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The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, continues to receive congratulatory messages from leaders around the world on the occasion of the national anniversary of the Independence of the Republic of Cyprus.

On Wednesday, President of Italy Sergio Mattarella sent a congratulatory message. In his message, the Italian President noted, among other things, that ‘Nicosia and Rome are bound by a strong friendship, which I had the privilege of witnessing personally during my visit to your country last year.’

‘Renewing the hope that a solution may soon be found for the best possible coexistence of communities in Cyprus within the framework of the relevant UN resolutions, I extend my warmest wishes for the prosperity of both yourself, Mr. President, and your fellow citizens,’ he said.

According to the Presidency, a congratulatory message was also sent by Pope Leo XIV. In his message, Pope Leo expressed his assurance ‘of my prayers for all in your country as it celebrates 65 years of independence. I ask Almighty God to strengthen Cyprus as it strives to preserve peace and promote the legitimate aspirations of all.’

President Christodoulides also received a congratulatory message from King Charles III of the United Kingdom. In his message, King Charles stated, among other things: ‘My spouse and I extend our warmest congratulations to you personally and to the people of the Republic of Cyprus on the occasion of Independence Day.’

He noted that while relations between the two countries continue to grow stronger, collective action is imperative in addressing the consequences of climate change. ‘My thoughts are with all those affected by the devastating fires in Cyprus, and I am grateful that British forces were able to support your competent Services in their efforts,’ he added.

Among others, congratulatory messages were also sent by King Carl Gustaf of Sweden, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Governor-General of Australia Sam Mostyn, President of Serbia Aleksandar Vucic, President of the Czech Republic Petr Pavel, President of Switzerland Karin Keller-Sutter, President of Peru Dina Ercilia Boluarte Zegarra, President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, and President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez.

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.

European institutions have congratulated Cyprus on its Independence Day with posts on social media, referring also to the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU in exactly three months’ time.

The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, made a post on X ,sending ‘warm greetings to the people of Cyprus on Independence Day as you celebrate freedom and peace.”

The European Council has also published a post on October 1st, explaining all about the anniversary to EU citizens wishing ‘Happy national day to all Cypriot people!”

The post explained that “the day marks the anniversary of the island’s independence from British rule in 1960. Independence was proclaimed on 16 August 1960, but the Cypriot government chose to celebrate it on 1 October.”

“The flag is the result of a competition launched in 1960. The orange colour of the map refers to the fact that Cyprus was one of the largest producers of copper in the ancient world. The two olive branches are a symbol of peace,” it added.

As regards the fort coming Cyprus’ Presidency, the European Council noted that “in exactly three months, Cyprus will be taking over the rotating presidency of the Council for the second time. For six months, Cyprus will chair meetings at every level in the Council, helping to ensure the continuity of the EU’s work in the Council”.

Moreover, the European Statistical Office, Eurostat, has published an anniversary infographic on social media with data on Cyprus.

Cyprus poses as an exception in Europe’s inflation trends, with its annual rate reaching 0% in September 2025, according to Eurostat’s preliminary estimates. At a time when the euro area faces a moderate yet steady inflation rate of 2.2%, Cyprus stands out as the only country with no year-on-year price change, while its monthly inflation even registered a decline of -0.4%.

This contrasts sharply with broader European trends, where sectors like services (3.2% in the eurozone) and food (3%) continue to drive price pressures. In Cyprus, however, this stability may reflect a combination of domestic factors, such as relative price stability in energy and food, and external influences, including reduced import costs.

On more detail, annual inflation in the eurozone reached 2.2% in September 2025, according to Eurostat’s flash estimate, marking a slight increase from August’s 2%. However, behind this average figure lie significant disparities, both among member states and across different categories of goods and services, revealing a complex economic landscape.

As for the drivers of inflation, services remain the primary inflationary pressure, with an annual rate of 3.2% (up from 3.1% in August), followed by food, alcohol, and tobacco (3%). In contrast, energy continues to act as a drag, with prices falling by -0.4%, though the decline is less steep than in previous months (when it reached -2% in August). Non-energy industrial goods remain subdued, with just a 0.8% increase, highlighting weak demand in certain sectors of the economy.

The differences between countries remain, as Estonia records the highest inflation rate (5.2%), followed by Croatia (4.6%) and Slovakia (4.6%), while France (1.1%) and Italy (1.8%) sit at the opposite end of the spectrum. Greece shows a notable decline, from 3.1% in August to 1.8% in September, partly due to lower energy and food prices.

Meanwhile, countries like Ireland (2.7%) and Spain (3%) exhibit stabilization, while Cyprus (0%) stands out as the only country with zero inflation, underscoring the unique dynamics of its local economy.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 01/10/2025 UNTIL 0600 02/10/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1011hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. Today, locally increased cloud coverage will be present at times while isolated rain showers are likely, mainly over the northern and eastern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate in showers

Sea surface temperature: 27°C

Warnings: NIL

The President of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis, concluded on Sunday his visit to Cyprus, with a visit to the ‘Lieutenant General Sotirios Stavrianakos’ Camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) in Malounta, according to a press release issued by the Hellenic Parliament.

During his, Kaklamanis held a series of meetings, among others with the President of the Republic and the President of the House of Representatives, while he also addressed the House of Representatives in a special session on Tuesday.

On Wednesday morning, the President of the Hellenic Parliament watched the military parade marking the 65th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Cyprus, from where he conveyed a message of unity between Greece and Cyprus in the struggle for liberation.

Subsequently, he met with Archbishop of Cyprus Georgios.

Before departing for Athens, he visited the ‘Lieutenant General Sotirios Stavrianakos’ Camp of the Hellenic Force in Cyprus (ELDYK) in Malounta, where, in an atmosphere of deep emotion, he laid a wreath at the Fallen Heroes’ Memorial of those who died during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, and was also given a tour of the on-site museum.

The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs has extended its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Republic of Cyprus on the anniversary of its declaration of independence, in a post on social media, reiterating Athens’ commitment to a settlement of the Cyprus issue based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, within the framework of the relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

“Greece, in agreement with the Republic of Cyprus, remains committed to a comprehensive and mutually acceptable solution based on a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation, within the framework of the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions,” the Ministry said.

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.

The presence of F-16 Viper jets over Cyprus during the military parade demonstrates once again the unified defence doctrine between Cyprus and Greece said Deputy Minister of National Defence of Greece, Thanasis Davakis, who represented Athens in the parade for the island’s independence day, that took place on Wednesday, in Nicosia.

In press statements after the parade, Davakis noted that he feels emotional because he is today in Cyprus and stressed that he is proud to commemorate with a sense of heavy historical responsibility and duty, Cyprus’ 65th anniversary of independence.

He went on to say that today we remember all those who fought for the freedom of the nation and especially the fallen ones, adding that we also remember that Cyprus’ Hellenism stood tall in every difficulty with self-denial, faith in democratic values and international law.

Referring to the Cyprus-Greece ties, he noted that they are historical, unbreakable and indestructible. Davakis said that both countries are determined for the common struggle to achieve a comprehensive, mutually acceptable, just and sustainable solution to the Cyprus problem.

??e Greek Deputy Minister also said that Cyprus’ reunification and withdrawal of the illegal Turkish occupation troops are the goal to be achieved through a solution based on the bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality of Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, as defined by the relevant UN resolutions.

He also noted that the anniversary for Cyprus’ independence is not just another historical anniversary, but a living historical landmark for Cyprus, a symbol of courage and endurance and, at the same time, a response to those who attempt to undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

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.

The effort to strengthen the deterrent power of the National Guard will continue, President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday, in press statements following the military parade, in Nicosia, for Cyprus’ Independence Day.

He also stressed that the struggle continues to achieve our highest goal, which is none other than the liberation of our homeland.

The President initially referred to today’s ritual because, he said, it is of particular importance for the new generations to know about it. He said that in the morning they visited the Imprisoned Graves to honor all those who fought and gave their lives for our country. EOKA anti-colonial liberation struggle heroes are buried there.

He also said that they laid a wreath at the statue of the first President of the Republic, Archbishop Makarios, at the Presidential Palace and at the Resistance Monument for those who fought against the Turkish rebellion in 1964 and in 1974 in order to defend the Republic of Cyprus. The President also said that the parade is taking place to honor those who today defend the Republic.

He went on to say that Cyprus today celebrates its 65th anniversary, adding that the country suffered as a young state, but managed thirty years later to become an EU member state, one that is constantly being upgraded.

President Christodoulides also noted that our duty today is to do everything possible to upgrade Cyprus Republic and to also achieve our highest goal which is none other than the liberation and reunification of our homeland.

He continued by saying that at the same time, while striving for the goal of liberation, we have an obligation to strengthen with deeds and not with words all the power factors in Cyprus namely maintain a strong economy, rule of law, addressing corruption and all other challenges before us and internationally to have an open-minded foreign policy that proves that the Republic of Cyprus is part of the solutions to regional and international challenges.

He said that in this way the status of the Republic of Cyprus is further upgraded and, at the same time, we are also strengthening our negotiating status in relation to achieving a solution to the Cyprus problem.

The President warmly congratulated those who participated in today’s parade, saying that we are truly proud of what we have today seen.

He noted that the strengthening of the deterrent power of the National Guard begins first and foremost with the officers and personnel of the National Guard upgrading.

He also said that today we saw some of Cyprus’ new armament programs, adding that the effort to acquire new military weapons will continue and will be strengthened even further, utilizing the means offered by the European Union and Cyprus’ collaborations with strategic partners such as the United States.

When asked about the messages sent by the presence of the Greek F-16 fighter jets, the President noted that the messages are clear about the common struggle of Cyprus and Greece, primarily for the liberation and reunification of our homeland. Secondly, he said, Cyprus and Greece, as EU member states and states of the region prove in practice that they are pillars of security and stability.

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 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.

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.