bicommunal federal solution, in accordance with international law, the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and European values and principles.

Demetriou furthermore pointed out that in a period of significant challenges in the Middle East and beyond, the importance of security and stability is even more significant.

Referring to the case of Ukraine Demetriou underlined the need for consistent application of the principles of international law in the case of Cyprus and elsewhere, without exceptions and without the approach of double standards.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

EUC Participates in the 3rd Transnational Project Meeting of Teacher’s HAVEN in Cyprus

Advancing Teacher Well-being and Preparing for the Project’s Next Milestones

The Teacher’s HAVEN project partners recently gathered in Nicosia, Cyprus in September, for the project’s 3rd Transnational Project Meeting (TPM), hosted and organised by Eurosuccess, with the participation of partners from across Europe.

Representing the European University Cyprus (EUC), Assistant Professor Constantina Demetriou, Associate Professor Monica Shiakou and Assistant Professor Eleni Epiphaniou from the Department of Psychology and Social Sciences of the School of Humanities, Social and Education Sciences participated in the meeting and contributed to the discussions and planning of the project’s upcoming activities.

The meeting provided an important opportunity for the consortium to review the progress achieved so far, strengthen cooperation among partners, and coordinate the activities planned for the next phase of the project.

Preparing for the Upcoming Teacher’s HAVEN Events

A key focus of the meeting was the preparation of two important upcoming project events:

International Teacher’s Sanctuary Bootcamp: The International Teacher’s Sanctuary Bootcamp will bring together educators from different countries to exchange knowledge, develop skills and explore approaches that can contribute to teachers’ professional and personal well-being. The Bootcamp will take place in Rome, Italy from 30 November to 4 December 2026 and will provide participants with opportunities for learning, reflection, collaboration and professional development in an international setting.

2nd Annual Teacher’s HAVEN Congress: Partners also continued preparations for the 2nd Annual Teacher’s HAVEN Congress, under the theme: ‘Growing Together: Teacher Well-being, Empowerment and Professional Growth’. The Congress will provide an opportunity to share project developments and results, exchange experiences and good practices, and engage with teachers, education professionals and other stakeholders working in the field of teacher well-being. The event is planned to take place in Portugal at the end of February 2027.

Strengthening European Colaboration

In addition to these key activities, partners worked collaboratively on the upcoming project milestones, discussing implementation, communication and dissemination activities and ensuring effective coordination across the partnership. The meeting in Nicosia also provided an opportunity for partners to exchange national perspectives and good practices and to strengthen the collaboration that underpins the project’s European dimension.

About the Teacher’s HAVEN Project: Supporting Teachers and Promoting Well-being

Teacher’s HAVEN is a European-funded project that aims to develop an Academy for teachers in service and teachers in training, providing opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and competencies that can support their well-being and strengthen their capacity to respond to the challenges of the modern educational environment.

The project brings together organisations from different European countries with complementary expertise and experience in education, training and teacher support.

Through the Teacher’s HAVEN Academy and its related activities, the project aims to contribute to healthier, more supportive and sustainable educational environments, recognising that teachers’ well-being is an important element of their professional development and of the quality of education provided to learners.

As the project enters its next phase, the Teacher’s HAVEN consortium remains committed to working together to deliver its planned activities and outcomes and to further promote teacher well-being, empowerment and professional growth across Europe.

The negative stance of the Turkish side was reaffirmed in New York, where the President of Cyprus presented the UN Secretary-General with some new ideas that could pave the way for the resumption of negotiations, but there was no response from the Turkish side, Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou said on Sunday.

Representing the President of the Republic at the national memorial service for the heroes of the community of Kelokedara, in Paphos district, Antoniou stressed that this development is not the end of the road. ‘Certainly, we cannot abandon the effort, because inaction serves the Turkish narrative that there are two states and that a solution based on the agreed framework cannot be achieved,’ he said.

‘Such a thing is not acceptable, not only to us, but to the international community as well,’ he added, noting that the President of the Republic returned from the UN headquarters with an assurance that the basis for a settlement of the Cyprus problem and the negotiating acquis would not be lost with the change in the leadership of the international organisation.

Referring to the continuing Turkish occupation, he stressed that the Republic of Cyprus would neither accept nor legitimise the fait accompli created by the invasion, noting that ‘breaking free from the shackles of occupation, the liberation and reunification of our homeland are our foremost priority.’

At the same time, he assured that the basis for a settlement of the Cyprus problem and the negotiating acquis remain unchanged, while describing the vision for the ‘transformation of the Republic of Cyprus into a normal state, genuinely free throughout its territory, without an occupying army and without guarantors with unilateral intervention rights.’

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but locally increased cloud coverage will be present at times. From late afternoon, local showers and isolated thunderstorms are expected, spreading from the west. THUNDERSTORMS MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY SUDDEN CHANGES IN WIND DIRECTION AND INCREASES IN WIND SPEED.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in showers

Sea surface temperature: 28°C

Warnings: NIL

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South to Southwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 to 5

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Southwest to West 3, at times locally 3 to 4

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Southwest to West 3 to 4, at times locally 4 to 5

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Remains of missing persons were found this week at three of the eight excavations currently being carried out by the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP), in the area of Agios Georgios Spathariko, Kalo Chorio Kythreas and Lapithos. The remains of one person were found at two sites, while the remains of two people were found at the third location.

Leonidas Pantelides, the Greek Cypriot member of the CMP, speaking on Saturday at a meeting of the 100-member Consultative Body of the Pancyprian Organisation of Relatives of Missing Persons, in Nicosia, said that, of the 2,002 people on the official list, 1,082 have so far been identified, of whom 765 are Greek Cypriots and 317 Turkish Cypriots. There remain, he continued, 745 Greek Cypriots and 175 Turkish Cypriots.

So far in 2026, 20 people have been identified, compared with 12 identifications in 2025. ‘There are still major cases involving mass graves that have not been located. We hope that we are getting close in every effort.’ Pantelides said that what they are seeking are the medical records of the Turkish army, which carried out the mass burials in 1974, not the army’s operational records.

In his address, Presidential Commissioner of the Republic, Marios Hartsiotis said that determining the fate of missing persons is, for the state, an overriding humanitarian and national obligation. The clear policy of the President of the Republic, he added, is to continue and intensify efforts, with initiatives at local, European and international level. ‘The President systematically raises the issue before the European Union, the United Nations and foreign leaders, seeking meaningful cooperation from Turkey, the removal of obstacles to investigations and exhumations, and access to information and archives of the Turkish army’ he went on.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees, Enclaved Persons, Missing Persons and Affected Persons, Nikos Kettiros, said that determining the fate of the last missing person is an obligation of the state and a responsibility shared by all, and that there can be no complacency as long as families are waiting for answers. As a Parliamentary Committee, he said, they have placed the issue of missing persons high on their priorities, closely monitoring the progress of investigations and identifications, and insisting on the need to make use of every scientific and technological capability that could lead to new results.

The President of the Pancyprian Organisation of Relatives of Missing Persons, Nikos Sergides, said that the findings of exhumations to date demonstrate in the clearest possible terms the practices and conduct of the Turkish side towards prisoners. ‘Yes, we failed to conduct a substantive and effective investigation, as required by international law, but as an Organisation we are entitled to be proud that through our stance we have managed, 52 years later, to keep the issue of Cyprus’ missing persons alive and on the international community’s agenda.’

Maria Kalbourtzi, President of the Panhellenic Committee of Parents and Relatives of Unregistered Prisoners and Missing Persons during the Cyprus tragedy, said that in recent years, joint efforts, meetings with the political leadership in Greece and Cyprus, as well as their interventions in international forums, demonstrate that coordination between Athens and Nicosia ‘is our strongest weapon.’

Neoklis Neokleous, President of the Organisation of Relatives of Cypriot Missing Persons in the United Kingdom, proposed ‘humanitarian cooperation that can change the existing situation.’ The proposal, he explained, involves a secure mechanism with a strict confidentiality protocol, under the supervision of the United Nations, which would allow Turkey to share with the CMP information concerning locations, such as points, maps and descriptions of the terrain.

Haris Symeonidis, President of the Committee of Relatives of Missing Persons from the 1963-1964 period, said: ‘I admire you for your strength and urge you never to tire, never to lose hope. We must not forget our side’s longstanding position that there will be no solution to the Cyprus problem unless the fate of the last missing person is determined. We hope that this position will never be abandoned.’

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory. Since then, the fate of hundreds of people remains unknown.

A Committee on Missing Persons has been established, upon agreement between the leaders of the two communities, with the scope of exhuming, identifying and returning to their relatives the remains of 492 Turkish Cypriots and 1,510 Greek Cypriots, who went missing during the inter-communal fighting of 1963-1964 and in 1974.

In New York, it was reaffirmed that the basis for a Cyprus settlement and the negotiating acquis remain unchanged, the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus says in a post on X. It is also noted that, on the Cyprus issue, the proposals put forward by President of Cyprus Nikos Christodoulides ‘were positively received by the UN Secretary-General.’

In a video accompanying the post, President Christodoulides’ presence in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly is assessed, noting that the President held meetings with the UN Secretary-General, his Personal Envoy, heads of state and government, heads of organisations and multinational companies, as well as with the Cypriot diaspora.

From the General Assembly podium, it adds, the Republic of Cyprus highlighted the importance of multilateralism, international law, the UN Charter, regional cooperation and the strengthening of its strategic relations. ‘On the Cyprus issue, the proposals submitted on substantive issues, methodology and confidence-building measures were positively received by the UN Secretary-General, and it was reaffirmed that the basis for a settlement and the negotiating acquis remain unchanged, with the reunification of Cyprus on the basis of the agreed framework remaining the key priority,’ the post continues.

It also says that the mission to New York highlighted the breadth of the Republic of Cyprus’ international presence, with the further deepening of relations with China, the United Kingdom, Jordan and the United States, the strengthening of regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, as well as the promotion of specific energy plans with Chevron and ExxonMobil for the development of fields in Cyprus’ EEZ.

The utilisation of natural gas, Europe’s energy security, connectivity, civil protection, investment, technology and economic cooperation, it adds, form part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s international standing and credibility, in which the Cypriot diaspora also plays an important role as a strong and credible voice for Cyprus in the United States.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

Although a trilateral meeting between the UN Secretary General and the Cyprus leaders was not initially planned in New York, ‘the Greek Cypriot leader proposed to have one this week, but, at this moment, the Turkish Cypriot leader did not consider it’ notes the Personal Envoy of the Secretary General for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín.

In a message, made public on Sunday morning, Holguín also notes that the UN has carried out the exercise of convergences, which will be available to the parties when they start negotiations. The Personal Envoy also notes that she will continue her efforts until the end of December and will be visiting Cyprus in October.

‘In New York, during the high-level segment of the General Assembly, I met the two leaders separately and accompanied the Secretary-General in his bilateral meetings with each leader. With Rosemary DiCarlo, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, we met the two negotiators with the intention to review the CBMs that the two sides agreed to develop. These measures should contribute to building trust and give way to new initiatives’ says Holguín.

She adds that during his visit to Cyprus, the Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to continue to support the parties in their search for a solution until the last day of his mandate, which ends in three months. ‘In New York, the Secretary-General met separately with each leader and exchanged visions to overcome the challenges and be able to move forward. Although a trilateral meeting was not initially planned, the Greek Cypriot leader proposed to have one this week, but, at this moment, the Turkish Cypriot leader did not consider it’ she says.

In this context, in relation to the confidence-building measures agreed upon by both sides, the Secretary-General reiterated the urgency for the leaders to proceed with their implementation as a reflection of their ability to cooperate, the Personal Envoy goes on. ‘Such cooperation, if achieved, would be a demonstration of their willingness to initiate a process towards a sustainable solution’ she underlines.

Holguín also notes that the UN has carried out the exercise of convergences ‘which will be available to the parties when they start negotiations.’ In addition, she says, the UN will invite both sides to present their proposals on methodology. ‘I will continue my facilitation efforts until the end of December and, in October, during my next visit to Cyprus, I will continue to encourage both parties to create the conducive environment required for the start of a new process’ she concludes in her message.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results due to Turkish intransigence. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

UN Secretary-General Antoni Guterres, whose term nears its end, announced he would convene another meeting in broader format, after adequate preparation, but gave no timeline. He secured to that end the consensus of both sides and of the guarantor powers. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties. Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto acts as the European Commission’s Special Representative for Cyprus, succeeding EU special envoy Johannes Hahn.

The 65th Limassol Wine Festival kicked-off on Saturday evening at the Limassol Public Garden, and its doors will remain open to visitors until October 4.

The festival was launched by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Evie Tsolaki, in the presence of the House President, ambassadors, MPs, local authorities, and a large crowd of guests.

In her address, Minister Tsolaki noted that the festival continues 65 years after the late Cleanthis Christoforou proposed the wine celebration to take place in Limassol and added that wineries ETKO, LOEL, KEO, and SODAP embraced this celebration ever since. “Today we are here with over 100 smaller wineries, thanks to the support we received as an EU member state,” she said.

The goal, she emphasized, is to support producers, strengthen the primary sector, communities, and the countryside, adding that the government is contributing in this direction. She mentioned that a scheme for vineyard replanting has been announced, following last year’s devastating fires, with the prospect of having vineyards act as a fire protection zone.

On his part, the Mayor of Limassol, Giannis Armeftis, stated that the Wine Festival is one of the most historic and popular institutions in Cyprus, which “remains alive and full of positive energy, serving for decades as a reference point for authentic Cypriot hospitality” and the city’s vibrancy.

He also mentioned that the festival’s program includes 14 major concerts, theatrical performances, folklore group performances, and activities for children, among other activities. Armeftis said that the Wine Festival is a celebration for both residents and visitors, “a celebration that for decades has brought together people of all ages and keeps an important tradition of Limassol and all Cyprus alive.”