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The national goal is the reunification of the island and the complete withdrawal of Turkish occupation troops from Cyprus, said Nikitas Kaklamanis, President of the Hellenic Parliament, on Tuesday, noting that parliamentary cooperation between Greece and Cyprus will be strengthened and that parliamentary diplomacy can be an aid to governments.

On his first visit abroad and to Cyprus, after assuming his duties as President of the Hellenic Parliament, Kaklamanis met in the morning with the President of the House of Representatives, Annita Demetriou, in Nicosia, who said in statements after the meeting that they discussed many issues, particularly complex ones, concerning relations between the two countries.

They emphasized, she continued, the need for Greece and Cyprus to remain islands of security and stability in the wider region. “At the same time, we reaffirmed our demand for the immediate release of the five Greek Cypriots who are being held illegally, under conditions of hostage-taking, by the occupying regime,” she added.

House President also said they exchanged views on developments last week in New York at the UN General Assembly, as well as on the next steps in the Cyprus issue. “I reiterated our deep gratitude for Greece’s support in the efforts to restart negotiations with the aim of resolving the Cyprus issue,” she said.

Demetriou also provided information on the preparations of the Parliament ahead of the EU Council Presidency, while they also analyzed issues of broader geopolitical developments and challenges, current affairs, and agreed that “under no circumstances and for no reason can relations between the two countries be disrupted.”

She pointed out that the President of the Hellenic Parliament will be attending tomorrow’s parade for the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, which “is highly symbolic and sends a strong message.”

For his part, the President of the Hellenic Parliament thanked his counterpart for the warm welcome and the flattering words, stressing that at a time of political tension in Greece, “the Cyprus issue is one on which there is unanimous and unequivocal support from all political parties in the Hellenic Parliament. And it is precisely this unanimous and unequivocal support for common national goals that I want to convey to you.”

‘This support existed in the times of our predecessors, it exists in our times’, he continued, “and as you rightly hinted, the ties and cooperation between the two parliaments will become even closer on many levels. Not only in parliamentary diplomacy, as my friend the President said, but also in culture and education. In problems that concern both you and us and are well known’, he added.

Kaklamanis stated that sometimes parliamentary diplomacy comes to the rescue and solves problems “that governments may not be able to solve.”

The President of the Hellenic Parliament said he was “very moved and happy” to be present at the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, which “symbolises the struggles of Cypriot Hellenism for its freedom. But for this freedom to have meaning and for the souls of the heroes who fell then, and later during the Attila invasion, to find justice, the national goal must be achieved, and the national goal is none other than the reunification of the island for all its inhabitants.”

For this to happen and be sustainable, he added, not a single Turkish soldier from the occupying forces can remain, and all hopes for the missing persons must be exhausted, Greeks and Greek Cypriots. He also said that he will raise in Greece the issue of the five Greek Cypriots who are being held captive in the occupied territories on “ridiculous charges.”

The statements were preceded by a meeting between Annita Demetriou and Nikitas Kaklamanis in the office of the House President, where she said that the fraternal relationship, understanding, and solidarity with Greece is Cyprus’s greatest diplomatic and political advantage.

Kaklamanis pointed out that the first trip of each newly elected President of the Hellenic Parliament is to Cyprus, not for formal reasons, but for very substantial ones. He noted that the national goal is the reunification of the island and the complete withdrawal of the occupying forces in accordance with the decisions of the UN Security Council.

Demetriou and Kaklamanis exchanged gifts as Presidents of the two parliaments, with Kaklamanis offering his ” friend Annita” a personal gift, a silk scarf from Soufli.

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. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Cyprus’ Foreign Minister. Constantinos Kombos, is travelling to Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, to participate in the “Munich Leaders Meeting”, which is co-organized with the Munich Security Conference from September 30 to October 2, in the city of AlUla.

A press release issued by the Foreign Ministry said that Kombos’ participation in the Conference is taking place at the invitation of Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Conference takes place at a critical time with growing challenges for the international community, as well as the escalation of tensions, which undermine stability and threaten international peace and security, the MFA noted.

During the conference, the participants are expected to exchange views on the most important issues and threats to regional and international security and stability. Special emphasis will also be placed on highlighting prospects for joint cooperation in key areas, such as energy security and the stability of the global economy, the press release added.

On the sidelines of the conference, Cyprus Minister will have contacts with his counterparts, as well as with other officials, it concluded.

Cyprus President, Nikos Christodoulides, is to participate in the informal European Council which will be held on October 1 and 2 in Copenhagen, where he is to hold a series of meetings, among others, with Switzerland’s President, the NATO Secretary-General and Denmark’s Prime Minister.

In a written statement, the Director of the resident’s Press Office, Viktoras Papadopoulos, notes that, early in the afternoon of October 1, President Christodoulides will participate in the Council meeting, about EU Security and Defence, while later he will take part in the discussion on the situation in Ukraine.

In the evening, President Christodoulides is to attend the dinner hosted by the Danish royal couple in honour of the leaders of the states participating in the European Political Community.

On October 2, the President of the Republic will participate in the Plenary of the European Political Community, and in the debate on economic security.

Later on, President Christodoulides is to hold separate bilateral meetings with the President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, the President of Moldova, Maia Sandu, as well as with Albert II, Prince of Monaco.

He will then attend the closing proceedings of the Plenary.

On Friday, October 3, in the morning, President Christodoulides will have a meeting with Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, followed by expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries.

The President will be accompanied in Copenhagen by the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, the Director of the Presidential Press Office and other officials.

The ninth Ocean State Report, published today by the Copernicus Marine Environment Monitoring Service of the EU’s Earth Observation System, was presented by the European Commission, with Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, underlining that “the data is the basis for action” and that “now we have the tools to transform observation into solutions”.

The report reveals the critical state of oceans, as every corner is now threatened by climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The findings are alarming, confirming that ocean health is deteriorating at an unprecedented rate. Key observations include global sea temperatures reached a record high of 21°C, with devastating impacts on marine ecosystems.

Marine heatwaves in 2023 and 2024 saw ocean temperatures exceed previous records by over 0.25°C, threatening fisheries and coastal economies. Meanwhile, sea levels have risen by 228 millimeters since 1901, putting 200 million Europeans in coastal areas at risk, along with UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

During the 2023 Mediterranean heatwave, rising temperatures facilitated the spread of invasive species such as the Atlantic Blue Crab and Bearded Fireworm, pushing local fisheries to the brink of collapse. Additionally, Arctic sea ice recorded four consecutive all-time lows between December 2024 and March 2025, losing an area nearly twice the size of Portugal.

Commissioner Kadis, commenting on the report’s findings, stated: “The conclusions of the Ocean State Report reveal a difficult but essential diagnosis. The triple planetary crisis-climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution-is no longer a future threat but a present reality in our ocean basins.”

“This means we have taken the first necessary steps, as data is the foundation of effective action. In line with the Ocean Pact’s Ocean Observation Initiative, we are leveraging the power of the European Digital Twin of the Ocean-a cutting-edge tool built on marine data from Copernicus Marine and EMODnet-to transform data into predictability, allowing us to move from observation to solution,” Kadis added.

The Commissioner highlighted that “now we can simulate the spread of invasive species, forecast the impact of heatwaves on fish stocks, and test the effectiveness of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) before implementing them. These tools are crucial for a resilient and sustainable blue economy,” he added. “The ocean is sending us a clear signal; we are now better equipped to answer it,” Commissioner Kadis concluded.

On his behalf, Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius emphasized the importance of the Copernicus system as the world’s leading Earth observation tool, stating: “As an owner of Copernicus, the most unique Earth observation system, the Union is able to monitor the state of the Earth’s environment and its subsystems. The Copernicus infrastructure and services constitute a world-class capacity allowing the Union to have a leading role in observing and forecasting different ocean state parameters.”

Mr. Kubilius also highlighted that “the Commission is committed to the continuity and evolution of Copernicus, ensuring that Europe’s Earth observing capacity is all-encompassing, bringing together public and private actors and capacities alike. The space economy is all about unleashing the power of space systems and services to offer solutions in different policies and market sectors.”

Cyprus will be at the heart of the global shipping industry from 6-8 October, as it hosts the Maritime Cyprus 2025 International Conference in Limassol under the theme ‘Unlocking the Future.of Shipping.’

Presenting the conference at a press briefing, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis said the event comes at a crucial moment for the maritime sector, facing both challenges and opportunities. She stressed that the government is proud of a 36-year-old institution that has grown into one of the world’s leading shipping conferences.

‘This year, our aim was to enrich the conference further, both in terms of distinguished speakers and in the scope of topics, so that it fully reflects the modern challenges and opportunities of the industry,’ she said.

Hadjimanolis pointed out that shipping is a vital pillar of the Cypriot economy, requiring flexibility and innovation to remain competitive. She noted that government priorities include strengthening the Cyprus registry, attracting new ships and companies, simplifying procedures, enhancing safety and service quality, and embracing digital transformation. Investment in human capital, she added, is also key, through education and training of new seafarers and maritime professionals.

President of the Cyprus Union of Shipowners Polys Hajioannou, said the conference is expected to attract a strong presence of foreign shipowners, particularly from Greece. He noted that this year’s discussions coincide with the upcoming Marine Environment Protection Committee meeting at the IMO, with shipowners seeking clarity on future fuel rules that have created uncertainty across the industry.

Meanwhile, Cyprus Shipping Chamber President Andreas Neophytou welcomed the conference as one of the sector’s leading global gatherings. Since 1989, he said, Maritime Cyprus has become a world-renowned institution thanks to close cooperation between government, the shipping administration, and industry stakeholders. He highlighted that the event takes place as shipping grapples with major challenges, especially decarbonisation, which will reshape shipbuilding technologies, fuels, and operational practices.

According to Christiana Patsiou, Acting Director of the Shipping Cluster Development and Competitiveness Directorate, more than 900 delegates from 35 countries and over 40 speakers will take part. A Shipping Services Exhibition with more than 40 exhibitors from Cyprus and abroad will also run alongside the event.

In the opening ceremony on Monday, 6 October, President Nikos Christodoulides, will present the Cyprus Shipping Award. Attendees will include the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, EU Commissioners, and leaders of major shipping associations such as ECSA and BIMCO, as well as foreign ministers.

Cyprus and Ireland share long-standing, excellent relations that are anchored on common values and respect for rules-based international order and multilateralism, said Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, before her meeting with Thomas Byrne, Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, on Tuesday in Nicosia.

She added that they would discuss shared priorities and important files, as well as ensuring that there is coherence and coordination in view of the two countries’ consecutive Presidencies of the Council of the European Union.

On his part, Byrne said that ‘it is a great time for a small country to take on that leadership role in the European Union. We are here to get results.”

In her statements, Raouna said that the visit takes place almost two months before the inauguration of the Cyprus EU Presidency and is particularly important because Ireland is the next Presidency of the Council of the EU.

She added that the visit provides the opportunity for both countries to coordinate on the important dossiers they will jointly manage, such as the Multiannual Financial Framework.

‘Cyprus and Ireland share long-standing, excellent relations that are anchored on common values, on respect for rules-based international order and multilateralism, as well as shared historical experiences’, stressed the Deputy Minister.

‘Your visit is important, given its timing as well. We are gearing ahead for our Presidency of the Council, and the Presidency that starts immediately after with the next Trio. I very much look forward to discussing together our shared priorities and important files, and ensuring that there is coherence and coordination,’ she concluded.

On his part, Thomas Byrne said that two small countries, Cyprus and Ireland, are following each other in the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

‘It is a great time for a small country to take on that leadership role in the European Union. We are here to get results. We are here to see what Marilena has in mind and I will be setting out what Ireland has in mind for the second half of next year,’ he continued.

‘There will undoubtedly be a lot going on. The Multiannual Financial Framework, security and defence, competitiveness in the world, to make sure the EU can continue to provide jobs and economic opportunities to people,’ he further noted.

‘Also to make sure as well that our values are respected, our human rights, our rule of law. That is something that we can preserve and maintain within the European Union, but also make sure that we use those values and found all our doings as a European Union on those values. We are looking forward to the discussions here in Nicosia and looking forward in particular to the Cyprus Presidency next year’, the Irish Minister concluded

The Index of Industrial Output Prices for August 2025 reached 122.8 units (base 2021=100), recording a 0.9% decrease, compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, according to the Statistic Service.

Compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, an increase was recorded in mining and quarrying (8.6%) and manufacturing (1.1%), while a decrease was shown in the sectors of electricity supply (-8.2%) and water supply and materials recovery (-5.2%).

By division of economic activity in manufacturing, in August 2025 compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, increases were recorded in the manufacture of paper and paper products and printing (4.4%), the manufacture of furniture, other manufacturing and repair and installation of machinery and equipment (4.3%), the manufacture of textiles, wearing apparel and leather products (2.9%), the manufacture of electronic and optical products and electrical equipment (2.6%), the manufacture of refined petroleum products, chemicals and chemical products and pharmaceutical products and preparations (2.5%) and the manufacture of machinery and equipment, motor vehicles and other transport equipment (2%), while a decrease was recorded in the manufacture of food products, beverages and tobacco products (-0.2%).

Compared to July 2025, the index remained stable. The index remained stable in the manufacturing sector, while it showed an increase in mining and quarrying by 0.8% and electricity supply by 0.1%. A decrease was recorded in the sector of water supply and materials recovery (-0.2%).

For the period January-August 2025, the index showed a decrease of 0.4% compared to the corresponding period of 2024.

The Republic of Cyprus is committed to the implementation of the Great Sea Interconnector project, President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, said on Tuesday, adding that there is a provision of 25 million euros in the budgets of both 2025 and 2026.

Furthermore, he noted that the longer the implementation of the project is delayed, it touches on other aspects, including financial ones.

In statements to the media before attending the meeting of the European Investment Bank in Limassol, President Christodoulides referring to the GSI recalled that he had met with the Greek Prime Minister earlier this month in New York and that “we have issued a joint press release. The longer the implementation is delayed, this is not positive. It is something that burdens and touches on other aspects, including financial ones”.

“The Republic of Cyprus is committed to the implementation of this specific project and for this reason, in the state budget of 2025 and 2026 there is a provision of 25 million” euros, he stressed.

Replying to another question, the President said that “it is important that certain things are implemented, when they are delayed this affects the viability of the project, they also affect other issues”.

Replying to a journalist’s remark that the Minister of Finance has stated that if Cyprus returns the 67 million euro EU funding for the natural gas terminal in Vasilikos then the Cypriot economy will be at risk, President Christodoulides referred to the state of the Cypriot economy, expressing satisfaction with the fact that next year’s state budget has a surplus and is a development budget once again with increased spending on development projects, but also on social benefits, more than in 2025.

He continued by saying that public debt has decreased, unemployment is at 2008 levels, and the Cypriot economy is being upgraded, something that had not been achieved since 2011.

Concluding, he said that he will refer to all the above economic figures during the meeting he will have with the executives of the European Investment Bank.

Attorney General George Savvides and Deputy Attorney General Savvas Angelides are traveling to The Hague on Wednesday to attend the work of the 19th Meeting of the Consultative Forum of the Prosecutors General and the Heads of Criminal Prosecutions of the EU member states (Eurojust Consultative Forum), scheduled for 2 and 3 October.

A Law Office press release says that the participants are expected to debate on issues related to violating and circumventing EU sanctions, the fight against criminal organizations and the fight against online investment fraud.

On the sidelines of the Forum, Savvides and Angelides will participate in a preparatory meeting with the Attorneys General from the outgoing and incoming countries holding the EU rotating Presidency, namely Denmark, Poland and Ireland.

They will coordinate the work of the 20th Forum, which Cyprus will co-chair with Ireland, on the occasion of the two countries assuming the Presidency, in 2026.

During their visit to The Hague, the heads of the Law Office will attend the celebrations organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Cyprus, on the occasion of the anniversary of Cyprus Independence on October 1.

‘Cataract: Modern Diagnosis and Treatment’ – Public Information Day at European University Cyprus

European University Cyprus (EUC), in collaboration with the Holy Archdiocese of Kykkos, the Cyprus Medical Association, and the ‘Apostolos Loukas’ Medical Center, is organizing a special event dedicated to cataract awareness and treatment:

‘Cataract: Modern Diagnosis and Treatment’, as part of World Sight Day.

The event will take place on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Cultural Center of European University Cyprus.

Aim and Key Themes

The information day aims to raise awareness among the public and healthcare professionals about the latest methods in cataract diagnosis and treatment, highlighting technological advances and challenges faced in Cyprus and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.

Distinguished keynote speakers include:

Dr. Ioannis Aslanides – President of the Hellenic College of Ophthalmology, Founder and Medical Director of Emmetropia S.A., Professor of Ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York, Visiting Professor at Wenzhou Medical University in China, and Member of the Scientific Committee of the Hellenic Olympic Committee

Dr. Anastasios Kanellopoulos – Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, Founder and Scientific Director of LaserVision, and Professor of Ophthalmology at the New York University School of Medicine

Dr. Paraskevi Choleva – Paediatric Ophthalmologist at Archbishop Makarios III Hospital in Nicosia, Scientific Collaborator of the Medical School, University of Cyprus

Dr. Serafeim Antonakis – Ophthalmologist and Vitreoretinal Surgeon, Consultant at Southampton University Hospital, Clinical Lecturer and Research Project Supervisor at the University of Southampton

Dr. Avraam Renos, General Practitioner, Clinical Assistant Professor, Medical School, University of Nicosia

Topics to be addressed:

Modern diagnostic techniques

New interventional treatments

Advances in cataract surgery with combined procedures

This event underlines European University Cyprus’s strong commitment to advancing public health in Cyprus and positioning the country as a hub for medical knowledge and innovation in the Eastern Mediterranean. By fostering collaboration between medical experts, institutions, and the community, EUC continues to enhance awareness, prevention, and treatment in ophthalmology.

Event Details

Venue: Cultural Center, European University Cyprus

Date and Time: Saturday, 4 October 2025 | Doors open 09:30 | Event starts 10:00

Admission: ?pen to the public

Language of the event: Greek