🦐Supermarkets report sales surge as shoppers keep spending
Cyprus supermarket turnover reached €2.4bn in 2025, up 5% on 2024, May and December strongest months due to tourism, holidays and promotions. All districts posted growth; Limassol and Nicosia made about 40% and 30% of sales. Steady demand for essentials, more home cooking and rising purchasing power supported results. Early 2026 signs positive, large stores performing well. Sector faces staff shortages, rigid operating costs, tougher competition and the need to maintain service. Surveys: average household food spend €481, retail value +6.1%, volume +7.9%.
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✈️Winter air traffic up 16% at Larnaca and Paphos
Hermes: Nov–Jan winter traffic up 16% y/y.
Larnaca: 30 carriers to 54 destinations in 33 countries; 4 new markets — Spain, Belgium, Slovakia, North Macedonia; 10 new winter routes including Barcelona, Brussels, Venice, Heraklion.
Paphos: 8 carriers to 35 destinations in 17 countries; Paphos–Amman resumed; new Düsseldorf and Haifa.
No current impact from Middle East tensions; possible temporary reroutes or technical stops.
Phase B expansions since March, €170M Hermes-funded — Larnaca new wing, more gates and belts; Paphos +30% terminal capacity; works continue with airports fully operational; timelines: Larnaca 30 months, Paphos 27 months.
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☂️Rain lifts Paphos dam levels; summer cuts unlikely
Paphos — Recent downpours boosted reservoir inflows, improving the district’s water outlook. Asprokremmos Dam approaches 10 million m3 and exceeds 18% capacity. Kannaviou and Evretou show smaller gains. EOA Paphos head Charalambos Pittokopitis calls inflows satisfactory and says, with careful management, water cuts to homes and businesses this summer appear unlikely. Farmers to benefit first. He warned against complacency and urged authorities and consumers to curb overuse, limit losses and monitor distribution; reserves remain relatively low.
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Cyprus Joins Washington Talks on Gaza as Observer
Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kompos flew to Washington Wednesday.
He will attend the Gaza Peace Council meeting Thursday as an invited observer.
Talks to advance the Sharm El‑Sheikh Agreement and the plan proposed by former US President Donald Trump, endorsed by UN Security Council Resolution 2803.
Cyprus says the invitation reflects continued engagement since the crisis began, citing proposals, initiatives and contributions to regional security.
Analysts: observer role signals growing diplomatic presence and commitment to peaceful solutions.
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Strong winds lift roof sheets; repeated EAC faults
EAC crews work nonstop to repair successive faults after severe winds and lightning. Spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou: since Tuesday night multiple low‑voltage faults in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos; most restored but new ones emerge. Fallen poles reported in Souni; faults near Troodos and other areas. Wednesday morning a medium‑voltage fault hit Limassol province. Fire service removed a detached roof sheet, handled sparking cables and cleared a fallen tree. Power outages affected Erimi and nearby communities. Limassol civil protection: rainfall caused no major issues; city protected by anti‑flood works. Deputy governor: communities OK, teams on standby.
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BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026: Nicosia Hosts Defence and Security Event
CCCI, CARIE and C.D. Multimedia stage BATTLEFIELD ReDEFiNED 2026, 26–27 Feb at Pavilion Hall, Nicosia. Conference co‑organised with the European Commission DG‑DEFIS; held under the Cyprus EU Presidency and the Ministry of Defence, supported by Cyprus Police. Exhibition opens to the public for the first time with static displays from Cypriot firms and systems of the National Guard and security forces. Public hours: Thu 26 Feb 15:30–18:30; Fri 27 Feb 11:00–14:00. Pre‑registration via the official conference website required. Entry 18+ with civil ID; students 17+ by arrangement. Aim: showcase Cyprus defence industry, foster international partnerships and inform the public on dual‑use tech.
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🚨19 Foreign Nationals Arrested in Paphos Immigration Operation
Members of the Immigration and Migration Service carried out a coordinated operation in Paphos this morning. During the action authorities located and arrested 19 individuals of various nationalities who were residing without legal permission in the territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Repatriation procedures have already been initiated and administrative checks are underway. The detainees remain in custody pending completion of removal and related administrative processes. Officials say the operation forms part of ongoing enforcement to address irregular residence.
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💊Patients' Federation Seeks Talks Over Higher Drug Co‑payments
OSAK calls on the Health Insurance Organization and drug firms to enter talks over patient burdens from recent reclassifications in the General Health System. OSAK is already in discussions with HIO to find solutions where co‑payments rose after patent expiries and list reshuffles. Patients and doctors filed complaints: long‑term medicines saw higher contributions despite stable prices. The issue concerns drugs in the same category with different active ingredients; choice must remain with the treating physician. Elderly and pensioners hit hardest. OSAK demands measures to stop cost shifting and protect vulnerable patients.
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📝Father of five dies after fall at Lakatamia construction site
Intensive investigations continue at a construction site in Lakatamia after a 43-year-old man of Arab origin died on duty around 13:00 on Tuesday 17 February 2026. Senior officer Marina Kouyiali of the Labour Inspection Department said police and inspectors collected evidence and are taking statements from colleagues. Preliminary findings indicate the worker fell from the first floor - about six metres - and suffered fatal injuries. Colleagues tried to drive him to a Nicosia hospital; outside Makarios Hospital an ambulance team took over.
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😨Paphos: Young worker critically hurt after 11-metre fall
21-year-old construction worker fell from a rooftop Tuesday morning, plunging about 11 metres. He was taken to Paphos General Hospital with a severe head injury; condition critical. Police and the Department of Labour Inspection attended the scene and are investigating whether safety measures were in place and properly followed. Authorities say the cause is unclear and the probe is in early stages. Falls remain a major risk in construction work.
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💸Nicosia braces for 30,000 visitors as Cyprus assumes EU Council presidency
About 30,000 international guests expected for six‑month presidency. Hotels to host officials, experts, journalists and delegation staff; service and image cited as priorities. Organisers plan roughly 250 meetings, 20+ high‑level events. Presidency to generate ~60,000 overnight stays, one third in Nicosia; peak March–June. Hotels report renovations and extra hires. Wider boost forecast for restaurants, shops and business services. Push to make Nicosia year‑round destination via branding, religious and business tourism. Main challenge: no airport, need better transport links.
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🗑️♻️Cyprus launches Pay‑As‑You‑Throw scheme to cut household waste
Cabinet approves ΠΟΠ rollout from 2027. Landfill fee, previously cut from €35 to €10, will rise by €5 yearly from 2028 to 2039 to fund expansion of source‑separated and small‑scale treatment. Government says household waste cost without ΠΟΠ ~€10.60 in 2027; with ΠΟΠ estimated €2.54–€6.76. Local councils to receive €46m from ΠΟΠ (half from landfill tax); €48m for separate collection to start in 2026 pending action plans. Study ordered to upgrade facilities and avoid past errors at Pentakomo. Legislation ready; implementation tied to local plans; aim is to avoid passing costs to citizens.
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Kyriakos Spyrou passes away — dedication and integrity will light our hearts
Agia Napa authorities and the local community announced the death of Kyriakos Spyrou on Wednesday, 18 February 2026. Mayor Christos Zannettou, deputy mayors of Sotira, Agia Napa, Avgorou, Achna and Liopetri and the municipal council offered sincere condolences to the family. Spyrou served more than 13 years at Sotira Municipality (2011–2024) and later at the Famagusta District Local Government Organization, noted for professionalism and commitment. Municipality staff express deep sympathy; his memory will live on. Funeral Thursday 19 February 2026, Church of the Resurrection of the Savior, Sotira, 15:00.
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🐈‍⬛Dispute over cat removals and inspection at German woman's home
Party for the Animals president Kyriakos Kyriakou demands full probe. Says Cat Welfare Association head Agiomamitis inspected the house without following procedures. Volunteers were called for 13:00; Agiomamitis arrived at 11:30. Athienou is in Larnaca district — he had no jurisdiction; entry to private property needs a court order. Volunteers were barred from photos and entry. Party asked provincial veterinary and Larnaca committee to investigate. Calls checks at ports and airports over cat disappearances. Will submit memorandum to Presidential Palace Friday and offers cooperation to authorities.
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