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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)

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.