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The Competitive Electricity Market was launched on Wednesday in Cyprus, with the Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou, stating that competition should reduce the cost of electricity for the consumers.

‘Today we first celebrate the 65th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus, and at the same time we celebrate the launch of the Competitive Electricity Market,’ said George Papanastasiou, on the sidelines of the military parade for the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus.

As he said, the decision for the Competitive Electricity Market was taken in 2019. ‘The market should have opened at least two years later. Instead, today, 2025, we are opening the market, which provides that, once it operates with all the elements of a competitive market, consumers will have (the option for) different suppliers,’ he added.

The Minister stated that through the Competitive Market ‘we want to see a cost-reflective production from Renewable Energy Sources, to see in the electricity mix a stronger and greater share of RES”. That is, to push electricity costs in Cyprus downwards, through increased use of RES-based production, he added.

Asked to comment the fact that for the time being there seems to be no interest in supplying household consumers, the Minister said that a free electricity market presupposes that any consumers must be a target for suppliers. ‘If suppliers choose that their priority is only businesses, no intervention can be made. We would like to see suppliers give incentives to household consumers, so that their customer mix does not consist only of targeted large businesses, but also of many households, because only then will we see a truly free and competitive market,’ he stressed.

George Papanastasiou emphasized the importance of competition. ‘There must be competition. At the moment there are 8-9 suppliers. All of them must compete with each other, they will buy electricity from various sources every half hour, like a stock exchange. They must buy smart, to sell smart, so that the cost of electricity for the final consumer receiving the product is reduced,’ he underlined.

The Republic of Cyprus is a valued partner of the United States, said State Secretary Marco Rubio in a written statement by which he congratulates the people of Cyprus for the 65th anniversary of the Republic’s independence.

The State Secretary also underlined that his country is committed to a Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated comprehensive settlement “to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality for all Cypriots.”

He noted that the bilateral collaboration “increases commercial trade, combats illicit financial flows, and strengthens regional security allowing citizens of both our nations to prosper.”

“We are especially grateful for the Republic of Cyprus’s assistance in securing the safety of U.S. citizens in crisis zones, one of our highest priorities,” Rubio said.

“We are also committed to a Cypriot-led, UN-facilitated comprehensive settlement to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality for all Cypriots,” he concluded.

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.

UNSG met with the two leaders President Christodoulides and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, last week in New York city. A fresh informal meeting in an extended format on Cyprus will probably take place in November, following two such meetings that took place earlier this year in Geneva and New York. In the meantime his personal envoy Maria Angela Holguin is expected in Cyprus the next weeks to prepare the new meeting.

Ministry of Defence will continue to make every effort to strengthen Cyprus’ defence and to upgrade its operational capabilities said Minister Vasilis Palmas, in press statements following the military parade for Cyprus’ Independence Day, in Nicosia on Wednesday.

He stressed that the government remains firmly committed to the modernization of the armed forces in order to be able to respond adequately and effectively to modern multi-level challenges and to continue being a pillar of cooperation and stability, as well as a reliable regional partner.

Palmas said that October 1st is a milestone in the modern history of our homeland and a reminder of the struggles, sacrifices and vision of our people for freedom and independence.

He went on to say that today is a day of remembrance and reflection that calls us to honor the national struggles of the past and draw strength for the future. The Minister said that today we honor all those who sacrificed their lives for freedom and all those who continue to work with dedication for our security.

Palmas referred to the decisive role played by the National Guard, describing it as the guardian of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.

He congratulated all those who participated in today’s parade and thanked the Greek Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, for his presence which demonstrates, he said, the stable and unbreakable bonds of friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Greece.

There is a window of hope today for the resolution of the Cyprus problem, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday in a televised address on the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, stressing that the wall of the occupation of is not impenetrable.

“We may not be at the desired point. I certainly do not underestimate or downplay the challenges and difficulties, but developments keep hope alive and allow us to continue our persistent effort,” he noted.

‘With feelings of pride, today we honour the 65th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Cyprus, as a result of getting rid of the colonial yoke after the unparalleled struggle of our people for freedom,’ the President said at the beginning of his address.

He noted that independence was a milestone in Cyprus’ long history, while the establishment of the Republic of Cyprus constitutes the people’s greatest achievement, which we must safeguard.

Unfortunately, he continued, today’s anniversary finds our homeland territorially and administratively amputated, due to the continuing 51-year presence of the Turkish occupying army following the illegal invasion of 1974, under the pretext of the Junta’s treacherous coup to overthrow President Makarios.

“Fifty one years later, the barbed wire of occupation keeps our country divided and prevents its lawful residents from moving freely, living peacefully, and creating under conditions of security and prosperity throughout the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, as they deserve and as they are entitled to,’ he said.

Nevertheless, he noted that the Cypriot people stood firm ‘and with the Republic of Cyprus as their shield succeeded in rebuilding the state and the economy under the difficult and tragic conditions of occupation. On the foundation of international legitimacy, the Republic of Cyprus evolved into a modern state, and in 2004, 30 years after the 1974 tragedy, joined the great European family. This important transformation, the greatest diplomatic success since independence, has changed our country’s fate for the better and laid the foundations for a sustainable future for our people,’ he stressed.

President Christodoulides underlined that from the first day his assumed his duties, he set as his highest goal the resumption of negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem from the point where they were interrupted in the summer of 2017 in Crans-Montana. ‘It was not easy, after so many years of deadlock and lack of movement, to once again activate the international factor, especially amid two wars which are still shocking the international community,’ he said.

He noted, however, that with method and determination ‘we succeeded in reactivating the international community on the Cyprus problem, as expressed through the initiative undertaken by the UN Secretary-General that is now under way. We achieved this through the clear linkage of EU-Turkey relations with progress on the Cyprus issue and Turkey’s Cyprus-related obligations, as explicitly recorded in the European Council Conclusions,’ he said. He added that this was also achieved through the more active involvement of the European Union in the Cyprus problem, as expressed in the joint letter of the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission to the UN Secretary-General, as well as the appointment of the EU Special Envoy for Cyprus, Johannes Hahn.

He noted that this was also achieved with the reappointment of Maria Ángela Holguín as the UN Secretary-General’s personal envoy.

Stating that ‘we are absolutely realistic’ and fully aware of the ‘long and difficult effort’ and the many challenges ahead, the President said that through the initiatives undertaken, ‘we have succeeded in reactivating the international factor and launching processes which we hope and work for to lead to the resumption of substantive negotiations for a solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the agreed framework and, of course, the principles and values of the European Union.’

He recalled that the initiative currently under way would have seemed inconceivable before 2023, when Ankara and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, demanded recognition of sovereign equality as a precondition even for discussions or a UN-sponsored meeting.

‘Today, however, there is a window of hope. We may not be at the desired point. I certainly do not underestimate or downplay the challenges and difficulties, but developments keep hope alive and allow us to continue our persistent effort. That is why I am convinced that despite the difficulties and obstacles, the wall of occupation is not impenetrable. We only need to remain serious, persistent, methodical, and focused,’ he stressed.

‘The future belongs to us in a homeland that is changing’

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Alongside the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem, the President also referred to efforts to strengthen all the country’s levers of power, both internal and external.

Domestically, he said, there is an ongoing effort for ‘bold and continuous reforms, for the modernization of institutions, for the strengthening of the rule of law, the fight against corruption, the management of migration, the upgrading of our homeland’s deterrent power, investment in social welfare, and of course the consolidation of the sense of security.’

He said that the prerequisite for all this is a strong and resilient economy, built through a responsible fiscal policy that secures growth for the benefit of the people as a whole and allows the pursuit of targeted social policy.

‘I am pleased with the performance of the Cypriot economy, among the highest in Europe, and indeed in the midst of two wars. Growth rate among the highest in Europe, full employment in the labor market, a downward trajectory of public debt, and much more are the result of the responsible economic policy we follow on the basis of social liberalism. This allows us to implement targeted policies to support the vulnerable, the middle class, households, and our businesses,’ he noted.

He added that the continuous upgrades by all major credit rating agencies and praise from European and international institutions amount to a vote of confidence in the country and the Cypriot economy, ‘for which we are all entitled to be proud.’

At the international level, ‘the Republic of Cyprus walks the path of responsibility,’ the President said, noting that Cyprus is assuming an active role as a pillar of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider Middle East.

‘Cyprus is making use of its geographical position and turning it into a strategic advantage in a region plagued by prolonged crises. As a consistent, predictable, and responsible partner, it remains a reliable and safe harbor. Through specific initiatives, through actions and not words, our homeland is becoming a hub of stability, a transit station for the safe evacuation of civilians, a corridor for humanitarian aid, and a beacon that illuminates the path of peace and cooperation,’ he said.

He emphasized that this is recognized worldwide, and expressed pride that Cyprus walks this ‘path of responsibility.’ ‘And we are determined to expand it – always as part of the solution and never part of the problem,’ he added.

Regarding the upcoming assumption of the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union by Cyprus, the President stressed that ‘we are fully prepared to demonstrate in practice that we can assume responsibility for Cyprus and for the European Union,’ adding that ‘I have no doubt that we will fulfill this responsibility with full awareness of today’s needs for the well-being of millions of European citizens, and the pressing need for stronger multilateralism, greater integration, and more cooperation between Europe and the rest of the world, for a stronger, safer, and more autonomous Union.’

President Christodoulides said that today fills us with pride for what our people have achieved over the past 65 years of the Republic of Cyprus’ existence.

‘Together, we give the promise that we will continue the struggle until the long-awaited day of justice, liberation, reunification. We have the capabilities, the optimism, the faith, and the will to make this land again a common homeland for all its lawful residents. We want to, and we can, have a common future with our Turkish Cypriot compatriots in a united homeland, a member state of the European Union, where its principles and values will apply without exception to all,’ he said.

‘We also have the diligence and humanity as a people to be a prosperous and compassionate society. The future belongs to us in a homeland that is changing. Happy Independence Day, Cyprus,’ he concluded.

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.

We must invest in our defence and strategic alliances, House President, Annita Demetriou, said on Wednesday, following the military parade for Cyprus’ Independence Day, in Nicosia. She noted that this is a matter of national survival for Greek Cypriots.

Demetriou said that Cyprus’ ties with Greece are a foundation of stability and cannot be shuddered.

She welcomed the presence of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, at the parade, saying that it sends her own essential political message.

Demetriou also said that our independence was earned through hard work and sacrifice. She warmly congratulated the participants in the parade, saying that today’s military parade fills us with national pride.

Ukraine receives further pound 4 billion from EU’s contribution to G7 Loan

The European Commission has disbursed the ninth tranche of its exceptional Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) loan to Ukraine, worth pound 4 billion, further reinforcing the EU’s role as the largest donor since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, with overall support approaching pound 178 billion.

In total, the MFA amounts to pound 18.1 billion and represents the EU’s contribution to the G7-led Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) loans initiative, which collectively aims to provide approximately pound 45 billion in financial support to Ukraine. With this payment, the Commission’s total support to Ukraine under this MFA reaches pound 14 billion since the beginning of 2025.

This significant disbursement reaffirms the EU’s commitment to support Ukraine and follows President Ursula von der Leyen’s recent announcement, in her State of the Union speech, of a pound 6 billion frontload of the EU’s contribution to the ERA loans initiative. This announcement is in line with the call by European leaders at the Special European Council in March to frontload financing to Ukraine. The process is now underway, with this pound 4 billion disbursement comprising an initial pound 3 billion frontload, in addition to the pound 1 billion already scheduled for this period. This support will help Ukraine meet its growing financing needs, including in the defence sector. Specifically, pound 2 billion of today’s disbursement will be allocated for drones, in line with a mutual agreement between the EU and Ukraine.

The ERA loans from G7 partners as well as the EU’s MFA loan are being repaid using proceeds from immobilised Russian State assets held in the EU.

(For more information: Balazs Ujvari – Tel.: +32 2 295 45 78; Francisca Marçal Santos – Tel.: +32 2 299 72 36)

EU seizes counterfeit items worth pound 3.8 bn in 2024 amid rising e-commerce threats

EU customs and market surveillance authorities intercepted 112 million counterfeit goods valued at pound 3.8 billion in 2024, the second-highest haul on record, per a report from the European Commission and the European Union Intellectual Property Office.

Despite the decline of the overall volume from 2023’s peak (152 million), the value surged due to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, and pricier items such as software and luxury goods. The report warns that e-commerce growth and geopolitical shifts strain enforcement systems, stressing the need for enhanced customs controls and stronger intellectual property verification to safeguard consumers and EU industries from intellectual property infringements.

The Customs Reform, presented by the Commission in 2023, will play a key role in addressing current challenges by introducing a data-driven, AI-powered Customs Data Hub to track supply chains in real-time and identify high-risk shipments. The report on the value of counterfeit items seized by the EU is available online.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66; Saul Louis Goulding – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)

Commission awards the 2025 Prizes for the most sustainable, inclusive and beautiful projects under the New European Bauhaus

The European Commission has announced 22 laureates of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes 2025. For the fifth year in a row, the NEB prizes reward outstanding projects and initiatives that combine sustainability, inclusion and aesthetics, demonstrating how the lives of people and communities can be enriched by bringing together culture and technology, innovation and design. The urgent need for more affordable and sustainable housing was also recognised with a special prize.

Additionally, for the first time this year, 20 small municipalities were awarded the NEB Boost for Small Municipalities. This highlights the role these communities play in shaping a future that is more sustainable, inclusive and beautiful. This new initiative is supported by a pilot project of the European Parliament.

The prizes were awarded at a ceremony on 30 September, during which the Commission also launched a student design competition for the official NEB Prizes 2026 trophy, inviting young talents to propose a symbolic object that embodies sustainability, beauty and togetherness. Students can apply by 31 January 2026.

President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘Every year I am impressed by the creativity in this competition. And I am really pleased with this year’s special housing prize. It will help us to think about solutions to the housing crisis in a new way. And it is an inspiration for our work on a European Housing Plan. Our goal is to make housing more affordable, sustainable, and better quality. These are also the goals of the New European Bauhaus. A home is not just walls and a roof. It is safety and belonging.’

More information on all the laureates is available in our press release.

(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 299 63 02; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)

Commission opens ‘Choose Europe for Science’ call to offer researchers long-term careers in Europe

Today, the European Commission launches Choose Europe for Science – Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions with an indicative budget of pound 22.5 million offering opportunities and support in Europe to talents worldwide.

This pilot initiative is part of the pound 500 million Choose Europe: advance your research career in the EU plan for the period 2025-2027.

Organisations applying for funding through ‘Choose Europe for Science’ will not only host postdoctoral researchers, but also offer them longer term professional perspectives.

Since their creation in 1996, Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) have been the Union’s hallmark programme for doctoral and postdoctoral education.

‘Choose Europe for Science’ was formally launched by President Ursula von der Leyen at the Sorbonne in May this year.

President von der Leyen said: ‘ I am convinced that science remains the fuel of progress and growth for our societies. This is why Europe will always choose science. And it is why we want the best and brightest to Choose Europe’.

The programme supports at least three postdoctoral researchers per project for up to five years, with the MSCA providing funding for the initial two or three years, and host institutions continuing employment for the remaining two years.

More information on the deadlines and the applications can be found online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncírová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Eirini Zarkadoula – Tel.: +32 460 76 57 13)

Commissioner Šuica travels to Tunisia to reinforce cooperation and discuss the Pact for the Mediterranean

Today and tomorrow, the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, is in Tunis, to discuss progress under the Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed two years ago between the EU and Tunisia.

There, she will meet with the Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti, and the Minister of Economy and Planning Samir Abdelhafidh. This visit will be an opportunity to discuss the upcoming Pact for the Mediterranean with the Tunisian authorities as well as the EU-Tunisia relations, and to meet with civil society representatives.

During the visit, Commissioner Šuica will announce three cooperation agreements of a total amount of pound 60 million. These agreements will support food security and the economic empowerment of women in rural areas, fund the digitalisation of the public administration, and help Tunisia take part in EU programmes like Horizon Europe, Erasmus+, and Creative Europe, strengthening links between Tunisian and European researchers, students, and young people.

The Commissioner will also witness the signature of a flagship project between European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and ‘Tunisie Telecom’ to accelerate Tunisia’s digital infrastructure deployment. She will also attend the signature of an EU grant agreement of pound 12.5 million between the European Investment Bank and STEG, Tunisia’s state-owned electricity and gas operator.

Finally, Commissioner Šuica will visit the port of la Goulette, near Tunis, where the EU delivered two new boats for search and rescue to the Tunisian navy, as part of the EU-Tunisia comprehensive cooperation on migration management.

This will be the first official visit of Commissioner Šuica to the country, which is a strategic partner for the EU. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the EU-Tunisia Association Agreement. The EU-Tunisia Association Council will take place on 28 October.

(For more information: Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 56 91; Luca Dilda – Tel.: +32 2 295 21 53)

European Cybersecurity Month 2025 kicks off with focus on phishing threats

The European Cybersecurity Month begins today. This is an annual awareness-raising campaign, offering practical guidance for EU citizens to stay safe online. This year’s focus is on combating phishing, the most common method attackers use to breach the security of digital devices.

Currently, 60% of cyberattacks begin with phishing, an attempt to steal information or access systems through deceptive messages or fraudulent websites. Phishing takes many forms, from e-mails that trick users into giving away sensitive data to fake websites designed to capture login details. This campaign places a strong focus on building citizens’ knowledge to counter these attacks, helping ensure they fail before they can cause harm.

Executive Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen, said: ‘Cybersecurity is not just about technology, it is a critical condition for all sectors of society and a shared responsibility. Phishing attacks and other cyber threats can have devastating consequences, disrupting our critical infrastructure and businesses, and undermining our trust in the digital world. By staying vigilant and taking simple steps to protect ourselves online, we can all play our role in fighting against cyber threats while helping to build a safer, more secure digital future for everyone.’

Organised by the European Commission and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), with support from various organisations across Europe, the initiative also promotes cybersecurity careers and supports the European cyber workforce, at a time when the EU’s skills gap is more critical than ever.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Nika Blazevic – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)

Cyprus celebrates on Wednesday the 65th anniversary of the declaration of its independence.

In the framework of the celebrations, a military parade will take place at 0900 in Nicosia. President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, will take the salute, flanked by the House President Annita Demetriou, the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, the Minister of Defence, Vassilis Palmas, Greece’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Thanasis Davakis, and the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Georgios Tsitsikostas.

The parade will be held on Iosif Hadjiosif Avenue, with the participation of various units and aircraft of the National Guard, the Cyprus Police, the Fire Service, the Civil Defence, the Department of Forests and the Public Health Services.

Ambassadors and Defence Attachés of foreign countries and other officials will also attend the military parade which is open to the public.

The parade will begin with a 21-gun salute.

Before the parade President Christodoulides, was scheduled to attend a memorial service and lay a wreath at the Imprisoned Graves, lay a wreath at the statue of Archbishop Makarios III at the Presidential Palace courtyard, and attend a memorial service and lay a wreath at the Democracy and Resistance ?onument, at the Presidential Palace Park.