Day: June 24, 2022

Today, the European Commission and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy unveiled the renewed EU agenda on International Ocean Governance (IOG), proposing actions for a secure, clean and sustainably managed ocean. With this policy, the EU confirms its active role in international ocean governance and its commitment to strengthen implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goal 14 on Life Below Water. The new agenda has an important role in delivering on the blue part of the European Green Deal. Ahead of the 2nd UN Ocean Conference (27 June – 1 July 2022, Lisbon) and the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP15) (5-17 December 2022 in Montreal) and together with the Commission’s proposal for legally binding targets to restore ecosystems, including at sea, the EU demonstrates its strong engagement for the ocean.

Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said: “The EU and its Member States combined have the largest Exclusive Economic Zone in the world. But nearly two-thirds of the world’s ocean are beyond national jurisdiction. This requires a collective global approach to protect and restore them, and to use the ocean´s enormous potential in a sustainable way to the benefit of societies around the globe. The updated International Ocean Governance Agenda further strengthens our role as a driving force and credible partner to bring real and sustainable solutions to the challenges facing our oceans.”

Virginijus Sinkevicius, Commissioner for the Environment, Ocean and Fisheries, said: “We must take better care of our ocean. With our new proposal for a Nature Restoration Law we want to heal our marine ecosystems in Europe but this will not be enough. We need to mobilise our global partners to achieve sustainable ocean management and heathy marine life all around the world. This is why the Commission commits up to € 1 billion for ocean and coastal biodiversity and climate actions globally. Today, we call on all our international partners to boost the implementation of our joint commitments and focus on ambitious actions for the ocean ahead of the upcoming COP 15 for biodiversity.”

Updating EU strategy for new geopolitical and sustainability developments

International ocean governance is about managing the world’s oceans and their resources together so that they are healthy and productive, for the benefit of current and future generations. Today’s new Joint Communication builds on the one from 2016 taking account of key trends such as the exacerbated impact of climate change and dangerous decline of biodiversity. It also takes into consideration changed geopolitical conditions such as the Russian aggression against Ukraine, which has brought about instability and insecurity including freezing of certain initiatives.

As a leading global actor, the EU sets out an updated agenda for better ocean governance based on a cross-sectoral and rules-based international approach, aiming to further consolidate its role as a global leader in ocean governance. Building on and updating the commitments set out in the 2016 Joint Communication, the EU commits to:

strengthening the international ocean governance framework at global, regional and bilateral levels;

making ocean sustainability a reality by 2030 by taking a coordinated and complementary approach to common challenges and cumulative impacts;

continuing to make the ocean a safe and secure space as competition in international waters and challenges to multilateral cooperation are growing;

building up international ocean knowledge for evidence-based decision-making to result in action to protect and sustainably manage the ocean.

Key actions for a safe, secure, clean, healthy and sustainably managed ocean

The Communication identifies several key priorities to deliver on these commitments:

Halt and reverse the loss of marine biodiversity by concluding an ambitious UN High Seas Treaty (Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction) as soon as possible and reaching the goal of 30% of Marine Protected Areas by 2030;

Protect the seabed by prohibiting deep-sea mining, which destroys the seabed, and regulating, where necessary, the use of fishing gear that are most harmful to biodiversity;

Ensure sustainable fisheries with a zero-tolerance approach against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing and with compliance with international rules and standards. The EU also welcomes the meaningful multilateral agreement contributing to the protection of the oceans that was achieved in the WTO on 17 June this year, after 21 years of negotiation. The EU is fully committed to complete as soon as possible the agreement with the elements not yet agreed;

Fight climate change for a healthy ocean, including through maritime transport measures on the EU and global level as well as decarbonising the fishing sector to reduce the dependency on fossil fuels;

Fight marine pollution notably by concluding an ambitious legally binding Global Plastic Agreement by 2024;

Making the transition to a global sustainable blue economy, notably scaling up investment in ocean health and in the transformation to a sustainable blue economy via the EU ‘BlueInvest’ investment platform, and improving integrated maritime planning;

Ensure security and safety at sea by monitoring closely and responding swiftly to maritime security threats, cooperating with its partners such as NATO, as well as addressing forced labour following International Labour Organization rules;

Build up ocean knowledge by creating an intergovernmental science-policy interface for ocean sustainability, aiming at establishing an Intergovernmental Panel for Ocean Sustainability (IPOS), promoting ocean diplomacy and literacy;

Invest in the ocean – up to €1 billion in 2021-2027 for ocean and coastal biodiversity and climate, including for high seas, and €350 million a year on ocean research through Horizon Europe 2021-2027 programme.

Next steps

The Joint Communication will be presented by the Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Virginijus Sinkevicius at the 2nd UN Ocean Conference. It will be discussed by the European Parliament and the Council.

Background

In 2016, the EU was the first leading economy to launch its International Ocean Governance Agenda and commit to a safe, secure, clean, healthy and sustainably managed ocean.

In 2019, EU Member States expressed their support to the further follow-up and development of this agenda. The European Green Deal highlighted the importance of fostering the role of the EU as a global leader in ocean governance. A targeted consultation and an international stakeholder forum presented recommendations for its development to ensure the EU’s continued active role in contributing to global sustainability objectives.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

There are no thoughts for the time being to bring back restrictions for COVID, Press Advisor of the ?ealth ?inistry, Constantinos Athanasiou, told the Cyprus News Agency, following a hike in positivity rate and cases on Friday.

He said that the Ministry has no plans for making face masks mandatory indoors but noted that all authorities monitor closely the situation and assess all figures and if there is a need to take measures, we will do so.

Athanasiou said the people who are being treated in hospitals do not have severe symptoms at the moment. He also urged citizens to follow self protective measures, i.e. wearing masks in crowded places, practice social distancing and sanitize their hands frequently.

Invited to say if there will be a meeting of the scientific advisory committee, he said that they have not contacted the committee as a whole, adding that if the officials at the ministry decide to bring back any measures, they will ask for the input of the committee.

Following the rise in cases the Ministry issued an announcement reminding the public of the self-protective measures. The Ministry urges the public, especially the vulnerable groups, to wear a face mask when in crowded places.

According to the protocol, a person who is infected must self isolate for 7 days and can exit the isolation on 5th day with a negative PCR.

Close contacts need to be reported and the citizens are advised to isolate when they have symptoms and to contact their GP for a free test.

Visitors and employees in hospitals, clinics, closed units and nursing homes need to wear a face mask. All those with a valid vaccination card or infection certificate do not have to show a safe pass while others need to have a rapid test of 48 hours or a PCR of 72 hours.

A mask is mandatory in public transport.

Visitors of hospitalized persons need to show rapid test or a PCR of 48 hours and only one person each time or two people per day are allowed to visit.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Today, the Commission officially launches the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, calling on the members of the aviation community to join forces in preparing for the advent of zero emission aircraft.

The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation aims to prepare the aviation ecosystem for the entry into service of hydrogen- and electric-powered aircraft, to ensure that air transport contributes to Europe’s 2050 climate neutrality objective. It will gather representatives of aircraft manufacturers, airlines, airports, energy companies and fuel providers, standardisation and certification agencies, passenger and environmental interest groups and regulators.

They will jointly work to identify all barriers to the entry into commercial service of these aircraft, establish recommendations and a roadmap to address them, promote investment projects and create synergies and momentum amongst members. In particular, the members will look at issues such as the fuel and infrastructure requirements of hydrogen and electric aircraft at airports, standardisation and certification, and the implications for operators (airlines) and air traffic management.

Over the next two decades, more than 44,000 new aircraft are expected to be placed on the market. The potential market volume for zero emission aircraft has been estimated at 26,000 by 2050, with a total value of €5 trillion.

The Alliance will eventually deliver on the commitment to align the sector with the EU’s climate ambition, goals and other related policies. The international dimension of the sector is also a major element, as tackling climate change is a global effort.

Members of the College said:

Executive Vice-President for the Digital Age, Margrethe Vestager, said: “With the advent of zero emission aircraft Europe is writing the next chapter in aviation. Climate-neutrality is the passport for growth, and the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation will help the European aeronautical industry to pave the way for a competitive and clean aviation.”

Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “Europe’s aeronautics industry is the most innovative in the world. And its enthusiasm – from large manufacturers to equipment suppliers and small companies and start-ups – to lead the way to hydrogen and electric propulsion aircraft is really encouraging. But the entire aviation ecosystem, including fuel suppliers, airport operators and regulators, also needs to get ready. The Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation will help coordinate efforts by companies and organisations to maintain a competitive and sustainable aviation sector.”

Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Mariya Gabriel, said: “I welcome the launch of the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation, which is an important step to ensure that we can bring our European research and innovation activities on clean aviation to the market. The activities of the Alliance will deliver the framework conditions that will be needed for the successful future deployment of zero emission aircraft in Europe.”

Next Steps

Private and public entities from the aviation community who committed to supporting the entry-into-service of zero emission aircraft are invited to join the Alliance for Zero Emission Aviation through the online form.

A first meeting of the general assembly will take place in autumn this year.

Background

The European aeronautics industry together with other European players in the aviation sector made the commitment to ensure that air transport in Europe meets Europe’s 2050 climate objectives. The Commission is supporting this objective through concrete action like the Clean Aviation Programme under Horizon Europe, carbon-pricing mechanisms (e.g. EU ETS) and the Innovation Fund. These initiatives support the development of zero emission aircraft based on novel propulsion technologies (e.g. electric, hydrogen). Such environmentally sustainable aircraft have huge market potential and may strongly contribute to industry’s future competitiveness in all market segments.

Under Horizon Europe, the EU Framework programme for research and innovation, the Commission together with industry is investing €1.7 billion in research and innovation activities for climate-neutral aviation in the Clean Aviation partnership. Building on previous EU research and innovation partnerships, the Clean Aviation Partnership aims to have zero emission technologies ready by 2027-2029 in order to have zero emission aircraft ready for entry into service by 2035. The disruptive new technologies that are being developed within the Clean Aviation Partnership are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30-50%, compared to 2020 and are thus crucial for the delivery of the European Green Deal.

On 4 February 2022, the Member States of the European Union, several Member States of the European Civil Aviation Conference and the Commission as well as companies and stakeholders from air transport and energy sectors endorsed the Toulouse Declaration on future sustainability and decarbonisation of aviation.

Zero emission propulsion technologies are key to mitigating aviation’s CO2 emissions, corresponding to at least 3% of global warming. This does not include, the impact of non-CO2 emissions, which are responsible for two thirds of the sector’s climate impact. The introduction of hydrogen and battery-electric propulsion will entail major changes to the air transport system. These technologies will not only lead to a new generation of aircraft but also require major changes to airport infrastructures, airlines, air traffic management and energy networks.

The alliance will work in full complementarity with the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain and the Clean Hydrogen Industrial Alliances.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The UNSG’s Special Representative in Cyprus, Colin Stewart, will have separate meetings with Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, and Turkish Cypriot leader, Ersin Tatar, ahead of his trip to New York where the UN Security Council is expected to vote in late July a resolution for the renewal of the UN peacekeeping force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) mandate.

Stewart will meet with Anastasiades at the Presidential Palace on Monday morning and in the afternoon he will meet with Tatar at his office, in the Turkish-occupied areas of the island, CNA has learned.

The meetings will be taking place in the shadow of a replying letter which Tatar sent to Anastasiades on June 20, 2022, in which he claimed that it is essential for the “sovereign equality” and “equal international status” of the Turkish Cypriots to be secured as this “will open the door for meaningful and formal negotiations, which will aim at establishing a structured cooperative relationship between the two equal states.”

Invited by CNA to comment on Tatar’s letter, Government Spokesman, Marios Pelekanos, has said that once again the other side reiterates its unacceptable demand for the recognition of equal sovereign rights for the illegal regime, “something which of course serves their goal to reach a two state solution, something which we will not accept in any case.”

“We will expect the proposals which Tatar says he intends to submit, while we make clear that in order for them to be the basis for discussion they must abide by the provisions of the UN Security Council resolutions, the international law and the EU principles and values,” the Spokesman concluded.

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.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

To respond to current and future challenges, the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is strengthening its ability to monitor and identify bad practices through the adoption of additional tools and the implementation of strategies that enhance our efficiency and effectiveness, its President Giorgos Theocharides has said.

Speaking at the Economic Forum entitled “The Future of Finance”, which was organised in Limassol by the CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Society Cyprus, Theocharides said that “we are also addressing the need to manage Big Data with the introduction of sophisticated RegTech systems, that use Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing.”

These solutions have the capacity to quickly screen data from a large and varied volume of trading activity in order to automatically detect risks and irregularities at an earlier stage and, thus take proactive action against them, he went on to say.

Our aim, Theocharides added, as the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission, is to ensure the sector’s healthy growth and the inclusion of new products/services under our supervision, always with investor protection at the forefront.

“We seek to achieve this by fostering trust amongst the firms we regulate and the investors they serve. Through supervision, innovation, and education.”

Today, he concluded, CySEC is an independent public supervisory Authority with all the necessary tools, to ensure the regulatory compliance of the entities under its supervision.

According to a press release by the organisers during the Forum, delegates discussed the prospects of the global economy as well as the contribution of the financial sector to the formation of a more credible investment profession, which will better serve society.

President of the CFA Society Cyprus, Eleni Konstantinou, said that the Economic Forum gave the opportunity to representatives of the wider financial sector to exchange views on the prospects of the world economy, after two years of physical distancing due to the pandemic.

The event, she added, was also a first-class opportunity to share our joy and satisfaction with the recent distinction of the Association, which won the CFA Institute’s Most Outstanding Society Award, in the category 150- 349 members.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) human medicines committee (CHMP) has recommended granting an extension of indication for the COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid to include use in adolescents aged 12 to 17 years.

The vaccine, developed by Novavax CZ, a.s., is already approved for use in adults aged 18 and above.

A Health Ministry press release said the use of the vaccine in adolescents is the same as in adults, with two injections given in a muscle, three weeks apart.

A main study including over 2,200 children aged 12 to 17 years is being carried out in accordance with the paediatric investigation plan (PIP) for the vaccine, which was agreed by EMA’s Paediatric Committee (PDCO).

This trial showed that the immune response to Nuvaxovid in adolescents, which was measured as the level of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, was comparable to the response in young adults aged 18 to 25 years (who were part of the main study used to assess effectiveness of the vaccine in adults). The trial was carried out when the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant was dominant and showed that the vaccine was almost 80% effective at preventing COVID-19; six out of the 1,205 adolescents who received Nuvaxovid developed COVID-19 compared to 14 out of 594 who received placebo (dummy injections). The CHMP considered that these results are in line with those seen in adults.

The most common side effects in adolescents are mostly similar to those in people aged 18 and above. They include tenderness, pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle and joint pain, tiredness, generally feeling unwell, feeling sick or vomiting and fever. Fever is seen more frequently in adolescents than in adults. These effects are usually mild or moderate and improve within a few days of vaccination.

CHMP therefore considered that the benefits of Nuvaxovid in adolescents aged 12 to 17 outweigh its risks.

It noted the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine in both adolescents and adults will continue to be monitored closely as the vaccine is used in vaccination campaigns across the Member States, through the EU pharmacovigilance system and ongoing and additional studies by the company and by European authorities.

Nuvaxovid is given as two injections, usually into the muscle of the upper arm, 3 weeks apart. It works by preparing the body to defend itself against COVID-19.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The final event of the STEAM Project will take place on 28th of June 2022.

The final ceremony will launch at Tasos Papadopoulos large amphitheater from 18:00 to 21:00 pm. Important will be the presence of Acting Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, Mrs. Eliana Charalambous.

The final event includes presentations from all the STEAM partners summarizing important results, improvements, and accomplishments of the project. STEAM (Sea Traffic Management in the Eastern Mediterranean) is a three-year project that has started in January 2019 with a budget of approximately €1mn. The project is coordinated by the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) with the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) participating in the project as a Foreign Research Organization. More information can be found at: https://steam.cut.ac.cy/the-project/.

Furthermore, the STEAM consortium consists of the Cyprus Ports Authority, the Cyprus Shipping Association, and the private companies Tototheo Maritime, A.T. DeLevant Business Solutions, and Cyprus Subsea Consulting and Services. Also, very important is the participation of established stakeholders of the Cyprus maritime sector including the Cyprus Shipping Chamber, the Maritime Institute of Eastern Mediterranean (Mar.In.E.M.), and the private companies that currently handle the terminal operations at the Port of Limassol: DP WORLD Limassol, EUROGATE Limassol Container Terminal ?a? PandO Maritime.

Michalis Michaelides, Assistant Professor,

Department of Electrical Engineering,

Computer Engineering and Informatics

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The latest European Council conclusions include references to Turkey’s behaviour, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has tweeted after the approval of part of the summit’s conclusions on Thursday.

In a post on Twitter, Anastasiades points to elements of the conclusions, which are mostly those included in the draft that had circulated before the start of the meeting.

“Agreed #EUCO Conclusions on Turkey. PM @kmitsotakis and I briefed colleagues about Turkish aggressive behavior and continued illegal actions in Cyprus #Varosha / other fait accomplis / inadmissible insistence on a two-state solution and Greece #Aegean” reads the President’s first tweet.

“Consensus that Turkey’s rhetoric and activities are unacceptable by EU. Colleagues shared the view Turkey should refrain from provocations, respect sovereignty of EU countries and allow resumption of talks for solution to Cyprus issue, in accordance with UN body of work” Anastasiades added in a second tweet.

President Anastasiades also tweeted that the European Council welcomed Ukraine and Moldova as candidate countries and opened possibility of candidate status for Georgia. He added that the door has been opened for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“Progress now rests on partners. Enlargement process’ conditions are clear and everything will be merit-based” he also tweeted.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Today is truly an important day both for the defence of Cyprus and for the development of our defence cooperation with France, Minister of Defence Charalambos Petrides, said on Friday after the signature of a contract for acquiring new attack helicopters for the National Guard.

The Minister said that the acquisition of H-145M attack helicopters deepens our defence partnership with France and opens a new chapter in our well established and long – standing relationship in the fields of defence and security.

“Let me express my deepest satisfaction for this watershed development that marks a new era for our Air Force,” he continued.

The Minister noted that despite the challenging international economic conditions, and based on the direction and personal support of the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, we are steadfastly implementing our defence and armaments program, step by step.

“Our unwavering goal is to upgrade and modernize the quality and capabilities of the National Guard, with advanced resources and up to date equipment, in order to be a reliable and robust defensive and deterrent force,” he noted, adding that “the defence and national security of our homeland is non – negotiable.”

“The ongoing Turkish military threat from the occupied part of Cyprus, combined with the increasing revisionist policies of Turkey do not allow for any complacency. We must maintain robust defence capabilities for the defence and security of our country and citizens,” he underlined.

Petrides noted that with the acquisition of the new Airbus attack helicopters, we will also be able to strengthen the existing framework of our numerous international and regional partnerships, by increasing interoperability with regional states and participating in exercises and multinational initiatives, thus positively contributing to the security and stability in the region.

“I would like to note that this year alone we have the highest index over the last 20 years, as concerns defence spending on national armament programs. We are also investing more in defence related research, innovation and technology and I am hopeful that this area could be further harnessed between Cyprus and France,” he pointed out.

Referring to Cyprus and France, he said that the two states have forged a strong defence partnership that extends to bilateral, European and regional cooperation and conveyed his appreciation for France’s strong interest for the security of the Eastern Mediterranean region especially through the regular naval presence of the French Navy.

“Our countries maintain common views as concerns European defence and security, the development of the European defense industry and the security of the Eastern Mediterranean. We will work together to further strengthen, expand and deepen our defence cooperation with France and other EU Member States, both on a bilateral and European level, following the adoption of the Strategic Compass and the goal to strengthen European autonomy,” Petrides pointed out.

Concluding his speech, he said “investing in Defence means that we invest in our security, well-being and prosperity”.

Ambassador of France in Cyprus Salina Grenet-Catalano expressed the conviction that this agreement will strengthen security and regional stability and will further strengthen European defence and bilateral corporate defence cooperation.

The agreement was signed on behalf of the Ministry of Defence by Permanent Secretary Andreas Loukas and on behalf of Airbus Helicopters by Executive Vice President Olivier Michalon.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Costas Kadis went to the airport of Larnaka Friday to thank the teams of the firefighting aircraft that arrived from Israel and helped put out the large fire in the Turkish occupied area of Kantara.

In statements to CNA, the Minister said “I wanted to express our gratitude to Israel, the crew of the aircraft that responded immediately after the call for help made by the Cypriot government and who contributed very substantially in extinguishing the fire in occupied Kantara.”

He added that based on the information available, the situation was very difficult and both Cyprus’ and Israel’s aircraft played a very important role in containing the fire.”

“We are always ready to assist, whenever our country is in need, since our homeland is not limited to the free part of Cyprus,” he noted.

He said that the Republic had also expressed its willingness to send ground forces to battle the fire in Kantara but no such request was made.

Through these actions, he pointed out, the cooperation of Cyprus with Israel is strengthened, since the two countries face the same risks and recalled that last year Cyprus sent firefighting aircraft to Israel.

The Minister also told CNA that beginning of July he will travel to Israel and one of the issues he will discuss with his counterpart will be ways to strengthen relations between the two countries in terms of cooperation to combat forest fires.

Source: Cyprus News Agency