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“I have not had the meeting yet, but the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI) is indeed a project of great importance for the EU and it remains so,” stressed Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner responsible for energy and housing at a press conference in Brussels, answering to questions ahead of the teleconference with the Cypriot and Greek energy ministers, George Papanastasiou and Stavros Papastavrou, respectively.

“I work closely and I personally am very committed to this, as is the President [Ursula von der Leyen] and the entire Commission. Let’s hope for some progress and we will certainly keep you and the public in general informed when we will have something new”, concluded Commissioner Jørgensen.

Cyprus remains committed to supporting Armenia’s path of closer alignment with the European Union, particularly during the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Dr Athena Michaelidou has said.

In her remarks, on Wednesday evening, the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, at the Embassy of Armenia, the Minister said that “we deeply appreciate Armenia’s consistent support for Cyprus, especially regarding the Cyprus Issue and our efforts for a just and lasting settlement in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions”.

She noted that the recent establishment of resident Diplomatic Missions both in Nicosia and Yerevan stands as a tangible testament to the shared commitment to further deepening their bilateral relations.

Cyprus and Armenia, she noted, share not only friendship but also a common understanding of the challenges faced by small states in our region, and a firm commitment to international law, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence.

In this spirit, she added, Cyprus reaffirms its steadfast support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia within its internationally recognized borders.

“We commend the constructive approach of the Armenian leadership toward achieving a comprehensive peace agreement and genuinely hope that these ongoing efforts will lead to a lasting, sustainable, and just peace in the South Caucasus. Within its means and the EU framework, Cyprus stands ready to support initiatives that promote reconciliation and stability” she stressed.

The Minster expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Armenian community of Cyprus. “You have been, and continue to be, a vital bridge of friendship and cooperation between our nations. Your contributions to Cyprus’s social fabric, cultural and economic life are invaluable, as is your role in preserving Armenian heritage on our island” she said.

A press release by the Armenian Embassy notes that in her address, Ambassador Torgomyan “reflected on Armenia’s journey since regaining independence in 1991.” Highlighting the recent initialling of the Peace Agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, she expressed optimism for a new era of peace, stability, and regional cooperation, stressing the importance of the ‘Crossroads of Peace’ project, it is added.

“Ambassador Torgomyan reaffirmed the strong and enduring friendship between Armenia and Cyprus, built on mutual respect, trust, and shared values. She expressed gratitude to Cyprus for its unwavering political and humanitarian support and noted the milestone of resident Embassies in Yerevan and Nicosia” it is added.

The press release notes finally that the Ambassador congratulated Cyprus on its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union, conveying confidence in its leadership during challenging times.

Cypriot judoka Petros Christodoulides has achieved a major international victory, claiming the gold medal in the -66 kg category at the Panamerican Open 2025 held in Peru. The Cyprus Judo Federation expressed its immense satisfaction with the champion’s latest success, highlighting his impressive run of four consecutive victories on his way to the top of the podium.

According to a relevant announcement, Christodoulides’ path to gold was “impressive” as he defeated competitors from Canada, Brazil, and Argentina before facing two-time Australian Olympian Joshua Katz in the final. In a decisive performance, Christodoulides defeated the highly decorated athlete by ippon (a knockout score) to secure the title. The Federation noted that this achievement is a vindication of his dedication and talent, building on a strong record that includes a Grand Prix bronze medal and 5th-place finishes at the World University Games and the Commonwealth Games.

The victory provides Christodoulides with 100 valuable points for the World Rankings, significantly boosting his standing in his new category and raising the profile of Cypriot Judo internationally. The success in Peru was further compounded by a strong 5th-place finish for fellow Cypriot champion Giannis Antoniou at the Grand Prix. Antoniou secured notable wins, including one against a former European Champion from Finland, and narrowly missed a medal after hard-fought contests, proving once again the high level of Cypriot athletes on the world stage.

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 16/10/2025 UNTIL 1800 17/10/2025

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1015hPa (hectopascal)

Weak low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 26°C

Warnings: NIL

Deputy Minister of Immigration and International Protection, Dr Nicholas A. Ioannides, has noted the significant reduction in irregular migration flows to the Republic of Cyprus over the last two and a half years, adding that Cyprus recorded 10,092 returns in 2024 and has already exceeded 10,000 since January 2025.

According to an official press release, in the context of the preparation for the assumption of the Presidency of the Council of the EU by the Republic of Cyprus, the Deputy Minister participated on Wednesday, in the event for the 40th Anniversary – Signature of the Schengen Agreement, co-organized by the European Parliament and the European Commission.

In his intervention, the Deputy Minister stressed the commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to the full accession into the Schengen Area noting that to achieve this goal, the Government of the Republic of Cyprus is working hard and has made enormous progress. The Deputy Minister also stated that Cyprus’ accession into Schengen will contribute to safeguarding the interests of the European Union in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Ioannides stressed the significant reduction in irregular migration flows to the Republic of Cyprus over the last two and a half years, as a result of targeted actions at national and international level. He noted that irregular arrivals have decreased by 87% compared to 2022. Referring to returns, he said that in 2024 they reached 10,092 while this year until now their number exceeds 10,000.

The Deputy Minister also held a series of meetings at the European Parliament with representatives of political groups and institutions during which he exchanged views ahead of the Cyprus EU Presidency, focusing on institutional cooperation and the promotion of issues in the field of immigration.

Discussions focused on the priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency, including the effective promotion of critical files, such as safe countries of origin and safe third countries, as well as the promotion of the Return Regulation, with the aim of ensuring a coherent and effective implementation of the EU acquis communautaire.

The Deputy Minister underlined the will of the Republic of Cyprus for close cooperation with the European Parliament and all political groups, in order to ensure smooth institutional continuity and substantial progress during the Cyprus Presidency, the press release says. He also met with Cypriot MEPs.

Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, is in Berlin participating in the 2nd EU Algae Awareness Summit, which began on Thursday.

The 2nd EU Algae Awareness Summit is taking place in Berlin as part of the EU4Algae flagship initiative of the European Commission, in close collaboration with the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries (MARE), the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), and with the support of the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture.

The Commission is convening the EU algae sector to support its full potential and expand production across Europe.

On the second day of the event, Friday, October 17, Commissioner Kadis, along with Alois Rainer, German Federal Minister of Food, Agriculture, and Regional Identity, will officially open the proceedings.

According to the Commission, algae, as a strategic resource, offer innovative solutions to some of the planet’s most pressing challenges: climate change, food security, marine ecosystem regeneration, and job creation in coastal and rural areas. By harnessing the power of algae, we can create new value chains and jobs, stimulate innovation, restore ecosystems, and promote sustainable practices across various industries.

The European Commission, through the European Ocean Pact, aims to scale up European algae production, launch the Blue Bioeconomy Innovation initiative by 2027, and set voluntary targets for algae production growth in the EU.

The Energy Ministers of Cyprus and Greece expressed on Thursday their shared determination to continue working in a spirit of unity and mutual trust on the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project (GSI), during a teleconference with European Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jorgensen. A new trilateral meeting on the project is expected to follow in the coming weeks.

According to a joint announcement by the Energy Ministries of Cyprus and Greece, the teleconference focused on the progress of the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection. It was attended by Cyprus’ Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry, George Papanastasiou, Greece’s Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou, and Greece’s Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy, Nikos Tsafos, in the presence of Cyprus’ Ambassador to Greece, Stavros Avgoustides.

‘During the discussion, all aspects related to the project’s implementation were comprehensively reviewed, and all parties reaffirmed their will to continue their cooperation in a spirit of unity and mutual trust,’ the announcement says, adding that a new trilateral meeting will be held in the coming weeks to further advance the project.

The Costas Argyrou Museum in Mazotos, Larnaca, announced its participation in the international art and cultural event ‘Larnaca Biennale 2025’ in collaboration with the Municipality of Larnaca.

From October 15 to November 28, 2025, the Biennale will host works by both international and Cypriot artists within the Museum’s premises. This year’s theme is ‘Along Lines and Traces’ a relevant announcement by the Deputy Ministry of Culture says.

The works featured are by Efimero Studio, Reverberations of Uncertainty – The Threads of Sound, and by Séverin Guelpa, Times Parallax.

The participation of Costas Argyrou Museum in the Larnaca Biennale 2025 is part of its broader collaboration with institutions and organizations, aiming to strengthen the cultural ecosystem of the Larnaca region, both locally and internationally, it is added.

The exhibition will be open to the public throughout the Biennale period.

The Museum’s opening hours during October – May are Wednesday – Sunday, 09:00 – 16:30, and during June – September are Wednesday – Sunday, 10:00 – 17:30. The Museum is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and public holidays.

The European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), meeting in its Defense Ministers configuration, convened on October 15, 2025, in Brussels to discuss the bloc’s defense readiness and the ongoing situation in Ukraine. The meeting was also attended by Minister of Defense, Vassilis Palmas.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Defense, the EU Defense Ministers exchanged views on a scoping paper detailing the core directions of the Defense Readiness Roadmap 2030. This document, submitted by the European Commission, is slated for formal presentation to the European Council.

The discussion focused on the EU’s proposed strategy to enhance its defense readiness, which is structured around three key pillars: Strengthening operational capabilities, implementing strategically important projects and empowering the European defense industry.

Particular emphasis was placed on promoting cooperation among member states and accelerating the implementation of critical programs such as the European Drone Wall and the Eastern Flank Watch. Furthermore, the need to adapt the institutional and financial framework governing European defense policy was highlighted.

The Ministry of Defense announcement also notes that Ukraine was specifically referenced as a strategic partner. The Ministers also examined horizontal actions aimed at improving the functioning of the internal market and preparing the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).

Cyprus remains committed to supporting Armenia’s path of closer alignment with the European Union, particularly during the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, Minister of Education, Sports and Youth Dr Athena Michaelidou has said.

In her remarks, on Wednesday evening, the occasion of the Independence Day of the Republic of Armenia, at the Embassy of Armenia, the Minister said that “we deeply appreciate Armenia’s consistent support for Cyprus, especially regarding the Cyprus Issue and our efforts for a just and lasting settlement in line with international law and UN Security Council resolutions”.

She noted that the recent establishment of resident Diplomatic Missions both in Nicosia and Yerevan stands as a tangible testament to the shared commitment to further deepening their bilateral relations.

Cyprus and Armenia, she noted, share not only friendship but also a common understanding of the challenges faced by small states in our region, and a firm commitment to international law, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence.

In this spirit, she added, Cyprus reaffirms its steadfast support for the sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia within its internationally recognized borders.

“We commend the constructive approach of the Armenian leadership toward achieving a comprehensive peace agreement and genuinely hope that these ongoing efforts will lead to a lasting, sustainable, and just peace in the South Caucasus. Within its means and the EU framework, Cyprus stands ready to support initiatives that promote reconciliation and stability” she stressed.

The Minster expressed her heartfelt appreciation to the Armenian community of Cyprus. “You have been, and continue to be, a vital bridge of friendship and cooperation between our nations. Your contributions to Cyprus’s social fabric, cultural and economic life are invaluable, as is your role in preserving Armenian heritage on our island” she said.