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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧
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📊 Number of Young People Neither Working Nor Studying Has Nearly Halved in Cyprus
According to Eurostat, the share of young people aged 15–29 in Cyprus who are not working, studying, or receiving vocational training (NEET) fell to 10.6% in 2025.
📍 For comparison, the figure stood at 18.6% in 2015.
What does NEET mean?
NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) refers to young people who simultaneously:
▪ are not employed;
▪ are not enrolled in education;
▪ are not participating in vocational training.
The indicator is considered one of the key measures of how successfully young people are integrating into the labour market.
The situation in Cyprus
▪ Ages 15–19 — 6% (compared with 7.5% in 2015);
▪ Ages 20–24 — 12.8% (compared with 22.2% in 2015);
▪ Overall ages 15–29 — 10.6%.
Cyprus is already performing better than the EU average, where the NEET rate reached 11% in 2025.
Best and worst performers in the EU
Lowest rates:
🇳🇱 Netherlands — 5.3%;
🇸🇪 Sweden — 5.9%;
🇸🇮 Slovenia — 7.6%.
Highest rates:
🇷🇴 Romania — 19.2%;
🇧🇬 Bulgaria — 13.8%;
🇬🇷 Greece — 13.6%.
📌 The European Union has set a target of reducing the average NEET rate to 9% by 2030.
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According to Eurostat, the share of young people aged 15–29 in Cyprus who are not working, studying, or receiving vocational training (NEET) fell to 10.6% in 2025.
📍 For comparison, the figure stood at 18.6% in 2015.
What does NEET mean?
NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) refers to young people who simultaneously:
▪ are not employed;
▪ are not enrolled in education;
▪ are not participating in vocational training.
The indicator is considered one of the key measures of how successfully young people are integrating into the labour market.
The situation in Cyprus
▪ Ages 15–19 — 6% (compared with 7.5% in 2015);
▪ Ages 20–24 — 12.8% (compared with 22.2% in 2015);
▪ Overall ages 15–29 — 10.6%.
Cyprus is already performing better than the EU average, where the NEET rate reached 11% in 2025.
Best and worst performers in the EU
Lowest rates:
🇳🇱 Netherlands — 5.3%;
🇸🇪 Sweden — 5.9%;
🇸🇮 Slovenia — 7.6%.
Highest rates:
🇷🇴 Romania — 19.2%;
🇧🇬 Bulgaria — 13.8%;
🇬🇷 Greece — 13.6%.
📌 The European Union has set a target of reducing the average NEET rate to 9% by 2030.
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🫁 Three Breathing Techniques That Help Reduce Stress and May Slow Ageing
Scientists are increasingly linking the rate of ageing not only to genetics, but also to lifestyle factors. One of the key contributors to accelerated ageing is believed to be chronic stress.
Research suggests that persistently elevated levels of cortisol can increase inflammation and contribute to the shortening of telomeres — protective structures at the ends of chromosomes that are associated with cellular ageing.
How can breathing help?
Specialists note that breathing exercises and meditation can reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and support the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
Some studies have also found associations between regular breathing practices and improved indicators of cellular health.
Three simple breathing techniques
🔹 Diaphragmatic breathing
▪ place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen;
▪ slowly inhale through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand;
▪ exhale calmly and naturally.
🔹 Extended exhalation
▪ inhale through your nose for a count of 4;
▪ exhale slowly for a count of 8.
This technique helps activate the body’s relaxation response.
🔹 Alternate nostril breathing
▪ close your right nostril and inhale through your left;
▪ then close your left nostril and exhale through your right;
▪ continue alternating sides for several minutes.
📌 Experts emphasize that breathing exercises cannot stop the ageing process, but they can become a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle alongside physical activity, quality sleep, and proper nutrition.
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Scientists are increasingly linking the rate of ageing not only to genetics, but also to lifestyle factors. One of the key contributors to accelerated ageing is believed to be chronic stress.
Research suggests that persistently elevated levels of cortisol can increase inflammation and contribute to the shortening of telomeres — protective structures at the ends of chromosomes that are associated with cellular ageing.
How can breathing help?
Specialists note that breathing exercises and meditation can reduce stress levels, improve sleep quality, and support the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
Some studies have also found associations between regular breathing practices and improved indicators of cellular health.
Three simple breathing techniques
🔹 Diaphragmatic breathing
▪ place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen;
▪ slowly inhale through your nose, allowing your stomach to expand;
▪ exhale calmly and naturally.
🔹 Extended exhalation
▪ inhale through your nose for a count of 4;
▪ exhale slowly for a count of 8.
This technique helps activate the body’s relaxation response.
🔹 Alternate nostril breathing
▪ close your right nostril and inhale through your left;
▪ then close your left nostril and exhale through your right;
▪ continue alternating sides for several minutes.
📌 Experts emphasize that breathing exercises cannot stop the ageing process, but they can become a valuable part of a healthy lifestyle alongside physical activity, quality sleep, and proper nutrition.
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💉 Cyprus to Create a Unified Digital Vaccination Registry
Cyprus’s Ministry of Health has prepared draft legislation to establish a National Vaccination Registry — a single digital system that will store information on all vaccinations received by residents of the country.
📍 Public consultation on the proposal will continue until 24 June 2026.
What will change?
▪ all vaccinations will be recorded in one electronic registry;
▪ records will be accessible regardless of where the vaccination was administered;
▪ the Ministry of Health and GeSY systems will automatically exchange information;
▪ there will no longer be a need to keep paper vaccination certificates.
Why is this necessary?
Cyprus currently operates two separate vaccination record systems:
▪ the GeSY platform for its beneficiaries;
▪ the Ministry of Health vaccination portal, originally created for COVID-19 vaccinations.
As a result, tracking patients’ vaccination status can be difficult, while the risk of duplicated or missing information remains.
Who will benefit from the new system?
The reform is expected to be particularly important for patients with serious medical conditions, including people who have undergone organ transplants and need to repeat part of the recommended vaccination schedule.
📌 At present, paper documents are often lost, and doctors cannot always quickly access information about previous vaccinations.
Once the registry is launched, vaccination histories will be available electronically and can be accessed efficiently by healthcare providers.
Authorities will also be able to monitor vaccination coverage more accurately and identify groups where immunisation rates remain insufficient.
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Cyprus’s Ministry of Health has prepared draft legislation to establish a National Vaccination Registry — a single digital system that will store information on all vaccinations received by residents of the country.
📍 Public consultation on the proposal will continue until 24 June 2026.
What will change?
▪ all vaccinations will be recorded in one electronic registry;
▪ records will be accessible regardless of where the vaccination was administered;
▪ the Ministry of Health and GeSY systems will automatically exchange information;
▪ there will no longer be a need to keep paper vaccination certificates.
Why is this necessary?
Cyprus currently operates two separate vaccination record systems:
▪ the GeSY platform for its beneficiaries;
▪ the Ministry of Health vaccination portal, originally created for COVID-19 vaccinations.
As a result, tracking patients’ vaccination status can be difficult, while the risk of duplicated or missing information remains.
Who will benefit from the new system?
The reform is expected to be particularly important for patients with serious medical conditions, including people who have undergone organ transplants and need to repeat part of the recommended vaccination schedule.
📌 At present, paper documents are often lost, and doctors cannot always quickly access information about previous vaccinations.
Once the registry is launched, vaccination histories will be available electronically and can be accessed efficiently by healthcare providers.
Authorities will also be able to monitor vaccination coverage more accurately and identify groups where immunisation rates remain insufficient.
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🇨🇾 Cyprus at the UN Highlights Turkish Occupation and Calls for Equal Application of International Law
Cyprus’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maria Michael, stated that the principles of the UN Charter must be respected by all states without exception and must not be applied selectively.
The statement was delivered during a UN Security Council meeting focused on strengthening the international system and the role of the United Nations.
What did Cyprus’s representative say?
📍 According to Michael, the modern world is facing a growing number of conflicts, humanitarian crises, security threats, and the consequences of climate change.
She stressed that such challenges can only be addressed through international cooperation and respect for international law.
Speaking about Cyprus, Maria Michael reminded delegates that for more than 50 years the country has faced the consequences of:
▪ foreign military invasion;
▪ the continuing occupation of part of its territory;
▪ violations of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military aggression, foreign occupation, or the creation of faits accomplis,” she stated.
She also emphasized that:
▪ UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented by all states;
▪ violations of international law cannot become acceptable simply because a long period of time has passed;
▪ international courts and their rulings must be respected and enforced.
📌 According to Maria Michael, the principles of the UN Charter are not abstract concepts for Cyprus, but essential guarantees of peace, security, sovereignty, and stability.
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Cyprus’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maria Michael, stated that the principles of the UN Charter must be respected by all states without exception and must not be applied selectively.
The statement was delivered during a UN Security Council meeting focused on strengthening the international system and the role of the United Nations.
What did Cyprus’s representative say?
📍 According to Michael, the modern world is facing a growing number of conflicts, humanitarian crises, security threats, and the consequences of climate change.
She stressed that such challenges can only be addressed through international cooperation and respect for international law.
Speaking about Cyprus, Maria Michael reminded delegates that for more than 50 years the country has faced the consequences of:
▪ foreign military invasion;
▪ the continuing occupation of part of its territory;
▪ violations of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military aggression, foreign occupation, or the creation of faits accomplis,” she stated.
She also emphasized that:
▪ UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented by all states;
▪ violations of international law cannot become acceptable simply because a long period of time has passed;
▪ international courts and their rulings must be respected and enforced.
📌 According to Maria Michael, the principles of the UN Charter are not abstract concepts for Cyprus, but essential guarantees of peace, security, sovereignty, and stability.
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🇨🇾 Cyprus at the UN Highlights Turkish Occupation and Calls for Equal Application of International Law
Cyprus’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maria Michael, stated that the principles of the UN Charter must be respected by all states without exception and must not be applied selectively.
The statement was delivered during a UN Security Council meeting focused on strengthening the international system and the role of the United Nations.
What did Cyprus’s representative say?
📍 According to Michael, the modern world is facing a growing number of conflicts, humanitarian crises, security threats, and the consequences of climate change.
She stressed that such challenges can only be addressed through international cooperation and respect for international law.
Speaking about Cyprus, Maria Michael reminded delegates that for more than 50 years the country has faced the consequences of:
▪ foreign military invasion;
▪ the continuing occupation of part of its territory;
▪ violations of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military aggression, foreign occupation, or the creation of faits accomplis,” she stated.
She also emphasized that:
▪ UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented by all states;
▪ violations of international law cannot become acceptable simply because a long period of time has passed;
▪ international courts and their rulings must be respected and enforced.
📌 According to Maria Michael, the principles of the UN Charter are not abstract concepts for Cyprus, but essential guarantees of peace, security, sovereignty, and stability.
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Cyprus’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Maria Michael, stated that the principles of the UN Charter must be respected by all states without exception and must not be applied selectively.
The statement was delivered during a UN Security Council meeting focused on strengthening the international system and the role of the United Nations.
What did Cyprus’s representative say?
📍 According to Michael, the modern world is facing a growing number of conflicts, humanitarian crises, security threats, and the consequences of climate change.
She stressed that such challenges can only be addressed through international cooperation and respect for international law.
Speaking about Cyprus, Maria Michael reminded delegates that for more than 50 years the country has faced the consequences of:
▪ foreign military invasion;
▪ the continuing occupation of part of its territory;
▪ violations of the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“Sustainable peace cannot be achieved through military aggression, foreign occupation, or the creation of faits accomplis,” she stated.
She also emphasized that:
▪ UN Security Council resolutions must be implemented by all states;
▪ violations of international law cannot become acceptable simply because a long period of time has passed;
▪ international courts and their rulings must be respected and enforced.
📌 According to Maria Michael, the principles of the UN Charter are not abstract concepts for Cyprus, but essential guarantees of peace, security, sovereignty, and stability.
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🏛 Opposition in the New Parliament: Who Will Challenge the Government?
Following the parliamentary elections, a key question is increasingly being asked: who will become the real opposition to the government in the House of Representatives?
Although Cyprus operates under a presidential system, parliament plays a crucial role in passing legislation and overseeing the executive branch.
At present, only DIKO openly supports the government. In practice, however, many government-backed bills receive support from a much broader range of MPs.
According to political observers, neither DISY nor ELAM has so far shown a clear willingness to pursue a consistently tough opposition line. This is largely because both parties are interested in preserving their own political influence and room for manoeuvre.
As a result, attention is increasingly focused on AKEL. Many expect the largest opposition party to take a more active role in parliamentary oversight and criticism of government policies.
The future role of ALMA remains less clear. The movement’s political profile is closely linked to its leader, Odysseas Michaelides, and analysts remain cautious about predicting how the party will position itself in parliament.
📌 The central question of the new parliamentary term remains unanswered: will the opposition become a genuine counterweight to the government, or will most major decisions continue to pass with broad cross-party support?
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Following the parliamentary elections, a key question is increasingly being asked: who will become the real opposition to the government in the House of Representatives?
Although Cyprus operates under a presidential system, parliament plays a crucial role in passing legislation and overseeing the executive branch.
At present, only DIKO openly supports the government. In practice, however, many government-backed bills receive support from a much broader range of MPs.
According to political observers, neither DISY nor ELAM has so far shown a clear willingness to pursue a consistently tough opposition line. This is largely because both parties are interested in preserving their own political influence and room for manoeuvre.
As a result, attention is increasingly focused on AKEL. Many expect the largest opposition party to take a more active role in parliamentary oversight and criticism of government policies.
The future role of ALMA remains less clear. The movement’s political profile is closely linked to its leader, Odysseas Michaelides, and analysts remain cautious about predicting how the party will position itself in parliament.
📌 The central question of the new parliamentary term remains unanswered: will the opposition become a genuine counterweight to the government, or will most major decisions continue to pass with broad cross-party support?
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🏦 ECB Warns of Risks After Sharp Rise in Bank Valuations
Experts at the European Central Bank (ECB) believe that the rapid increase in the value of eurozone banks in recent years calls for caution, despite the sector’s strong financial performance.
According to an ECB study, bank share prices have reached levels last seen before the 2008 global financial crisis.
Why have bank valuations risen?
📈 Several factors have driven the surge:
▪ high interest rates;
▪ record net interest income;
▪ a reduction in non-performing loans;
▪ higher dividends for shareholders;
▪ share buyback programmes.
In 2025, the Euro Stoxx Banks Index gained more than 50%, making it one of the best-performing sectors in the European market.
Cypriot banks have also benefited from this trend. Throughout the year, analysts repeatedly raised target valuations for the island’s largest financial institutions.
What concerns the ECB?
⚠️ Regulators warn that some investors may be becoming overly optimistic.
If expectations for economic growth or bank profitability fail to materialise, bank share prices could fall sharply.
Additional risks include:
▪ the conflict in the Middle East;
▪ rising geopolitical tensions;
▪ a slowdown in the global economy;
▪ instability in financial markets.
According to ECB experts, worsening economic conditions in the first quarter of 2026 had already begun to put pressure on market valuations of banks.
📌 The ECB stresses that a decline in share prices alone would not threaten the stability of the banking system. However, it could weaken investor confidence and increase the cost of raising capital for banks.
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Experts at the European Central Bank (ECB) believe that the rapid increase in the value of eurozone banks in recent years calls for caution, despite the sector’s strong financial performance.
According to an ECB study, bank share prices have reached levels last seen before the 2008 global financial crisis.
Why have bank valuations risen?
📈 Several factors have driven the surge:
▪ high interest rates;
▪ record net interest income;
▪ a reduction in non-performing loans;
▪ higher dividends for shareholders;
▪ share buyback programmes.
In 2025, the Euro Stoxx Banks Index gained more than 50%, making it one of the best-performing sectors in the European market.
Cypriot banks have also benefited from this trend. Throughout the year, analysts repeatedly raised target valuations for the island’s largest financial institutions.
What concerns the ECB?
⚠️ Regulators warn that some investors may be becoming overly optimistic.
If expectations for economic growth or bank profitability fail to materialise, bank share prices could fall sharply.
Additional risks include:
▪ the conflict in the Middle East;
▪ rising geopolitical tensions;
▪ a slowdown in the global economy;
▪ instability in financial markets.
According to ECB experts, worsening economic conditions in the first quarter of 2026 had already begun to put pressure on market valuations of banks.
📌 The ECB stresses that a decline in share prices alone would not threaten the stability of the banking system. However, it could weaken investor confidence and increase the cost of raising capital for banks.
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🐑 Compensation Dispute Over Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Why “Missing Animals” Have Become a Controversial Issue
As Cyprus continues its fight against foot-and-mouth disease, a new debate has emerged over compensation payments for animals that are not present on farms at the time of inspection.
According to official figures, around 70,000 animals have been culled since the outbreak began in an effort to contain the spread of the disease. The government has promised compensation to affected livestock owners.
However, farming representatives are increasingly raising concerns about so-called “missing animals.”
What is causing concern?
📍 According to livestock industry representatives, inspections at some farms have revealed discrepancies between the number of animals officially registered and the number actually found on site.
The issue reportedly involves thousands of animals that appear in records but are no longer physically present.
Some farmers claim that these animals may have died previously from natural causes or become victims of theft.
Why is there a dispute?
❗ The central question is whether owners should receive compensation for animals that were not officially culled by veterinary authorities as part of disease-control measures and are no longer present on the farm.
Critics argue that compensation should only be paid for animals that were formally destroyed for sanitary reasons.
If the disappearance of livestock cannot be documented and verified, they say, compensation claims raise serious concerns.
What happens next?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary Services, and farming organisations are expected to provide further clarification on the issue.
📌 For now, the key question remains unanswered: where are the “missing” animals, and on what basis could their owners be entitled to government compensation?
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As Cyprus continues its fight against foot-and-mouth disease, a new debate has emerged over compensation payments for animals that are not present on farms at the time of inspection.
According to official figures, around 70,000 animals have been culled since the outbreak began in an effort to contain the spread of the disease. The government has promised compensation to affected livestock owners.
However, farming representatives are increasingly raising concerns about so-called “missing animals.”
What is causing concern?
📍 According to livestock industry representatives, inspections at some farms have revealed discrepancies between the number of animals officially registered and the number actually found on site.
The issue reportedly involves thousands of animals that appear in records but are no longer physically present.
Some farmers claim that these animals may have died previously from natural causes or become victims of theft.
Why is there a dispute?
❗ The central question is whether owners should receive compensation for animals that were not officially culled by veterinary authorities as part of disease-control measures and are no longer present on the farm.
Critics argue that compensation should only be paid for animals that were formally destroyed for sanitary reasons.
If the disappearance of livestock cannot be documented and verified, they say, compensation claims raise serious concerns.
What happens next?
The Ministry of Agriculture, Veterinary Services, and farming organisations are expected to provide further clarification on the issue.
📌 For now, the key question remains unanswered: where are the “missing” animals, and on what basis could their owners be entitled to government compensation?
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🎬 Greek Director Criticises Lupita Nyong’o’s Casting in Nolan’s “The Odyssey”
Renowned Greek filmmaker Yannis Smaragdis has strongly criticised the casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey.
What did the director say?
📍 Smaragdis stressed that he respects every filmmaker’s right to creative freedom, but questioned the motivations behind the casting decision.
According to him, if the choice was driven by a desire to satisfy industry expectations or improve the film’s chances of winning awards, it would be “a disgrace” and a sign of disrespect toward Greek cultural heritage.
At the same time, he acknowledged that artists have the right to interpret mythological stories in their own way.
What is the controversy about?
Following the announcement of the cast, some viewers and public figures criticised the selection of Lupita Nyong’o to portray Helen of Troy, one of the most famous figures in ancient Greek mythology.
Others defended Nolan’s decision, pointing out that the film is a creative adaptation of a myth rather than a historical reconstruction.
What do the Oscar rules actually say?
❗ Claims that films must cast actors from specific ethnic groups or members of the LGBTQ+ community in order to qualify for the Academy Awards are incorrect.
To be eligible for nomination in the Best Picture category, films must meet certain inclusion standards. However, these standards apply not only to casting, but also to areas such as production crews, internships, marketing, and other aspects of filmmaking.
What do we know about the film?
🎥 Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is scheduled for release in July 2026.
The main cast includes:
▪ Matt Damon — Odysseus;
▪ Tom Holland — Telemachus;
▪ Anne Hathaway — Penelope;
▪ Lupita Nyong’o — Helen of Troy;
▪ Zendaya — Athena;
▪ Charlize Theron — Calypso.
The film’s budget is estimated at approximately $250 million.
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Renowned Greek filmmaker Yannis Smaragdis has strongly criticised the casting of Lupita Nyong’o as Helen of Troy in director Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film The Odyssey.
What did the director say?
📍 Smaragdis stressed that he respects every filmmaker’s right to creative freedom, but questioned the motivations behind the casting decision.
According to him, if the choice was driven by a desire to satisfy industry expectations or improve the film’s chances of winning awards, it would be “a disgrace” and a sign of disrespect toward Greek cultural heritage.
At the same time, he acknowledged that artists have the right to interpret mythological stories in their own way.
What is the controversy about?
Following the announcement of the cast, some viewers and public figures criticised the selection of Lupita Nyong’o to portray Helen of Troy, one of the most famous figures in ancient Greek mythology.
Others defended Nolan’s decision, pointing out that the film is a creative adaptation of a myth rather than a historical reconstruction.
What do the Oscar rules actually say?
❗ Claims that films must cast actors from specific ethnic groups or members of the LGBTQ+ community in order to qualify for the Academy Awards are incorrect.
To be eligible for nomination in the Best Picture category, films must meet certain inclusion standards. However, these standards apply not only to casting, but also to areas such as production crews, internships, marketing, and other aspects of filmmaking.
What do we know about the film?
🎥 Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is scheduled for release in July 2026.
The main cast includes:
▪ Matt Damon — Odysseus;
▪ Tom Holland — Telemachus;
▪ Anne Hathaway — Penelope;
▪ Lupita Nyong’o — Helen of Troy;
▪ Zendaya — Athena;
▪ Charlize Theron — Calypso.
The film’s budget is estimated at approximately $250 million.
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🇪🇺 Kallas in Limassol: EU to Increase Pressure on Russia and May Expand Naval Mission to the Strait of Hormuz
The informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the Gymnich format concluded in Limassol. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos outlined the outcomes of the discussions.
What was said about Ukraine and Russia?
📍 According to Kallas, EU member states reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and agreed to continue increasing pressure on Russia.
She stressed that the European Union does not view itself as a neutral mediator:
❗ “Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine because we stand with Ukraine and defend our own security interests.”
Possible conditions for future negotiations and the European Union’s so-called “red lines” were also discussed.
What was decided regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
⚓ Following the end of the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, the European Union is considering expanding the scope of the ASPIDES naval mission.
The mission currently protects commercial shipping in the Red Sea and includes vessels from Italy, France and Greece.
According to Kallas, the mission could also be extended to the Strait of Hormuz if necessary — one of the world’s most important routes for global oil and gas trade.
Ministers also discussed:
▪ the situation in Lebanon;
▪ Gaza and the West Bank;
▪ the application of Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty on mutual defence among member states.
📌 The issue is particularly important for Cyprus, as the republic is a member of the European Union but not a member of NATO.
Foreign ministers from India and Saudi Arabia also participated in the meeting.
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The informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in the Gymnich format concluded in Limassol. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos outlined the outcomes of the discussions.
What was said about Ukraine and Russia?
📍 According to Kallas, EU member states reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and agreed to continue increasing pressure on Russia.
She stressed that the European Union does not view itself as a neutral mediator:
❗ “Europe will never be a neutral mediator between Russia and Ukraine because we stand with Ukraine and defend our own security interests.”
Possible conditions for future negotiations and the European Union’s so-called “red lines” were also discussed.
What was decided regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
⚓ Following the end of the conflict involving Israel, the United States and Iran, the European Union is considering expanding the scope of the ASPIDES naval mission.
The mission currently protects commercial shipping in the Red Sea and includes vessels from Italy, France and Greece.
According to Kallas, the mission could also be extended to the Strait of Hormuz if necessary — one of the world’s most important routes for global oil and gas trade.
Ministers also discussed:
▪ the situation in Lebanon;
▪ Gaza and the West Bank;
▪ the application of Article 42(7) of the EU Treaty on mutual defence among member states.
📌 The issue is particularly important for Cyprus, as the republic is a member of the European Union but not a member of NATO.
Foreign ministers from India and Saudi Arabia also participated in the meeting.
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🛡️ Nicosia Seminar Focuses on Eastern Mediterranean Security and Drone Attack on Cyprus
A seminar on defence, security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean was held at the European Union House in Nicosia.
The event took place as part of the conference “Cyprus in Focus: Shaping the Future of the EU and the Mediterranean”, bringing together Members of the European Parliament, security experts and military specialists.
📍 One of the key speakers was Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, Commander of the Cyprus National Guard.
What was discussed?
▪ current security threats facing Europe;
▪ the consequences of the recent crisis in the Middle East;
▪ the need to strengthen defence cooperation among EU member states;
▪ the development of the European Union’s strategic autonomy.
Particular attention was given to the Hezbollah drone attack, fragments of which previously fell in the Cape Greco area.
According to participants, the incident highlighted the importance of developing effective European responses to security threats affecting member states.
📌 Discussions also focused on mechanisms of European solidarity and ways to improve the speed and effectiveness of the EU’s response to similar incidents in the future.
Representatives of the European Commission, think tanks and the European defence industry also took part in the seminar.
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A seminar on defence, security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean was held at the European Union House in Nicosia.
The event took place as part of the conference “Cyprus in Focus: Shaping the Future of the EU and the Mediterranean”, bringing together Members of the European Parliament, security experts and military specialists.
📍 One of the key speakers was Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, Commander of the Cyprus National Guard.
What was discussed?
▪ current security threats facing Europe;
▪ the consequences of the recent crisis in the Middle East;
▪ the need to strengthen defence cooperation among EU member states;
▪ the development of the European Union’s strategic autonomy.
Particular attention was given to the Hezbollah drone attack, fragments of which previously fell in the Cape Greco area.
According to participants, the incident highlighted the importance of developing effective European responses to security threats affecting member states.
📌 Discussions also focused on mechanisms of European solidarity and ways to improve the speed and effectiveness of the EU’s response to similar incidents in the future.
Representatives of the European Commission, think tanks and the European defence industry also took part in the seminar.
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🇨🇾 Northern Cyprus Authorities Reject Christodoulides’ Claims of a “Window of Opportunity” for Talks
The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs” of the self-declared TRNC has strongly criticised statements by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides regarding what he described as a new “window of opportunity” for resolving the Cyprus issue.
📍 In an official statement, the authorities in the north claimed that such remarks are an attempt to mislead the international community.
What did the northern side say?
▪ the current negotiation framework based on the reunification of the island has, in their view, reached its limits;
▪ any new negotiations can only begin after the recognition of the “sovereign equality” of Turkish Cypriots;
▪ a lasting solution, they argue, can only be achieved through the coexistence of two separate states.
The statement also noted that the Turkish Cypriot side has already presented its position to the UN Secretary-General and other participants in the negotiation process.
In addition, the authorities criticised attempts to link the possible resumption of talks to specific deadlines or timetables.
📌 The statement also called on the international community to take steps to end what it described as the political and economic isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
The Republic of Cyprus and the United Nations continue to support the internationally recognised settlement framework based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation within a single state.
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The “Ministry of Foreign Affairs” of the self-declared TRNC has strongly criticised statements by Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides regarding what he described as a new “window of opportunity” for resolving the Cyprus issue.
📍 In an official statement, the authorities in the north claimed that such remarks are an attempt to mislead the international community.
What did the northern side say?
▪ the current negotiation framework based on the reunification of the island has, in their view, reached its limits;
▪ any new negotiations can only begin after the recognition of the “sovereign equality” of Turkish Cypriots;
▪ a lasting solution, they argue, can only be achieved through the coexistence of two separate states.
The statement also noted that the Turkish Cypriot side has already presented its position to the UN Secretary-General and other participants in the negotiation process.
In addition, the authorities criticised attempts to link the possible resumption of talks to specific deadlines or timetables.
📌 The statement also called on the international community to take steps to end what it described as the political and economic isolation of Turkish Cypriots.
The Republic of Cyprus and the United Nations continue to support the internationally recognised settlement framework based on a bi-communal, bi-zonal federation within a single state.
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