Category: Cyprus News Agency

President Nikos Christodoulides on Thursday called on Cyprus’ diplomatic missions to help make use of the results achieved during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, through continued coordination with the Government and the Foreign Ministry.

Speaking at the Presidential Palace during a meeting with the heads of the Republic’s diplomatic missions, he said the main objective was to produce results based on coordination and on the priorities set by the Government and the Foreign Ministry.

Christodoulides thanked the diplomats for their work during the Presidency, particularly in Brussels, saying it was widely acknowledged as highly successful.

He noted that Cyprus must now examine how to build on what was achieved, including in relation to the Cyprus problem, which he described as very important. He further said that earlier on Thursday the President of the European Commission and the President of the European Council had called him, on their own initiative, to brief him on their dinner with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

‘These are small things that we must make use of,’ he said.

The President also said the Government would maintain the Deputy Ministry for European Affairs, as well as European affairs units in the Ministries, noting that this coordination should continue.

President, Nikos Christodoulides, and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants of Lebanon, Youssef Raggi discussed the close ties between Cyprus and Lebanon during a meeting at the Presidential Palace on Thursday, with Raggi expressing his heartfelt gratitude for the assistance provided by Cyprus to his country, as well as to President Christodoulides personally, noting in particular, ‘We thank you personally and the Republic of Cyprus for everything you are doing for us. We know what you are doing for us.’

President Christodoulides said that Raggi’s acceptance of the invitation to address the heads of the Republic’s diplomatic missions at their conference ‘is a clear indication of the importance we attach to Lebanon.’

He added that Lebanon’s territorial integrity and sovereignty are a priority for Cyprus, just as they are for Lebanon.

He also referred to the close, friendly relations he maintains with Lebanon’s President, noting their frequent telephone conversations to coordinate actions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations, which, as he said, there is the political will to strengthen even further.

He added that ‘within the framework of our membership in the EU, we are committed to and will succeed, in initiating negotiations for a comprehensive strategic agreement between the EU and Lebanon, just as we did with our initiative regarding Jordan and Egypt.”

President Christodoulides noted that he has spoken with the President of the Commission several times, adding that “I have sent her a letter regarding the need to move forward as soon as possible, and in fact, when I visited Lebanon with the President of the Commission in 2024-it was the first time she had visited Lebanon as President of the European Commission.’

He noted that ‘Cyprus, within the EU, will do everything in its power to strengthen relations between the EU and Lebanon.’

For his part, the Lebanese Foreign Minister said that he was conveying the warm greetings of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who considers President Christodoulides ‘a very good, close friend.’ He added, ‘we thank you personally and the Republic of Cyprus for everything you are doing for us. We know what you are doing for us.’

Referring to Cyprus EU Council Presidency at the first half of this year, Raggi congratulated the President, noting that ‘you have left your personal mark and exerted your considerable influence, and this has been to the benefit of Europe and the Mediterranean.”

“We thank you very much for what you are doing for us as Cyprus and, through you, as the EU,’ he added.

In statements about the meeting afterwards, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that relations between the Republic of Cyprus and Lebanon, particularly in recent years, ‘are closer than ever before, especially since President Aoun took office.’

Letymbiotis stressed that Cyprus has consistently stood by Lebanon, particularly during this period, in all the fora in which it participates, within the European Union or at the United Nations level, ‘we have taken the lead in ensuring security and stability in Lebanon,’ he said.

He also pointed out that, beyond mere assistance and financial support the Republic of Cyprus has demonstrated in practice its support for the neighbouring country, ‘for a very close partner, which is Lebanon.’

He also said that ‘we have conveyed the message that, wherever and to the extent that our own capabilities allow, our priority is regional security, a crucial aspect of which is, of course, the security and stability of Lebanon.’

A meeting took place Thursday in Nicosia between Cypriot and Swiss officials who examined the progress achieved so far as regards the projects implemented within the framework of the Cyprus-Switzerland Agreements in the fields of Cohesion and Immigration.

A press release by the Directorate General Growth of the Ministry of Finance says that the 4th Annual Meeting in the context of the 2nd Swiss Contribution 2019-2029, took place today at the offices of the DG Growth, in Nicosia, chaired by Permanent Secretary Penelope Papavassiliou. The meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Swiss Confederation and the Republic of Cyprus, examined the progress of the projects implemented within the framework of the Agreements signed between the two countries, under the areas of Cohesion and Immigration.

It is noted that the Swiss Confederation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European Union for the 2nd Swiss Contribution, on 30 June 2022, based on which it will contribute a total amount of approximately CHF 1.3 billion to reduce economic and social inequalities in the EU and to support measures in the field of immigration.

The amount allocated to Cyprus amounts to CHF 5.2 million (pound 5.4 million) to reduce economic and social inequalities (with an implementation period of 2019-2029) and CHF 20.0 million (pound 20.8 million) to support measures in the field of migration (with an implementation period of 2019-2026 for Phase I and 2025 – 2029 for Phase II).

Projects that are being financed under the 2nd Swiss Contribution include the sectors of cohesion and immigration.

Regarding the cohesion sector, projects include ‘Preventing Domestic Violence and Protecting Victims’, with approximately pound 2 million, ‘Rare Care’, with approximately pound 2.1 million and ‘Contribution to the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus’, with approximately pound 1 million.

Regarding immigration, the projects are ‘Implementing efficient and high quality asylum procedure in accordance with the relevant EU Law, by the Asylum Service’, with approximately pound 8.8 million, the project ‘Supporting Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration’, with approximately pound 1.5 million, ‘Home for Hope – Shelter for Unaccompanied Children’, with approximately pound 2.4 million, ‘Assisted Voluntary Return Hub (AVR Hub)’,with approximately pound 1.6 million and ‘Implementation of the Integration Strategy’, with approximately pound 6.4 million.

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 09/07/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE 134.017,61

INDEX

VALUE

%DIFF.

VALUE

FTSE/CySE 20

182,400

1,360

129.394,510

MAIN MARKET INDEX

247,160

1,670

107.969,420

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

3.060,950

0,950

1.893,750

CSE GENERAL INDEX

310,080

1,340

129.432,410

HOTELS INDEX

1.975,180

0,000

0,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

2.055,820

0,230

21.546,190

* The second column presents the percentage variation of the indices as compared to the last meeting.

Cyprus showcased its food and beverage products at the Summer Fancy Food Show 2026 in New York, aiming to strengthen the international presence of Cypriot exports and promote the country’s gastronomic heritage in one of the world’s most competitive food markets.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry, the Ministry, in cooperation with the Cyprus Trade Centre in New York, participated in the exhibition, held from 28 to 30 June at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. The Summer Fancy Food Show is organised annually by the Specialty Food Association and is regarded as the largest international food and beverage exhibition in North America.

The Ministry said its participation formed part of the Republic of Cyprus’ strategy to enhance the international profile of Cypriot products through an information booth showcasing the quality, authenticity and uniqueness of Cyprus’ food and beverage sector.

The exhibition attracts more than 10,000 industry professionals each year and hosts over 2,400 exhibitors from numerous countries, featuring innovative products and emerging market trends.

Visitors to the Cyprus pavilion sampled a range of traditional products, including Halloumi PDO, Commandaria and other distinctive Cypriot specialties. The stand was also visited by the Consul General of the Republic of Cyprus in New York, Kyriakos Poyiatzis.

The Ministry said its participation is part of ongoing efforts to support Cypriot businesses in expanding their export activities and increasing the presence of Cypriot products in international markets.

Trade Counsellor at the Cyprus Trade Centre in New York Aristos Constantinou said participation in the exhibition offered an excellent opportunity to promote Cypriot products in the United States, while fostering business partnerships that could contribute to the growth of exports and the expansion of Cyprus’ agri-food sector in the US market.

In the last three years, illegal arrivals to the Republic of Cyprus have decreased by 86%, Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection, Dr. Nicholas Ioannides, said on Thursday. He added that legal residence permits for immigrants amount to 200,000 and asylum holders reach 30,000.

Speaking before the House Committee on Internal Affairs, Ioannides said that when the Deputy Ministry was established, two years ago, the number of pending asylum applications was 24,000, while today they dropped to 13,500.

In 2025, 12,029 departures were recorded, with a ratio of arrivals to departures of 1 to 5, he pointed out, adding that in the first half of 2026, illegal arrivals fell by 92% compared to 2022, and since the beginning of this administration, approximately 35,000 third-country nationals have departed from Cyprus.

Speaking during the Committee meeting, Ioannides said that the objective is to “transform migration that was a problem with uncontrolled flows, into a solution, meaning to reduce illegal flows, to increase returns, but at the same time to emphasise the growth role of migration’.

Ioannides stressed that at the core is the protection of human rights.

‘Of course, at the core of our migration staff is always the protection of human rights and this is a red line’, he underlined.

The Deputy Minister of Immigration stressed that in the last three years, illegal arrivals have decreased by 86%, adding that when the Deputy Ministry was established, two years ago, the number of pending asylum applications was 24,000, while today their number is less than 13,500.

He also noted that in 2025, 12,029 departures were recorded, with a ratio of arrivals to departures of 1 to 5.

In the first half of 2026, he said, illegal arrivals decreased by 92% compared to 2022, while since the beginning of this government, approximately 35,000 third-country nationals have departed.

Regarding Syrian nationals, Ioannides noted that over 5,200 Syrians have withdrawn their asylum application or have renounced the subsidiary protection status, adding that most of them have voluntarily returned to Syria. Almost 2,000 asylum applications from Syrian nationals have been rejected, he said, adding that the rejections continue.

The Deputy Minister pointed out that, in cooperation with the House of Representatives, the Refugee Law was amended so that the subsidiary protection status is revoked in the event of delinquent behaviour on the part of foreigners, in accordance with the criteria set by international and European law.

Regarding the infrastructure, the Deputy Minister referred to the upgrade of the Pournara Reception Center with 100% funding from the European Union. Moreover, he said that with the Reception/Pre-removal Centre at Limnes the capacity of the Republic of Cyprus for returns has increased by sixfold.

Referring to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, that took place in the first half of the year, he stressed “two major milestones” mainly, the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new regulation on returns.

He also noted that the new Pact on Migration and Asylum of the European Union reflects to a large extent the government’s policies, that is to provide protection to those who are entitled to it, but at the same time to safeguard the vital interests of frontline states such as the Republic of Cyprus.

Concluding, he said that last Monday a new service came into force that allows the electronic renewal of certain immigration permits, adding that there is a plan to further expand this service.

The Cyprus issue featured prominently in a joint social media post by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, following their dinner with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, on Wednesday evening in Ankara, on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. The two EU leaders stressed that the “renewed momentum” should be seized to advance a settlement of the Cyprus issue through the UN-led process.

In their post, Costa and von der Leyen thanked President Erdogan for the warm welcome in Ankara, emphasizing that “the EU and Turkey are strategic partners, and we are committed to strengthening our relationship.” They added that “in a more challenging world, our partnership matters more than ever.”

“Turkey has been an important partner in addressing the crises in the Middle East and supporting efforts for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine,” they said, concluding their message with a reference to Cyprus: “We must also seize the renewed momentum to advance a settlement of the Cyprus issue through the UN-led process.”

Also attending the meeting between the three leaders were Costa’s Chief Foreign Policy Adviser, Anna-Maria Boura, European Commission President von der Leyen’s Head of Cabinet, Björn Seibert, as well as Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat.

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.

After informal meetings in 2025, followed by a hiatus of several months, deliberations are underway for a new meeting in broader format to be held, as the term of the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres nears its end. María Angela Holguín, Guterres’ Personal Envoy on Cyprus, is tasked to engage with the parties.

Cyprus’ Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) on Thursday said it has ‘successfully’ completed its active participation in discussions and negotiations under the Cyprus EU Presidency on major legislative and regulatory initiatives shaping the future of the European financial sector.

In a press release, CySEC said it engaged in work related to the integration of capital markets, sustainable finance, and the European digital finance framework.

‘Throughout the Presidency period, officers from CySEC’s Policy, Ongoing and Thematic Supervision Departments and Authorisations Departments, as well as the Legal Department actively participated in Council Working Party meetings, providing technical expertise and supporting the advancement of key EU legislative files’, it said.

Its contribution, CySEC said, focused on policy initiatives that will shape the future of European capital markets and financial supervision. ‘Particular emphasis was placed on the Market Integration and Supervision Package (MISP), aimed at further integrating EU capital markets and enhancing supervisory convergence, as well as the revision of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), with the objective of strengthening transparency and reliability in ESG-related disclosures’, it adds.

In addition, it participated in negotiations on the Financial Data Access (FIDA) Regulation, a key pillar of the EU’s Open Finance framework, as well as discussions on the Pan-European Personal Pension Product (PEPP), aimed at developing a harmonised European market for personal pension products.

‘Through its continuous engagement in the technical work of the Council, CySEC contributed to policy developments that promote financial stability, investor protection, innovation, and the competitiveness of European capital markets’, the press release said.

‘The active participation of CySEC officers in Council negotiations and technical working groups demonstrated the Commission’s expertise, responsibility, and meaningful contribution to the development of the European financial regulatory framework’, CySEC Chair, Dr George Theocharides, said, according to the press release.

CySEC, he said, ‘will continue to actively engage in European developments, promoting a modern, efficient, and credible supervisory framework that strengthens investor confidence and the international competitiveness of the Cypriot capital market’.

The National Observatory of Athens (NOA) and the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence (Eratosthenes CoE), based in Limassol, Cyprus, signed on Wednesday in Athens a Memorandum of Understanding.

A press release by Eratosthenes CoE says that this agreement serves as the natural culmination of a long-standing and successful collaboration within the framework of the European EXCELSIOR H2020 Teaming Project, in which NOA has actively participated as a strategic partner from Greece through the BEYOND Operational Unit of the Institute for Astronomy, Astrophysics, Space Applications and Remote Sensing (IAASARS).

The objective of this new phase is to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project’s outcomes and to transition from capacity building towards the co-design, co-development, and co-exploitation of advanced scientific and applied solutions, it adds.

The main pillars of the cooperation include Scientific and Technical Cooperation, Co-design and Co-development, Infrastructure and Data Synergies, Capacity Building and Mobility and Joint Participation in Funded Activities.

The MoU was co-signed by the Director and President of the Board of Directors of NOA, Dr. Spyridon Vasilakos, and the Managing Director of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, Prof. Diofantos Hadjimitsis.

Following the signing ceremony, the President of NOA, Dr. Spyridon Vasilakos, stated that ‘today’s agreement solidifies a strategic bridge of scientific excellence between Greece and Cyprus. By joining forces with the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence, we strengthen the Eastern Mediterranean’s resilience against the climate crisis and lead the way in developing cutting-edge space applications.’

Prof. Diofantos Hadjimitsis said on his part that ‘this MoU provides the launchpad for our multi-year collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens and the BEYOND Unit to evolve into a long-term, autonomous alliance generating applied knowledge with a global impact.’

Professor of European Law and Reform and Dean of the School of Law at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) Cyprus, Stéphanie Laulhé Shaelou, is expected to be appointed by the EU member states to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) on Friday as an Advocate General, according to a report by MLex.

Laulhé Shaelou is expected to replace Nicholas Emiliou, who now serves as a judge at the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), for the remainder of his mandate as Advocate General at the CJEU, which was due to expire on 6 October 2027.

According to the same document seen by MLex, the mandate of Koen Lenaerts, President of the Court of Justice, is also expected to be renewed on Friday for a new six-year term, running from 7 October 2027 to 6 October 2033.

CNA contacted Laulhé Shaelou, who declined to confirm her appointment to the CJEU before the member states formally approve it.