Month: August 2022

EMPN Issue 77, August 2022

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Eastern Mediterranean Policy Note

Issue 77, August 2022

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN POLICY NOTE

titled

THE CYPRIOT MODEL AND THE TRAP OF THE THREE CRISES

by Marat Yuldashev

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EMPN Issue 77, August 2022

View this email in your browser

Eastern Mediterranean Policy Note

Issue 77, August 2022

EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN POLICY NOTE

titled

THE CYPRIOT MODEL AND THE TRAP OF THE THREE CRISES

Source: Cyprus News Agency

This year’s summer is not hotter compared with previous ones, Senior Meteorological Officer, Michalis Mouskos told CNA on Wednesday.

In response to a question by CNA on whether the frequency of high temperatures has increased in Cyprus compared with previous years, Mouskos said that heatwaves are a combination of three parameters, namely temperature, humidity and wind, and specified that the met office issues yellow warnings for high temperatures, not heatwaves.

As regards this summer, “we haven’t seen the very high temperatures that we’ve seen in previous years, which was over 42-43 degrees Celsius,” Mouskos said.

He added, that excluding the last few days, during which, an increased level of discomfort was being experienced due to all three aforementioned factors, “we have been experiencing a mild summer with temperatures close to the seasonal average”. Mouskos noted that, in general, the summer in Cyprus is particularly hot while the period between mid-July and mid-August is the hottest of the year in Cyprus.

“Compared to previous summers, we cannot say that this summer is particularly hot or that there’s something that we have not seen before,” the Senior Meteorological Officer reiterated, adding that in previous years, apart from the three summer months, very high temperatures had been observed in May as well.

On whether climate change is noticeable in Cyprus, Mouskos said that it is not particularly noticeable, since, the Cyprus summer is dry, anyway. He added that one should examine a period of 20-30 years, not just two or three, to see the climatological trend.

According to Mouskos, this summer is not as responsive to climate change as previous ones, “but that does not mean we have escaped climate change,” he said, adding that in the future, “we should expect higher temperatures for longer periods.” However, he said, this is not what we are seeing this year.

Mouskos, said, however, that the combination of high temperatures and high humidity should be of concern because there is increased possibility of heatstroke, especially in vulnerable groups of the population and especially during the hours where high temperatures are recorded. He urged members of the public to pay heed to the advice of experts and take all necessary measures for their protection.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has signed the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) equality, diversity, and inclusion Charter.

The aim of the Charter, according to a press release by the CBC, is to be a means of recognising and implementing the principle of equal opportunities and diversity in every working environment of the European System of Central Banks (ESCB) and the Single Supervisory Mechanism (SSM).

CBC Governor, Constantinos Herodotou, co-signed the Charter, after the approved by the CBC Board of Directors. “By signing the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Charter, we are declaring, in practice, our commitment to a positive and participatory work environment,” Herodotou said.

He added that diversity in Central Banks “is directly linked to enhancing productivity, attracting talented professionals, encouraging innovation and creativity, but also strengthening our values.”

With this initiative, he noted, “we emphasise that everyone plays an equally active role, receives full respect and benefits from the inclusive environment that we promote both at the level of the European Central Bank and the Central Bank of Cyprus.”

The Charter, officially presented by the ECB, is a public commitment of a voluntary nature and reflects the shared vision of eliminating discrimination and strengthening integration into the work culture of the ESCB and the SSM, the press release says.

It records a series of principles and commitments that reflect the fundamental rights of the EU towards the adoption of a strategy that takes diversity and equality into account, the press release adds.

To date, the Charter has been signed by the President of the ECB, Central Bank Governors of the ESCB, as well as national competent authorities of the Single Supervisory Mechanism.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The condition of the 40-year-old man recently diagnosed with monkeypox is good, while all his close contacts have been traced and are being monitored, according to the protocols, officials told CNA on Wednesday.

Communications Advisor to the Health Minister, Konstantinos Athanasiou told CNA, that the 40-year-old’s condition is good and is in hospital where he is being monitored.

He added that his contacts have been notified.

Head of the state medical services, Dr Elisavet Constantinou, told CNA, that, all the patient’s contacts have been traced and, as per the protocol, they have been given instructions by the Health Ministry’s Epidemiological Surveillance Unit to self-monitor for 21 days for any symptoms. This, she said, is done in collaboration with the Unit through daily communication.

Cyprus is expected to receive by the end of August 1,400 doses of the vaccine against monkeypox.

Constantinou said they are exerting great effort to expedite the arrival of a small amount of the vaccine doses.

Cyprus’ Health Ministry announced on Tuesday that the first case of monkeypox was detected in the country.

The case was detected after a molecular test, carried out by the microbiological lab of the Nicosia General Hospital. According to an announcement issued by the Health Ministry, the person infected was a 40-year-old man with a travel history who presented clinical symptoms compatible with monkeypox.

The 40-year-old has been admitted to the Nicosia General Hospital, which is the island’s reference hospital for monkeypox, for monitoring and further evaluation of his condition.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Kyriacos Kokkinos is in Athens to participate in the 26th Annual Economist Roundtable between 5-6 July, a press release by the Deputy Ministry says. Kokkinos will take place in a panel discussion titled “Digital transformations in the pipeline” and along with the General Secretary of Digital Governance and Procedures at Ministry of Digital Governance of Greece, Leonidas Christopoulos and senior fellow at the Institute of Biomedical Ethics, University of Zurich Efi Vagena will debate with representatives of the international business community on the international trends, challenges and developments as regards digital transformation.

Cyprus saw in the first quarter of 2022 an increase of 0.8 percentage points in employment, from 77.2% in the last quarter of 2021 to 78% in the first quarter of 2022, Eurostat data show.

Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides highlighted the importance of trilateral and multilateral partnerships, in which Greece and Cyprus participate, for ensuring regional stability, during the Economist conference in Greece. During his remarks at the panel discussion “Effective diplomacy in unstable times: The European Strategy for Peace and Stability”, Kasoulides stressed that Greece and Cyprus have been cooperating diligently for the last ten years to build a network within which all regional countries can cooperate harmoniously and to mutual benefit.

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, told the European Parliament on Tuesday in Strasbourg that the conflict in Ukraine is a turning point in Europe’s course and that Europe should help prevent any kind of fait accomplis that other potential troublemakers might seek to simulate in the future. “This has a special weight for Greece and Cyprus,” Mitsotakis said, referring to Turkey’s aggressive attitude, stressing that Greece will not tolerate any dispute of its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The European Union’s REPowerEU Plan for saving energy, producing clean energy and diversifying energy supplies was discussed on Tuesday during an online dialogue organised by the European Commission Representation in Cyprus. The event was the first opportunity for EU policy makers and relevant stakeholders from the energy sector in Cyprus to discuss Cyprus’ energy transition to ensure security of supply and sustainability.

Industrial turnover reached its highest level ever for the month in April this year, recording a strong increase on a 12-month basis, according to data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus on Tuesday. In particular, in April 2022 the Industry Turnover Index reached 161.4 points (2015 base=100), an increase of 12.7% compared to April 2021.

The main aggregates of the trade sector recorded a negative growth rate in 2020, compared to 2019, according to the results of the Wholesale and retail trade survey 2020, published by the Statistical Service. Specifically, turnover in the broad trade sector decreased by 4.8% in 2020 to €12,673.7 million, compared to €13,319.4 million in 2019.

Total new loans recorded an increase to €362.9 million this May, data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Tuesday show, which is mainly due to both an increase in loans for over €1 million and loans for the purchase of homes. At the same time, the interest rate on mortgages increased to 2.28%, the highest it has been in nearly three and a half years.

Nicosia is set to host between October 5 and 7, this year the 9th Environment for Europe Ministerial Conference in October entitled “Circular Economy, Sustainable Tourism and Education for Sustainable Development”, with the participation of delegates from over 70 countries. A press release by the Press and Information Office says the conference is hosted by the Republic of Cyprus in collaboration with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and is under the high auspices of the President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades.

Cyprus is in favour of the EU standing in support of Egypt’s efforts to ensure sufficient food supplies, President Nicos Anastasiades has said following a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. In a post on Twitter about the telephone conversation, President Anastasiades says they discussed “bilateral relations, regional developments & impact of Ukraine war on global food security.”

The increase of COVID-19 cases in some countries of Europe since last week has been up to 34%, EU Health and Food Security Commissioner, Stella Kyriakides, told Cypriot journalists covering the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg, on Tuesday. Kyriakides said that she expects by July 17-18 the new ECDC recommendation for the EU member states on what action they should immediately take, based on scientific data.

UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Colin Stewart is hosting on Tuesday evening a reception for the co-chairs of the Bicommunal Technical Committees, to offer support and encouragement. Menelaos Menelaou, the Greek Cypriot Negotiator, is also attending the event. “Top @UN official in #Cyprus, Colin Stewart, hosts a reception for co-chairs of the Technical Committees, also attended by Greek Cypriot Negotiator, @m_menelaou & Turkish Cypriot Special Representative, Ergün Olgun, to offer support & encouragement.

A United Nations envoy to lead engagement with the parties could provide critical support, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has said in his Good Offices mission to Cyprus Report. “While underscoring the importance of the work of the technical committees and the positive impact of confidence-building measures for trust-building between the two communities, I believe that only genuine progress towards reaching a consensus starting point for meaningful, results- oriented negotiations leading to a settlement will reassure Cypriots as well as the international community that a peaceful and shared future on the island truly remains possible”, Guterres stresses.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged the leaders in Cyprus, President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to encourage more direct contact and cooperation between the two communities, expressing his concern about the likelihood that the the already difficult climate between the parties could worsen. In his report on UNFICYP, which was given late Tuesday afternoon (New York time) to the members of the Security Council, Guterres recommends that the Security Council extend the mandate of the mission for six months, until 31 January, 2023.

OSCE PA Vice President Irene Charalambides, head of the Cyprus delegation, on Tuesday presented her activities report as special rapporteur on corruption before the 29th General assembly which takes place in Birmingham. A press release issued on Wednesday by the Parliament says that Charalambides informed the members of the OSCE PA on her recent working visit to the US, as part of a high ranking delegation.

US lawmakers of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, who issued a statement addressed to President Joe Biden, have expressed their strong disagreement with the public support expressed by him for Turkey’s request for the purchase and upgrade of F-16s. The statement issued by Congress members Dina Titus, Chris Pappas, Charlie Crist, Carolyn B. Maloney, Frank Pallone, and John Sarbanes, expresses concern about the White House’s stance, noting that such a development would reward Turkish President Tayip Erdogan for not honouring Turkey’s commitments to both the United States and NATO.

Production value decreased by 53.9% in accommodation and food services activities in 2020, according to the results of the Services and Transport Survey, published by the Cyprus Statistical Service on Wednesday. In value added at current prices, the sector noted a 71.1% to €380.9 mln, while the staff employed in the sector fell to 36.099, noting a decrease of 29%. Likewise, in transportation and storage, a production value decrease of 9.5% was observed, while the value added at current prices fell at €653.4 mln, recording a decrease of 27%.

Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties have expressed their continued willingness to regularly meet in the format of the bi-communal dialogue under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in order to contribute to the creation of a positive political atmosphere. According to the joint communiqué, leaders and representatives of G/C and T/C political parties participating in the bi-communal meetings met on 6 July 2022 at the Ledra Palace.

Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, will be announcing the approval of the Cohesion Policy’s Partnership Agreement, as well as the operational programme and the Just Transition Plan for Cyprus, during a visit to the country on Thursday. In addition to the announcement which will take place on Friday, Ferreira will visit several Cohesion Policy projects and meet with the mayors of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.

Cyprus long-term strategy for a new growth model titled “Vision 2035” connects the present with the great challenges facing the economy in the coming years and is not based on theories and wishful thinking but on specific actions, Finance Minister Constantinos Petrides said on Wednesday. The “Vision 2035” strategy, drafted by the Cyprus Economy and Competitiveness Council (Ecompet), was presented to the Council of Ministers.

The work of the EU on sanctions against Russia will continue, to make sure all the sanctions are effectively implemented and to prevent, as much as possible, circumvention, European Council President, Charles Michel, told the European Parliament plenary in Strasbourg, on Wednesday. He added that in close coordination with the G7 “we will consider sanctions on gold. We will also explore measures, such as price caps, to secure energy supply and to try to reduce price surges.”

The support from the EU Cohesion Funds will provide Cyprus with a new stimulus for continued sustainable growth, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms Eliza Ferreira said on Thursday. Ferreira visits Cyprus for the approval of the Cohesion Policy’s Partnership Agreement, as well as the operational programme and the Just Transition Plan for Cyprus. The EU funds allocated to Cyprus for the period of 2021 – 2027 amount to about €1 billion, which are accompanied by national funds amounting to €800 million.

The expected average duration of working life for 15-year-olds in the EU was 37.9 years in Cyprus in 2021, above the European Union average (36.0 years), according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU. Cyprus however is also the country with the fourth largest gender gap in the EU, with men expected to work for 7,5 years more than women in 2021.

Inflation in Cyprus in June edged closer to double-digits driven by the soaring prices in electricity and energy on the backdrop of the war in Ukraine. According to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CyStat) the annual inflation rate climbed to 9.6% in June with the Consumer Price Index reaching 112.4 units from 111.37 units the month before. Of the 9.65 units change compared with June 2021, almost 55% of the impact is attributed to fuel prices (3.84 units) and electricity (1.55 units).

Building permits dropped by an annual 10.7% in April declining to 560 from 627 in the respective period of last year, data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (CyStat) show. According to CyStat, the total value of building permits issued in April amounted to €144.8 million in April 2022 and total area at 127.1 thousands square metres compared with €230.6 million and 192,8 sq.m in April last year.

Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou on Thursday met with Diaspora youth from the United States, aged 14-17 who are visiting Cyprus on an educational field in the framework of youth hosting program. A press release says that the diaspora teenagers have the chance to get to know with their roots, culture and language and to visit places of archeological and religious interest.

Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades received Thursday the credentials of the new Ambassadors of Slovakia Martin Bezak, Libya, Quwaydir Abrahim Quwaydir and the Cuba, Angel Gustavo Suarez Cordero, during an official ceremony at the Presidential Palace. A press release says that the President assured the new Ambassadors that the government will provide them with all possible assistance and support during the performance of their high duties.

The Cyprus House of Representatives voted on Thursday in favour of the bill that amends the Constitution thus allowing the reform of the highest level of justice, following three years of debates and discussions. The amendment of the constitution paves the way for the reoperation of the two supreme courts provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of Cyprus, namely the Supreme Constitutional Court and the Supreme Court and the granting of additional jurisdiction of the third degree to these two courts.

President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades said on Thursday that the government will make appeals in all directions with the aim to correct any flaws or false statements included in UN reports on the Cyprus problem. Replying to questions by the press on the draft reports presented to the Security Council and the criticism that followed in Cyprus, the President said that unfortunately we need to realize that the international community has, since the ancient ages, been operating based on interests and not on what is fair.

It wasn’t because we left the negotiating table that we didn’t achieve a Cyprus solution, President Anastasiades said on Thursday evening, adding that the release of the minutes of what happened in Crans-Montana in 2017 “shows how sincere, honest and truthful we have been.” Addressing the inauguration of the Doxas Katokopias stadium in Peristerona, the President said it was not possible for the UN Secretary General to believe on 4 July 2017 that the anachronistic guarantees system should be abolished and on the evening of 6-7 July for Turkey to insist that it could not tolerate the abolition or accept the limitation of its military forces to the 1960s army, while encouraged by Turkey, the Turkish Cypriot leadership demanded that it should have a say or a positive vote on every decision of the Council of Ministers otherwise the state could not function.

President Nicos Anastasiades, accompanied by Defence Minister Charalampos Petrides, attended the memorial service for all those who perished during the 15th July 1974 coup in Cyprus. The service will take place on the day of the coup, at Saints Constantinos and Eleni Church at 0830 local time.

The European Parliament’s condemnation of Turkey’s violations of UN Security Council resolutions on Famagusta, is reiterated in a letter to Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades by the Parliament’s President Roberta Metsola, Government Spokesperson Marios Pelekanos has said. He also expresses the government’s thanks to Metsola and the European Parliament for their principled positions in relation to Nicosia’s efforts to reunify Cyprus.

More than one billion Euros in European Union funds will go to Cyprus in the 2021 – 2027 period after the adoption in Nicosia of the Partnership Agreement, the single operational programme and the Just Transition Plan, according to data released by the European Commission on the occasion of Commissioner Ferreira’s visit to the country. The funds will be used towards the economic and social development of the country and the processes of the green and the digital transitions in ways that would mitigate the impact of these changes in the country’s economy and society.

A supplementary report issued by the Council of Europe’s corruption watchdog, GRECO, has noted progress in Cyprus over the implementation its recommendations, noting that one recommendation has been implemented. In a press release, Cyprus Law Office said that the pending recommendation will be addressed with the promotion and adoption of a bill concerning the autonomy of the Law Office.

The total registrations of motor vehicles decreased by 5% to 17,697 in January-June 2022, from 18,631 in the same period of 2021, according to the “Registration of Motor Vehicles” report, published on Friday by the Statistical Service. According to the data, passenger saloon cars decreased to 14,101 from 14,267 in January-June 2021, recording a fall of 1.2%.

The possible effects of the war in Ukraine on the EU’s internal security will be discussed, among others, during the Informal Council of Justice and Home Affairs of the European Union. According to an official announcement, Minister of Justice and Public Order Stefi Drakou is leaving on Sunday for Prague, Czech Republic, where she will participate in the work of the Informal Council that will be held there on July 11 and 12.

President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades called upon the Transparency Commissioner and the members of the National Authority against Corruption to work with determination by showing zero tolerance against corruption. Speaking at the appointment ceremony, the President referred to the mission of the Authority, which includes inter alia the investigation of complaints and information related to acts of corruption in the public sector, the wider public sector and the private sector, the supervision and evaluation of the actions of services of the wider public sector and the private sector in matters of preventing and combating acts of corruption, the drafting of reports with recommendations and proposals for the prevention and combating of acts of corruption.

In this ever-changing global terrain, we need to be proactive, flexible, transparent and fast in our decisions and actions in a coherent and coordinated manner, said Cyprus’ Central Bank’s Governor Constantinos Herodotou at the 26th Annual Economist Government Roundtable in Greece. He also noted that the developments concerning inflation will determine European Central Bank’s monetary policy beyond September. “Incoming inflation data and the outlook assessment will determine the pace with which we will continue to gradually normalise our monetary policy beyond September, in order to deliver on our two per cent medium-term inflation target”, he said.

Thirty-five US Congress members, have joined forces to oppose the sale of F-16s to Turkey. Democrats and Republicans Congress members, among them the Greek-Americans Gus Bilirakis, Chris Papas, John Sarbanis, Nicole Malliotaki, Philhellene Carolyn Maloney co-signed the letter as they said they will take any action necessary as members of Congress to prevent the sale of the F-16s as if this if approved, Erdogan’s destabilizing actions will be strengthened.

President Nicos Anastasiades will attend the memorial services for those who died during the 1974 coup d’état and the victims of the 2011 Mari blast next week, while the President’s programme also includes an official visit to Cyprus of Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer. According to a written statement by Andreas Iosif, Director of the President’s Press Office, President Anastasiades will attend and speak on Monday 11 July at 8:30 am at the annual memorial service of the 13 navy officers and firefighters who died 11 years ago at the naval base “Evangelos Florakis” in Mari.

UNFICYP and the continued US support to efforts for Cyprus’ reunification were discussed on Friday between US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, Karen Donfried and UN Secretary General’s Special Representative in Cyprus Colin Stewart in Washington. In a a post on Twitter, the State Department Bureau said Donfried met Stewart “to discuss the important work of #UNFICYP and continued U.S. support for @UN facilitated, Cypriot-led efforts to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation.”

The political leadership of Cyprus expressed its condolences on the assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, on Friday. In a post on his personal Twitter account, President Nicos Anastasiades said he was “appalled to hear about the vicious assassination of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. May his soul rest in peace. At these difficult moments, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the friendly people of Japan.”

Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou said that unity and consensus are needed in the struggle to liberate Cyprus from Turkey’s occupying forces and pointed once again to Ankara’s responsibilities. Delivering a eulogy Saturday in the funeral of soldier Nikolas Nikolaou Chrysanthou who went missing during the 1974 Turkish invasion and his remains were located during exhumations at the Turkish Cypriot village of Templos, the Commissioner said that we need to be united in the struggle to terminate the invasion and reunite our island and safeguard the human rights and freedoms of each one of us.

EU Commissioner for Reforms and Cohesion Elisa Ferreira visited on Saturday the Nicosia Town hall and EU funded projects and was excited with how the funds were allocated for the benefit of the people and the city, a press release by the Town Hall says. Ferreira who is visiting Cyprus and on Friday announced the adoption of the Partnership Agreement and the Just Transition Plan for the island, was briefed by Mayor Constantinos Yiorkadjis on the projects that were completed or are underway with the aim to revive the center of the town and attract investments.

Shipping Deputy Minister Vassilis Demetriades attended the christening ceremony of Safe Bulkers’ new cargo ship M/V CLIMATE RESPECT on Saturday, during his visit to Japan together with officials of the Deputy Ministry. As he said in a post on Twitter, the ship was built “in Japanese #OshibaShipyard in compliance with the highest environmental standards”, adding that he was “proud for this new entry to the Cyprus flag Registry”.

Interior Minister Nikos Nouris is travelling to Prague to participate in the Informal Council of European Ministers of Home Affairs, the first under the Czech Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The Council’s work, which will be held on 11 and 12 July, will focus on, among other things, the evaluation of the Ukraine issue, as well as the continuation of negotiations between Member States to reach a conclusion on the new Asylum and Migration Pact, with particular emphasis on its external dimension and returns, a pillar to which Cyprus attaches particular importance, a press release issued by the Ministry says.

The 11th of July, 2011, is a tragic reminder of the responsibilities of the state, but also of its obligations towards society, President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades said Monday at the memorial service for the 13 victims of the massive explosion at the naval base “Evangelos Florakis”, in Mari, on the southern coast. He praised the courage and self-sacrifice of the 13 heroes and conveyed to their relatives the sincere apologies of the state, assuring them that the state will continue to support them. He recalled that since the tragic events there have been radical changes and upgrades in order to preserve the operational readiness, but also improve the conditions for those carrying out the mission to defend the integrity of the country and its internal security. Meanwhile, later on, in statements to the press, President Anastasiades said that today “is a tragic day that reminds us of the state’s duty towards its citizens, the Security Forces, the National Guard”.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides will participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the European countries of the south MED 9 that will take place in Madrid this week, while later on he will travel to London for a series of contacts. A press release by the Ministry says that the meeting in Madrid will prepare the ground for the forthcoming summit of the heads of state of the MED 9 that will take place in the autumn.

The trade deficit was €2,967.6 mn in January – May 2022 compared to €2,265.8 mn in the corresponding period of 2021, according to provisional data, published by the Statistical Service on Monday. Total imports of goods (from EU Member States and from third countries) for this period amounted to €4,475.9 mn as compared to €3,294.2 mn in January – May 2021, recording an increase of 35.9%.

Permanent staff employed in the government decreased by 679 persons or 2.5%, from 26,629 to 25,950 persons, while casual staff increased by 882 persons, or 4.9% and reached 18,980 persons compared to 18,098 persons in June 2021, according to data published by the Statistical Service on Monday. Total government employment increased by 265 persons or 0.5% in June, in comparison to the corresponding month of 2021 and reached 53,474 persons.

EU Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, visited the towns of Larnaka and Limassol, last Saturday, and was briefed by Mayors, Andreas Vyras and Nicos Nicolaides, on projects completed with EU funding. A press release by the Town Hall of Larnaka says that Ferreira visited three projects funded in the framework of “Competitiveness and Sustainable Development” program for 2007-2013 and 2014-2020.

Cyprus’ Interior Minister, Nicos Nouris, expressed his satisfaction because EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, acknowledged before the EU Home Affairs Council the need to support Cyprus, as it is faced with the biggest migration influx issue. Nouris, who made a statement following the Council that took place in Prague on Monday, said that for the first time the Commissioner referred to the need for sanctions against airline companies which carry illegal migrants.

?he Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC) and the American Jewish Committee (AJC) have written a joint letter to Congress asking to stop the sale of F16 fighters to Turkey. At the same time, they are asking the Congress to support an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act, filed last week by Democratic Congressman Chris Papas demanding a ban on the sale The full letter, by HALC Executive Director Endy Zemenides and AJC Senior Director of Policy and Political Affairs Julie Rayman follows: “On behalf of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and the Hellenic American Leadership Council (HALC), we write to urge your support for a bipartisan amendment to the NDAA sponsored by Rep. Chris Pappas, Gus Bilirakis, David Cicilline, Nicole Malliotakis, Frank Pallone, and Carolyn Maloney to limit the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Turkey.

President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades has stressed that there are significant gaps in the UN Secretary General’s report and an equating which is unacceptable, adding that representations are being prepared both for the UN Secretary General and also the members of the Security Council. Replying to questions from the press after signing on Tuesday the book of condolences opened at the Japanese Embassy in Nicosia for the death of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, President Anastasiades said that he is in constant contact and full coordination with the Greek Prime Minister.

President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades signed on Tuesday the book of condolences opened at the Embassy of Japan for the death of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. «I was deeply shocked and saddened by the unexpected passing of former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe. At these difficult moments, I would like to extend on behalf of the people and the Government of the Republic of Cyprus, as well as on my own behalf, our deepest condolences and sympathy to his family and the friendly people of Japan. We share your grief and sense of loss,” the President wrote. He added that “I had the privilege to work with Prime Minister Abe, a great leader and an influential statesman, who will always be remembered for his dedication and commitment to the welfare of his people, Japan’s economic revitalization, as well as the promotion of democracy and human rights on a global scale. May his soul rest in peace.»

The European Commission’s Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) identified the potential of new pandemics, chemical and other threats as well as antimicrobial resistance as the top three categories of threats to public health that require coordination of measures at the EU level. “This exercise is the first step in ensuring that medical countermeasures can be made available and accessible for all Member States swiftly when needed,” Commissioner for Health Stella Kyriakides said in a statement.

The Cyprus Electricity Authority’s pricing plans are expected to be approved by the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority in the coming days, EAC spokesperson Christina Papadopoulou told CNA on Tuesday. Asked about the electricity rate increase, Papadopoulou said that EAC does not have the official data yet and does not know the exact percentage of increase, however, she estimated that the increase will be around 24%.

The value added in constructions in Cyprus dropped after 5 years of growth in 2020, a year marked by the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. According to the Constructions and Land Development Survey for 2020, carried by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), value added (the production value net of the total cost of production expenses, administrative expenses and rents paid for buildings and machinery) at current prices decreased by 3.9% to €1,119.6 million in 2020 from to €1,165.6 million in 2019. Production value in the broad construction sector decreased in 2020 by a marginal 0.2% to €4,294.6 million compared to €4,302.2 million in 2019, Cystat added.

The Ambassador of Switzerland to Cyprus, Dr. Pierre-Yves Fux, has reconfirmed the position of principles of his country as regards the Cyprus problem, underlining that relations between Cyprus and Switzerland are based on their common commitment to international law, mutual trust and cooperation. Dr. Fux was received on Tuesday by House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou, on the occasion of the conclusion of his term of office in Cyprus. According to a House press release, Demetriou expressed her appreciation for the stance of principles and the long-stand support of Switzerland to efforts for a Cyprus settlement and for its important contribution to the work of the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus.

Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, attended the MED9 ministerial meeting which wrapped up on Tuesday in Madrid. In an intervention, Kasoulides underlined, according to a Foreign Ministry press release, the importance of continuing and enhancing this informal mechanism of cooperation and consultation among 9 Mediterranean states, as a means of free exchange of views and ideas on their common EU agenda. He noted that in the current juncture the EU is faced with the complications caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and that European markets are under intense inflation pressure, are negatively affected by high prices and are faced with the repercussions of the food crisis and energy supply crisis.

Cyprus’ President Nicos Anastasiades on Tuesday, in his speech at the reception at the US Embassy in Nicosia on the occasion of the 246th Anniversary of the Independence of the US, expressed his determination and commitment to continue working closely with the US administration in order to explore new areas of beneficial cooperation. US Ambassador Judith Garber commended “recent efforts to forge confidence-building measures to improve the lives of Cypriots across the island.” and said the US continue to support the leaders facilitated by the UN “to forge a just and lasting settlement that will reunify the island as a bizonal bicommunal federation.”

US Senator and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Robert Menendez, expressed, once again, his opposition to the sale of fighter aircrafts F-16s to Turkey. The statement was made to Politico and journalist Andrew Desiderio who covers foreign policy issues.

Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, is paying an official visit to Cyprus Wednesday. According to the official program, the welcoming ceremony will take place at the Presidential Palace at 18:00 local time. Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and the German Chancellor will have a tete-a-tete meeting to be followed by consultations and statements to the press.

The report on the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) was released as an official document of the UN Security Council. The Secretary-General requested the extension of the mandate of the mission for another six months until January 31st, 2023. “In the light of the continued contribution of UNFICYP to peace and stability and to the creation of conditions conducive to a political settlement, I recommend that the Security Council extend the mandate of the mission for six months, until 31 January 2023”, he says at the report which is expected to be voted the next days.

The sirens will sound across the government controlled areas of the Republic to mark the dark events of July 15, 1974, when Greek army officers engineered a coup to oust the government in Nicosia leading to the Turkish invasion just five days later, on 20th July. The Civil Defence announced on Wednesday that the sirens will wail at 0820 on 15 July, the time when the tanks rolled into Nicosia to overthrow the democratically elected late President Makarios III.

Television remains the main source of news in both Cyprus and the EU, with online news platforms and social media following, at higher percentages than the EU average, according to the findings of a flash Eurobarometer published by the European Parliament. Responding to a question on which media they have used more in the past seven days to get informed about the news (and given the option of multiple choice), 63% of respondents in Cyprus chose television (75% in the EU), 59% chose online news platforms (43% in the EU), 57% chose social media and blogs (26% in the EU) and 25% chose radio (39% in the EU).

Activity in constructions in Cyprus continue its decline in the first quarter of 2022, amid soaring prices, data released on Tuesday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus show. In the first quarter of 2022 the Index of Production in Construction, considered as an indication of the growth rate of construction relevant to a specific reference year, the base year, declined to 175.4 units (base year 2015=100,0), recording a decrease of 6.6% over the first quarter of 2021.

The government has announced the launch of the new internet portal gov.cy, which is a redesign of the way citizens and businesses deal with the public sector. It also announced the new Social Insurance Services electronic service and the new childbirth allowance. The announcement came at a presentation on Wednesday by Labour and Social insurance Minister Kyriakos Koushos and Kyriacos Kokkinos, Deputy Minister to the President for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy. Through the gov.cy portal, citizens, can carry out all their transactions with the civil service.

The European Commission has recommended the modernisation of the governance of the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, in particular regarding the appointment and dismissal of its board members, in the context of the chapter on Cyprus of its third annual Rule of Law Report which was published on Wednesday. The Commission has also called on Cyprus to ensure that reforms regarding the appointments to the new Supreme Constitutional Court and High Court take into account the relevant opinion of the Venice Commission.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades received on Wednesday afternoon at the Presidential Palace Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, who is paying an official visit to the island. The welcoming ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace followed by a tete-a-tete meeting and exchange of gifts.

Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, during his official visit in Cyprus today, laid a wreath at the monument in Koshi, in honor of the Austrian peacemakers serving with UNFICYP that lost their lives in an air attack in the vicinity of the small village of Koshi n 1974. Nehammer was accompanied by the Austrian Minister of Defense, Klaudia Tanner.

The Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) funded start-ups and innovative businesses with €8.5 million. It is expected that this will lead to additional private investment of over €5 million and more than 70 new jobs will be created. The Foundation says in an announcement issued today that the companies will be financed, through the PRE-SEED, SEED and INNOVATE calls, announced in December 2021.

A total of 94% of respondents in a special Eurobarometer published by the European Commission on Wednesday believe that the problem of corruption is widespread in the country. This number is significantly higher than the EU average (68%). Cyprus is the country with the second largest percentage of positive responses after Greece (98%).

Bilateral relations, EU energy policy and security, immigration, Ukraine as well as the Cyprus issue were among the issues discussed during the talks held between President of the Republic Nicos Anastasiades and the Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who is paying an official visit to the island. In statements to the press, President Anastasiades said that the visit of the Austrian Chancellor is an important milestone in the relations between the countries, as it coincides with the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Austria.

An amendment prohibiting the sale of F-16 fighter jets or modernization kits to Turkey was accepted by the Rules Committee of the US House of Representatives. The amendment provides that US President Joe Biden must ensure that Turkey stops overflights over the Greek islands in order to be able to proceed with the F-16 purchase.

The Cyprus problem and the difficulties hampering the efforts to resume UN-led talks due to the Turkish stance and the new environment taking shape in Europe as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, were in the agenda of the contacts Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides is holding in London where he is paying a working visit.

President Anastasiades and the Austrian Chancellor, Karl Nehammer, discussed on Wednesday, on the occasion of the Chancellor’s official visit in Cyprus, on further deepening the bilateral partnership between the two countries, in a wide range of areas of common interest. As President Anastasiades stated after their meeting, the two leaders confirmed their common desire to further advance a “mutually beneficial cooperation”.

The UK government’s new Minister for Europe Graham Stuart has reaffirmed London’s support for a settlement to the Cyprus issue based on the agreed basis of a bizonal, bicommunal federation. He was speaking at an event in the Houses of Parliament in Westminster on Wednesday evening, in which Ioannis Kasoulides, the Cypriot Foreign Minister, was the keynote speaker. Kasoulides said that the Cyprus problem is at a “critical juncture”, with the Turkish Cypriot leadership rejecting the Cypriot government’s “bold” confidence building measures proposals.

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman, Robert Menendez, has raised a number of issues that need to be addressed in order for Turkey to purchase F-16 aircraft from the US. In statements to the Athens News Agency – Macedonian Press Agency and to Hellas Journal, Menendez noted that so far he has note seen willingness by Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, do deal with these issues.

New Ambassador of Armenia to Cyprus Tigran Mkrtchyan was received Thursday by Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou with whom he discussed diaspora issues and bilateral ties. A press release says that both men noted the long-lasting brotherly ties between the two countries which face the same challenges and have common history and struggles for justice.

The faster than expected recovery of the tourism sector, as well as the expansion of exports of other services, contributed to surprising positive developments for the Cypriot economy during the first quarter of 2022, according to the the European Commission’s Summer 2022 Economic Forecast. According to the forecast for Cyprus, tourist arrivals during the first months of the year reached about 75% of pre-pandemic levels, while tourism prospects remained positive. However, the forecast notes that weakening consumer confidence will result in a slowing down of consumption for households during the second half of the year, also predicting a further rise in inflation.

The possibilities of finding natural gas in offshore Block 6 of Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone would be a game changer for Cyprus and Europe, Italy’s Ambassador to Cyprus, Federica Ferrari Bravo, told CNA on Thursday. During her visit at CNA’s offices for the signing of the agreement between the CNA and the Italian News Agency (ANSA), the ambassador also referred to the importance of the eastern Mediterranean for both Cyprus and Italy. “As you know we are also quite active in the energy sector and in this period of time ENI and TOTAL are exploring Block 6,” she said, adding that the possibilities of finding gas would be “a very relevant game changer” for Cyprus and Europe due to the fact that energy is very high on the international agenda of many countries of Europe after the invasion of Ukraine.

Minister of Agriculture and Environment Costas Kadis participated in the informal Environment Council of the EU which took place in Prague, between July 13-14, in the framework of the Czech EU Presidency. A press release says that the Ministers discussed issues related to the war in Ukraine and the effects on the environment, the Conference on Biodiversity which will take place in Canada next December and climate crisis.

Cyprus puts children’s book in Library of the Council of the EU’s summer reading list A children’s book titled “? e??? t?? ?a???a?” (Marina’s wish) is this year’s Cypriot recommendation to the Readers of Europe campaign for 2022, run by the Library of the Council of the European Union. Every year the Permanent Representations of the 27 member states in Brussels are invited to recommend books from their countries to read over the summer, with a different theme every year.

The Western Balkan route saw the most significant increase in detections of migrants and asylum seekers during the first half of 2022, according to preliminary data released by Frontex. In the first half of 2022, there was a total of about 114,720 irregular entries to the European Union, which is an increase of about 84% compared to the same period last year. In June, Frontex registered 23 290 irregular crossings into the EU, 59% more than in the same month of last year.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides has been hosted at the Foreign Office by the UK Minister for Europe Graham Stuart, becoming the first foreign official to meet with the recently appointed UK minister. “We discussed the bilateral relations and we ascertained that they currently are at a very good level. We talked about the upcoming Security Council resolution regarding Cyprus, as Britain is the so-called ‘penholder’, the country preparing the first draft and we had a useful exchange. We also talked about Europe in general, about the UK outside the EU and about various other issues,” the Cypriot Foreign Minister told the Cyprus News Agency following his meeting with Mr Stuart on Thursday afternoon.

France is, and will remain, one of Cyprus’ closest allies, said the President of Republic Nicos Anastasiades on Thursday during the celebration of the Bastille Day at the French Ambassador’s residence in Nicosia, and asked all its support for the resumption of meaningful negotiations to reunify Cyprus. Wishing French Ambassador Salina Grenet-Catalano a quick and smooth recovery from Covid-19, President Anastasiades said that the events of 1789 initiated the introduction of the ideas of freedom, equality and fraternity and the establishment of the rule of law, adding that the French Revolution did not only reshape France, but soon thereafter resonated in Europe and had a long-lasting impact on European history.

France is ready to support any step in the direction of a re-united Cyprus, said the First Counsellor of the Embassy Virginie Corteval during the celebration of the Bastille Day at the French Ambassador’s residence in Nicosia on Thursday. Speaking on behalf of the French Ambassador to Cyprus, Salina Grenet-Catalano, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to COVID-19, Corteval said that despite the celebrations this is hardly a happy day War has returned to the heart of the European soil with Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable aggression against Ukraine, she said, with hope stemming from the incredible resilience and resistance of the people of Ukraine, the united and strong reaction of the European Union and its partners and the decision to grant Ukraine and Moldova candidate status into the Union.

The US House has approved an amendment for blocking F-16 sales to Turkey. The amendment passed with 244 votes in favour (184 from Democrats and 60 from Republicans) to 179 against (30 from Democrats and 149 from Republicans). Once the House has passed this version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the Senate must approve it, and then it will become a US law at the end of the year and will be included in the budget of the US Department of Defense. Congressman Frank Palone wrote on Twitter: “We cannot allow Erdogan to continue using Turkey’s NATO status to avoid consequences for his actions”.

Cyprus Parliament, with 50 votes in favor and one abstention, approved into law two amending bills aimed at expanding the framework for attracting companies to Cyprus. With the approval of these two laws, the package of tax measures included in the Strategy for Attracting Businesses to Activate and/or Expand their Activities in Cyprus, as approved by the Council of Ministers, is completed.

The Cyprus House of Representatives adopted on Thursday a resolution condemning Turkey’s offensive stance and revisionism, and the violation of the international law by Ankara. The parliament demanded from Turkey to respect the international law, the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention and the International Treaties which determine the land and maritime borders, contributing actively to peacemaking in the region and refraining from the use and/or the threat for the use of violence and coercion aiming at border changes.

The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) recorded a year-over-year decrease of 0.6% in June 2022, after year-over-year increases of 1.4% in May and 3.9% in April 2022, based on the recent and revised data, according to the Economic Research Centre of the University of Cyprus. According to the press release, the effects of the Russian-Ukrainian war, the resurgence of the pandemic, and the recent extreme restrictive measures in China are reflected in the negative year-over-year growth rate of CCLEI in June 2022.

Cyprus on Friday paid tribute to those who lost the lives defending democracy on the occasion of the 15-July 1974 coup d’ etat which paved the way to the Turkish invasion five days later, with the President of the Republic stressing that all those who combat democracy are leading the country to the extremes. Speaking to the press following the annual memorial service, Nicos Anastasiades said that the day calls for a double duty.

The European Commission has revised, in its summer forecasts, Cyprus’ real GDP growth in 2022 to 3.2% upwards, which is almost one percentage point higher than its spring forecasts, while it estimates real GDP at 2.1% for 2023, according to a statement by the Ministry of Finance. ?he Finance Ministry notes that “Cyprus is among the countries with the third highest upward revision of its forecasts in 2022”.

The Plenary of Cyprus’ House of Representatives on Friday held a special session to mark the 48th anniversaries of the Coup by the Greek Junta against President Makarios on July 15, 1974 and the ensuing Turkish invasion five days later. The special session, that honoured the memories of those fallen in defence of democracy, was also attended by President Nicos Anastasiades and members of the Council of Ministers. House President, Annita Demetriou, in her speech, said that constant struggle for the freedom and reunification of Cyprus as well as for full respect of the human rights of all the country’s legal residents was imperative, while she called for unity in the efforts to project “our just demands.”

Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, will attend memorials and other events for the anniversaries of the 1974 coup and the invasion of Turkey of Cyprus, as the latter recalls to its memory the distressing summer of 1974 and mourns for the painful consequences of the Turkish invasion, Director of the President’s Press Office, Andreas Iosif said in a written statement on Saturday. On Tuesday, July 19, at 1930 local time, the President will attend and address an event at a memorial site for the missing persons of Cyprus, in Kornos. On Wednesday, July 20, which marks the 48th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, the President will attend at 0800, at Makedonitissa military cemetery, a prayer of remembrance for the military officers and soldiers who were killed during the Turkish invasion.

Undoubtedly, we have a long way to go, until there is equal representation of women in high positions in Cyprus said Elena Michaelides, Secretary / Director of the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) in an interview with the CNA, expressing optimism on the issue of equal treatment of both sexes. She described her recent appointment to the Famagusta Chamber of Commerce and Industry as honourable, noting she is the first woman in this position and the youngest person to be employed by a chamber in Cyprus.

Cyprus Presidential Commissioner, Photis Photiou, has stressed the need to stand united against Turkey’s offensive behaviour, noting that we must deliver a united, free and prosperous Cyprus to the next generations. Speaking on Sunday during a memorial for the people of Avgorou village who were killed during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Photiou said that we are experiencing on a daily basis the increase of the Turkish intransigence.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has expressed Cyprus condolences to the families of the Ukrainian crew members of the Antonov An-12, who have lost their lives. “Shocked and saddened by the news of the cargo plane crash in Northern Greece, near Kavala. Cyprus expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the Ukrainian crew members who tragically lost their lives,” the MFA said in a post on Twitter.

The Permanent Representative of Cyprus to the United Nations, Ambassador Andreas Hadjichrysanthou, expressed to Cyprus News Agency his concerns and his disappointment over the reports concerning the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) and the Secretary-General’s Good Offices Mission, noting that there is no mention anywhere of a Cyprus settlement. The Ambassador focuses on three key points, the reports should emphasize on. “First, there is no explicit, clear mention on the basis of a solution. Secondly, the gravity of the situation in Varosha, with the ongoing violations by the Turkish side, with the obvious aim of absorbing and exploiting this region economically, is not outlined. The third point we are not happy with is that the report contains no reference to future prospects, as the political process is concerned, because there is no political process”

The Ambassadors of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have expressed their stance of principles on the Cyprus issue in statements on the occasion of the 48th anniversary since the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. A reunited Cyprus offers the best and stronger future for all its Cypriots, the US, UK and France told CN?. They underlined that division is not an option, expressing support to confidence building measures.

The European Commission announced on Monday that a scholarship has been offered to a Turkish Cypriot postgraduate student to study at the College of Europe. The scholarship programme which was announced in November 2021 under the EU Scholarship Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, aims to help Turkish Cypriots study at the College of Europe u, which offers specialised programmes on European studies.

The Price Index of Construction Materials continued its rising trend in June, reflecting the increased cost born by contractors and rising prices in the construction sector. According to data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat), the Index in June 2022 reached 134.30 units (base year 2015=100), recording an increase of 0.93% compared to the previous month. Compared to the same month of the previous year, the index recorded an increase of 19,42%.

The Cypriot economy in 2021 saw a strong recovery, according to the Financial Stability Report published by the Central Bank of Cyprus on Monday. However, the geopolitical and energy crisis and the significant increase in inflation have increased uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, creating new or reinforcing existing risks to financial stability, leading to a significant slowdown in Cyprus’ economic growth in 2022. According to the report, in 2021, the Cypriot economy recorded a strong recovery, greater than initially expected.

The foundations were laid for the cooperation between Cyprus and Pakistan in the return of migrants, during a meeting between the Interior Minister, Nicos Nouris, and the Director General of the Interior Ministry of Pakistan, Momin Agha on Monday. According to a press release by the Interior Ministry of Cyprus, Nouris informed the Pakistani official about the migration problem faced by the Republic of Cyprus.

The humanitarian issue of the undeclared prisoners and missing persons of the 1974 Turkish invasion in Cyprus should take the due political gravity and publicity, so that this aspect would not fade in time, Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives has said. According to a press release issued by the Parliament, Demetriou received on Monday a delegation of the Panhellenic Committee of Parents and Relatives of Undeclared Prisoners and Missing Persons of the Cyprus Tragedy. T

Cyprus has expressed its readiness to contribute to the completion, as soon as possible, of the processing of proposals by the European Commission for a “maintenance and alignment” package regarding sanctions imposed against Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides said, during the Foreign Affairs Council meeting held in Brussels on Monday. The proposal, presented by the Commission last Friday, has been described by EU officials and media as a complementary package to the previous six sanctions packages.

On Monday, the UN Security Council held consultations on the Peacekeeping Force of the International Organization in Cyprus, UNFICYP, under the chairmanship of the Permanent Representative of Brazil, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho. During the consultations which lasted approximately two hours, the members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in Cyprus and Head of UNFICYP, Colin Stewart, on the situation and recent developments in Cyprus, ahead of the vote for the adoption of the resolution for the renewal of the mandate of the Peacekeeping Force.

Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou held a meeting on Monday with a representation of the relatives of fallen and missing Greeks during the Turkish invasion against Cyprus in 1974, whom he assured that the government of Cyprus continues the struggle to clarify the fate of all missing persons. Photiou said that the agony and burden of uncertainty about the fate of their beloved ones is an unacceptable situation caused by Turkey’s inhumane policy since Ankara refuses to cooperate to resolve the humanitarian aspect of the missing persons.

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (‘CySEC’) announced a new investor protection campaign to help tackle the growing international scourge of investment harm. In a press release, CySEC particularly warns of rising adoption of ‘finfluencers’ and “gamification” techniques being used on social media channels to manipulate young investors. Launching the campaign, Dr George Theocharides, Chairman of CySEC, said that rapid technological development, uncertain market conditions and the COVID-19 pandemic have all contributed to a significant increase in online retail trading in recent years.

The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) increased by 9% in June, when compared to the index of June 2021, setting a new record high, while continuing its upward course for the 16th consecutive month, pushed by the consecutive appreciations mainly in energy prices. According to data published by the Statistical Service on Tuesday, when compared to the index of May 2022, the HICP increased by 1.2%.

The EU’s support to agriculture must take into account new conditions and challenges faced by the sector, was the position taken by Cyprus during a discussion regarding the approval by the Commission of the Member States’ strategic plans for the implementation of the new Common Agricultural Policy in Brussels. The discussion took place during Monday’s meeting of the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the European Union.

The European Commission is under the understanding that the Cypriot government intends to submit modifications for the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) file for halloumi/hellim, a spokesperson told CNA during the Commission’s midday briefing in Brussels on Tuesday. Responding to a question on whether a PDO file can be changed, the Commission’s spokesperson on trade, Balazs Ujvari, said that “indeed it is possible to submit modifications to a registered geographical indication.” “We understand that the Cypriot authorities want to submit modifications”, Ujvari added, noting that the Commission is in contact with the government and the process is following its course.

The Turkish invasion of Cyprus on July 20, 1974, sparked the immediate reaction of the international community, and more specifically of the UN, which demanded the immediate end of the foreign military intervention to the island, without however any positive response. The UN Security Council adopted unanimously on the same day, at the 1781st meeting, resolution 353, that deeply deplored the outbreak of violence and the continuing bloodshed and called upon all States to respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Cyprus. Moreover, it called upon all parties to the present fighting as a first step to cease all firing and requests all States to exercise the utmost restraint and to refrain from any action which might further aggravate the situation and demanded an immediate end to foreign military intervention in the Republic of Cyprus.

Organisations representing the UK Cypriot diaspora have penned letters addressed to UK Foreign Secretary Liz Truss noting that this Wednesday marks 48 years since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus and the start of the ongoing illegal occupation of more than one third of Cypriot land. The Board of British Cypriots call out Turkey’s continuing violations of international law and, as UK citizens, “are demanding that [the] British government, under her obligations as Guarantor Power… intervene for putting an end to these illegal actions.”

We will never accept the fait accompli created by the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, Health Minister Michalis Headjipantela has said, describing the current situation as unacceptable and dangerous, since it maintains and perpetuates the presence of the Turkish occupation troops and increases the danger for the division of the country. Speaking on Tuesday afternoon in Kornos, during a memorial for the armoured vehicles servicemen killed during the Turkish invasion, the Health Minister noted that memories of the tragic summer of 1974 come back these days every year, as the Greeks of Cyprus experienced then the most tragic part of their modern history, due to the barbaric Turkish invasion, which resulted in hundreds of dead people, missing persons, injured people and thousands of people who were displaced.

President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, assured on Tuesday that the Cypriot state will continue its efforts, despite all difficulties, with a view to investigate and ascertain the fate of all missing persons, on the basis of official documents and evidence. In his address, read out by Labour and Social Insurance Minister, Kyriacos Koushos, during an event held on the occasion of the anniversaries of the 1974 coup and the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, at a memorial site for the missing persons of Cyprus, in Kornos village, Anastasiades noted that the fate of 775 Greek Cypriots and Greeks, who went missing has not yet been established.

“The common goal of the US and Greece must be to protect the international legal order against illegal behaviour and the violation of the rules of international law.” This was emphasized by the Minister of National Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos in the context of his meeting with his American counterpart at the Pentagon, Lloyd Austin.

The Strategic Defense Relationship between Greece and the US, the war in Ukraine, the security situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider geopolitical security challenges were discussed at the meeting held by the Greek Minister of Defense Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos with the Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Robert Menendez. They also discussed Turkey’s delinquent behaviour and its challenges with overflights over the Greek islands, it intensifies the tension in the region.

Cyprus paid tribute to all those who lost their lives in the 1974 Turkish invasion, which resulted in the occupation of 37% of its territory, with President Nicos Anastasiades stressing that we continue to aim at reunifying and “rid the island of third-party dependencies.” On Wednesday, representatives of the state gathered at the Makedonitissa Tomb, the military cemetary in Nicosia, where a memorial service was held, to commemorate all those who lost their lives and all those who are still missing.

President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades received on Wednesday, the proposals on the Cyprus issue submitted by the Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar on July 1 and 8, through the United Nations Government Spokesman Marios Pelekanos says in a written statement that President Anastasiades notes with regret that the proposals constitute a new attempt to establish the unacceptable narrative for a two-state solution. Nevertheless, Pelekanos says, the President “would be ready to discuss alla the proposals, both those proposed by him and those submitted by the Turkish Cypriot leader, provided that the dialogue takes place on the basis of the agreed solution framework as set out in the resolutions of the United Nations and of the Security Council”. Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory.

?he Greek Foreign Ministry underlined that the Cyprus Problem remains an international issue of illegal invasion and occupation, in a statement on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. “The Cyprus problem remains an international issue of illegal invasion and occupation, just like the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine”, the Greek Foreign Ministry said.

July 20 is a day of self-awareness and national reflection, said the Minister of Finance, Constantinos Petrides, who attended, on behalf of the President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, the memorial service for those who fell during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974. On his part, the Deputy Minister of National Defence of Greece, Nikos Hardalias, who represented the Greek Government, said that the sacrifice of the fallen is “our ultimate legacy.” The memorial service, led by Paphos Bishop Georgios, was held on Wednesday at the Cathedral of Apostle Barnabas, in Nicosia. House President, Annita Demetriou, the Presidential Commissioner, Fotis Fotiou, leaders and representatives of parliamentary Parties and candidates running for the Presidency of the Republic, Nicos Christodoulides, Averof Neofytou, Andreas Mavroyiannis and Charalambos Aristotelous, were among those who attended the memorial service. Constantinos Petrides stated that today is the anniversary of an ill-fated day.

A letter to mark 48 years since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus has been addressed to the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson by the National Federation of Cypriots President Christos Karaolis. The letter notes that “Turkey’s occupation and gross violations of international law continue to bring suffering and hardship to all Cypriots.” Reminding Johnson that a large proportion of the UK Cypriot community are refugees or relatives of the missing persons since the 1974 invasion, Karaolis writes: “We remain steadfast in our belief that a reunited Cyprus where all Cypriots can peacefully live and prosper together is both attainable and viable – a solution that is based on the relevant United Nations Security Council Resolutions and High-Level Agreements.”

President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou highlighted Greece’s and Cyprus’ ongoing struggle for the reunification of the island based on the UN resolutions and the principles of international law, in a message on the 48th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, posted on Twitter. As she said, the trauma of the ongoing illegal occupation of Cyprus, 48 years after the Turkish invasion, is deep. President Sakellaropoulou also underlined that Greece does not forget those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom of Cyprus. “48 years after the Turkish military invasion of Cyprus, the trauma of the illegal occupation remains deep,” Sakellaropoulou said in her message.

Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, said on Wednesday evening that “we will never accept the choice of surrendering”, noting that “our goal remains for Cyprus to evolve into a ‘normal state’ as the UN Secretary – General has described it, that is to evolve into a truly independent and sovereign state with no dependencies on third parties, a modern state which will truly give the prospect of peaceful co-existence in a secure and stable environment for all of the legal residents of the island.” In his address at an event at the Presidential Palace, to mark the 48th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, that was read out by Finance Minister, Constantinos Petrides, the President said that he is at peace with his conscience that he did everything humanly possible not only to find a settlement to the Cyprus problem, but also to prevent the collapse of the 2017 talks in Crans Montana.

The European Commission has sent two letters of formal notice to Cyprus for not having notified the full transposition of two EU directives into national legislation, one for the accessibility to persons with disabilities to services (for a which a total of 26 member states have received letters) and one on the provision of information regarding investments (for a which a total of 24 member states have received letters). The Commission has adopted this package of infringement decisions due to the absence of communication by Member States of measures taken to transpose EU directives into national law (“non-communication infringements”) for which the deadline expired recently. Member States concerned now have two months to reply to the letters of formal notice and complete their transposition, or the Commission may decide to issue a reasoned opinion, the second stage in the process.

As long as the Republic of Cyprus is shielded by the resolutions of the United Nations and the decisions of the European Union, Turkey’s goal for full political control of the island will never be achieved, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou said on Wednesday, adding that this is our basic weapon in our effort to deal with the Turkish ploy. Speaking at a seminar in London on the 48 years since the illegal Turkish invasion, Photiou noted that the goal set by Turkey’s deep state remains unfulfilled, because, despite the problems and weaknesses of the of Zurich-London agreements, we are and remain a state recognized by the United Nations and all other international organizations, a member state of the European Union and a state that signs agreements and partnerships with other states.

A picket line outside the Houses of Parliament in London’s Westminster was organised on Tuesday to mark the tragic 48th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus. The demonstration has become an annual initiative of the Famagusta Association of Great Britain, with the support of the National Federation of Cypriots in the UK. In a short speech at the picket, Famagusta Association President Dr Vasilis Mavrou conveyed the “anger and indignation” of the organisation’s members for Turkey’s President Erdogan’s actions with regard to the fenced-off town of Famagusta.

House President, Annita Demetriou, stressed on Wednesday evening the need for unity with a view to find a just settlement of the Cyprus problem on the basis of UN resolutions, the international law and the European values. Addressing a memorial service, at a military cemetery (Tymvos Makedonitissas), in Nicosia for the Greek and Cypriot army officers and soldiers and others who lost their lives during the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, Demetriou said that “we are faced with the threatening and offensive policy of Ankara which is everyday promoted by even more arrogant and unacceptable demands both in the Aegean and Cyprus.”

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) is introducing additional controls for cross-border services, and announced that investor protection will be strengthened under new rules regarding how complaints are handled. During a presentation of supervisory objectives for 2022—2023 at an online workshop for Cyprus investment firm executives, Chairman of CySEC has warned Cyprus Investments Firms (CIFs) trading in contracts for difference (CFDs) that they must take immediate action to improve their practices, or they shall face enforcement action.

The European Union remains fully committed to a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem based on a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions and in line with the EU acquis and the principles on which the EU is founded, High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission Josep Borrell said on Friday in a letter responding to a written intervention by Cypriot MEPs on “New illegal Turkish actions in Varosha”. According to a statement by MEP Costas Mavridis, in their intervention, the Cypriot MEPs stressed that in other cases of violation of international law, the EU, acting correctly, has taken action, but since Turkey has been continuing its illegal and provocative actions in Famagusta for three years, the Commission is asked what immediate and effective action it will take in order for Turkey to comply with the relevant UN resolutions and international law. In his reply, Borrell said that the best way to resolve the Cyprus issue is to resume negotiations for a comprehensive settlement.

Bilateral relations, the Cyprus problem and energy will be among the topics of discussion during Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides’ working visit to Italy. According to a press release by the Ministry, Kasoulides departs on Sunday for Rome for a two-day working visit.

The European Commission on Friday has approved the registration of a traditional handmade pasta, “Makaronia tis Smilas/ /Makaronia tou Sklinitziou”, as the latest product of protected geographical indication (PGI) from Cyprus. The new designation will be added to the list of 1,587 agricultural products and foodstuffs. According to a press release, the Commission has today approved a new product of PGI from Cyprus, “Makaronia tis Smilas / Makaronia tou Sklinitziou”, a type of handmade dried pasta, made by mixing water with a little salt and flour from durum wheat and/or flour of another type with semolina, salt and water.

Better coordination, closer cooperation and targeted synergies, will help maximise the impact of funding in the Research and Innovation (R&D) sector, Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriakos Kokkinos, told his EU counterparts on Friday at an informal meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council, in Prague. Kokkinos joined other EU Ministers responsible for their countries’ research agenda for an informal meeting of the EU Competitiveness Council in the framework of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU.

Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) downgraded by 0.9 percentage points its forecasts for GDP growth in 2022, due to the negative effects of the war in Ukraine and the sanctions against Russia. At the same time, its Governor did not rule out the deterioration of the quality of bank’s assets in Cyprus, due to the geopolitical crisis.

The President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, resumes his duties in the coming week after abstaining in the last few days due to COVID-19. According to a written statement by the Director of the Press Office of the President of the Republic, Andreas Iosif, on Tuesday morning, the President of the Republic is scheduled to preside over a meeting with representatives of the communities of Vasilikos.

Cyprus Foreign Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, held a teleconference on Saturday morning with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, discussing, among others, the Cyprus issue and EU response in Ukraine. According to a tweet by the Cyprus Foreign Ministry, the two Ministers had a ‘useful and fruitful discussion on a variety of timely issues pertaining to bilateral relations’. The topics under discussion were the response of the EU in Ukraine, the Cyprus problem, as well as regional and international challenges.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said there is no room for optimism regarding the prospects for the resumption of a meaningful and credible negotiation process on the Cyprus problem due to Turkish unacceptable claims. In an interview with the Greek newspaper “Kathimerini”, Nikos Dendias noted that forty-eight years after the Turkish invasion, the Cyprus problem remains an unresolved international issue of illegal invasion and occupation. “Greece, in coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, is working to find a just, functional and viable solution. This solution can only be a bi-communal bizonal federation, in the framework set by the relevant UN Security Council resolutions”, he stressed.

The Cypriot President’s response to Ankara’s aggressive delirium is his readiness for the resumption of substantive negotiations of the Cyprus problem, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Prodromos Prodromou has said. The Minister, who was delivering on Sunday a eulogy at the memorial service for fallen commanders and Vice Admiral Eleftherios Handrinos, at Agios Kendeas Church, in Pafos, noted that the Greek Cypriot side, with actions, initiatives and proposals submitted by the President of the Republic, continues to work for the resumption of substantive negotiations, for the end of the Turkish occupation and for a functional solution to the Cyprus problem on the basis of the UN resolutions and decisions and the European principles and rules.

The people of Cyprus do not reconcile themselves with Turkey’s occupation, House President, Annita Demetriou, said on Sunday, adding that we do not accept the continuation of the unacceptable current situation, nor do we remain inactive in the face of Turkey’s expansionist plans. The House President delivered the memorial speech at the annual national memorial of Christodoulos Fotiou Mauzis, in Anafotia, a community in Larnaca District.

The resumption of the Cyprus talks is not possible if Turkey does not cease its provocative actions, Director of the President’s Press Office, Andreas Iosif has said. Speaking on Sunday on behalf of the government at the memorial service for the fallen of the Deftera community during the 1974 Turkish invasion, Iosif said that the President of the Republic has repeatedly expressed his readiness and determination both to the UN Secretary General as well as at the European Council for the resumption of the Cyprus negotiations from where they were left off during the meeting in the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana.

The Cyprus problem, but also energy, security and the humanitarian issue of the missing persons and problems faced by the diaspora, will be among the topics of discussion during the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots by the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) which begins on the 26th of July, with the physical presence of delegates. The role of the diaspora as regards the Cyprus issue and the humanitarian issue of the missing persons are of key importance, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou told CNA.

Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, still tests positive for COVID-19. Government Spokesman, Marios Pelekanos, said in a written statement, that the President tested again positive on Monday morning. Anastasiades was diagnosed with COVID-19 last Tuesday and cancelled all his activities since then. According to Pelekanos, despite the fact that according to the medical protocols the President could follow his programme normally in the following days, acting responsibly he will resume his public activities once he tests negative.

UK High Commissioner to Cyprus, Stephen Lillie, said on Monday that his country maintains a consistent policy on the Cyprus problem, assuring of London’s continuous support to efforts for the resumption of the negotiating process for a settlement. Lillie had a farewell meeting with the House of Representatives President, Annita Demetriou, as his term of office to Cyprus comes to an end. According to a parliament press release, referring to the current developments in the Cyprus problem, Demetriou expressed disappointment over the rejection by the Turkish side of the Confidence Building Measures which Cyprus President, Nicos Anastasiades, has proposed.

The European Commission adopted on Monday the Annual Action Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, worth €33.4 million. Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira, said that the Aid Programme has shown to bring important tangible benefits to the people of Cyprus. She added that the new set of projects adopted seek to support economic development, reconciliation and confidence building measures including substantial assistance for the implementation of the Halloumi/Hellim PDO package.

The peaceful resolution of the Cyprus problem remains the highest priority, President of the Republic, Nicos Anastasiades, said in an address at an event organised by the Committee of Occupied Municipalities, on Monday at the Tomb of Makedonitissa, to commemorate those fallen during the 1974 Turkish invasion. The address was delivered on behalf of President Anastasiades by Government Spokesperson, Marios Pelekanos.

Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister Ioannis Kasoulides had a working breakfast in Rome with the Non-Resident Ambassadors of 14 countries to Cyprus. According to a tweet by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Kasoulides met with the Ambassadors of Angola, Ethiopia, Vietnam, El Salvador, Zamia, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, Kenya, Colombia, Costa Rica, New Zealand, Peru, Sri Lanka and Thailand. They had a good opportunity for a fruitful exchange on Foreign Policy matters, on the Cyprus question and on global challenges, the Ministry said.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Kasoulides had a meeting with ENI CEO, Claudio Descalzi in Rome, discussing energy-related issues. In a post on Twitter on Monday the Foreign Affairs Ministry said that Kasoulides and Descalzi discussed energy-related issues with an emphasis on close cooperation with ENI and its ongoing activities in the Cyprus EEZ.

Cyprus Foreign Affairs Minister, Ioannis Kasoulides, will have a meeting, on Tuesday, in Rome with his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio. Discussions will focus, among other things, on the Cyprus problem, energy issues, bilateral relations, and the war in Ukraine.

In April 2022, 54,145 first-time asylum applicants (non-EU citizens) applied for international protection in the EU Member States, up 66% compared with April 2021 (32, 570) and down 28% compared with March 2022 (74, 950). According to Eurostat, the decrease from March to April 2022 can be attributed in large part to the decrease in Ukrainian first-time applicants (from 12,885 in March to 1,510 in April; -88%), whose numbers had increased in March due to the military aggression of Russia on Ukraine. In April 2022, there were also 5,555 subsequent applicants (people who reapplied for asylum after a decision had been taken on a previous application).

The Informal Meeting of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Ministers, known as Gymnich, will take place on the 30 – 31 August 2022, in Prague. The meeting of the Foreign Ministers of EU member states is organised by the Czech rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus, Ioannis Kasoulides, met with his Italian counterpart, Luigi Di Maio who expressed Italy’s support in efforts for a solution to the Cyprus problem. At the same time, the excellent relations between the two countries were reconfirmed.

The President of the Cyprus Parliament, Annita Dimitriou, called for full coordination of actions for the internationalization of the Cyprus problem, addressing on Tuesday the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots, organised by the organizations POMAK, PSEKA and NEPOMAK. Speaking at the Conference, in Nicosia, Demetriou referred to the 48 years that have passed since the Turkish invasion and the escalation of Turkey’s criminal behavior with the creation of new fait accompli, with the attempt to settle the fenced off area of Famagusta, the threats of annexation of the occupied territories and the continuous and flagrant violations of international and European Law.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades expressed his disappointment that Turkey faces no consequences for its revisionism, which leads to violations of other countries’ sovereign rights, while addressing on Tuesday the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots by the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK). The President’s speech was delivered by the Minister of the Interior, Nikos Nouris, due to the President’s infection with COVID-19.

The “tireless” efforts of overseas Cypriots, their love for their country, their successes and the progress they achieve in their countries of residence, have made them “the best ambassadors” of Cyprus abroad, Presidential Commissioner, Photis Photiou said on Tuesday in his speech at the opening of the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora, in Nicosia. Photiou said that this was an “important” day for everyone.

Cyprus will contribute in every possible way to achieve the common goal, so that any gap that appears in the supply of energy on the European market can be covered in a timely manner, underlined Marios Panayides, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry. Panayides was representing Cyprus at Tuesday’s extraordinary meeting of the Energy Council of the EU, in Brussels.

US senator Robert Menendez called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to halt provocations in Cyprus immediately, in a video message at the opening of the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora, in Nicosia. He noted that the status quo in Cyprus, Turkish activity in Varosha and Turkey’s human rights violations are unacceptable.

The World Conference of Overseas Cypriots by the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) continues its work on Wednesday, in Limassol. The conference officially opened on Tuesday evening in Nicosia. During the conference Greek Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Zetta Makri is expected to deliver an address on Greek schools of Diaspora.

The three-day annual meeting of the heads of diplomatic missions of the Republic of Cyprus begins on Wednesday in Nicosia, during which, among other things, they will be briefed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Kasoulides, of the country’s foreign policy priorities and objectives. According to the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in the context of the meeting, the Cypriot diplomats who are accredited as heads of diplomatic missions to states and international organizations around the world, will be briefed “about the priorities and objectives of our country’s foreign policy” and have the opportunity to exchange views with the Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias pays an official visit to Cyprus on Thursday. Nikos Dendias will meet with Archbishop Chrysostomos II and is expected to be received by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades. He will then participate in the Meeting of the Heads of the Diplomatic Missions of Cyprus, during which he will deliver a speech.

The outstanding amount of deposits in June reached €51.3 billion, while loans totaled €28.7 billion, according to data published on Wednesday by the Central Bank of Cyprus, which are included in the July 2022 edition of Monetary and Financial Statistics. The CBC announced that the total deposits in June 2022 recorded a net increase of €352.5 million, compared with a net decrease of €166.9 million in May 2022.

The Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK) celebrated 20 years since its foundation on Wednesday with delegates underlining the significance of the organisation in raising awareness about the Cyprus problem, the role it plays by providing support to youth organisations of the diaspora, preserving national identity, cultural heritage, the economy and promoting human ideals. They also emphasised the role of young people through social media to promote issues that concern diaspora and noted the future belongs to youth.

Economic sentiment improved in July, the University of Cyprus’ Economic Research Centre said on Wednesday. In particular in its monthly bulletin, the research centre says that in July 2022, economic sentiment in Cyprus improved as the Economic Sentiment Indicator (ESI-CypERC) increased by 1.4 points compared with June 2022. “The increase in the ESI-CypERC resulted from stronger business confidence in services and industry,” it notes. It points out that the increase in the Services Confidence Indicator was driven by improvements in firms’ recent business situation and upward revisions in demand expectations.

Cyta participates in the East Med Corridor (EMC) submarine cable system, following an agreement signed on Tuesday, July 26, in Athens. In a press release, Cyta said that the East Med Corridor (EMC) submarine cable system is “a project of geostrategic importance, with transnational support, which exploits the geographical position of Cyprus, Greece and Saudi Arabia for creating an international digital highway that is essential for the global economy.”

The sales from filling stations fell by 6.8% to 55,061 tonnes in June 2022, compared to the same month of the previous year. Total sales for road diesel recorded a decrease of 10.4% and motor gasoline fell by 5.9%, according to data published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus on Wednesday. Large decreases were also recorded in the sales of asphalt, which dropped by 49.8% and heavy fuel, by 10.8%. However, the total sales of petroleum products recorded a rise of 14.5% for June 2022, compared to June 2021 and amounted to 126,041 tonnes.

It is time that the parallels drawn between the problems of Cyprus and Ukraine, bring back the attention of the international community to what has happened since 1974 and still continues for 48 years, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides has said. Speaking to the media on Wednesday after a meeting he held with the Cypriot diplomats who are accredited as Heads of Diplomatic Missions in states and International Organizations around the world, he said that this is an annual meeting, adding that the issue today was about the general foreign policy of Cyprus, which includes the efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem. The Foreign Minister pointed out that they mainly discussed about Ukraine.

The Cyprus issue, Turkish provocations and the consequences of Russia’s invasion in Ukraine are some of the issues to be discussed in Nicosia, on Thursday, by the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus and Greece. According to a statement of the Cypriot Ministry, Greece’s FM, Nikos Dendias, will make a working visit to Cyprus tomorrow.

Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus, Natasa Pilides described on Wednesday the mobility around Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone lately as positive, due to the developments in the natural gas sector following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Speaking at a presentation during the Overseas Cypriots conference held in Limassol, she said that since the start of COVID-19, a total of 200 million dollar works concerning the Cyprus EEZ have taken place. Regarding the drilling in Block 6 of the Cyprus EEZ by ENI/TOTAL currently underway, she said it is progressing very satisfactorily and that within two to three weeks it is expected to be completed.

Human trafficking was high on the agenda at a meeting held on Wednesday between Minister of Justice and Public Order, Stephie Dracos, and US Ambassador to Cyprus, Judith Garber, in the presence of representatives of the Cyprus Police. According to a press release by the Ministry, the Ambassador congratulated the Minister and her team for her efforts and actions that resulted in the upgrading of Cyprus by the US Department of State in the annual report on Trafficking in Persons.

EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides urged member states on Wednesday to step up efforts regarding the surveillance, identification and reporting of monkeypox cases, as well as efforts concerning the isolation, contact tracing and vaccination, infection prevention and clear risk communication campaigns in all Member States and the EEA. CNA learns that Kyriakides sent a letter to EU Health Ministers, in light of the WHO’s declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern regarding monkeypox on 24 July, and called for a reinforced, concerted and coordinated EU action to address a developing global situation, where the European Union is the epicentre of detected cases.

Deputy ministers and officials from Greece and other countries addressed the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora on Wednesday with messages for cooperation with Cyprus on the issue of diaspora. Secretary General for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Chrysoulakis said that a very important part of Hellenism, which is the Cypriot diaspora, is gathered at the conference. He praised expatriates who turned their values and traditions into progress, in social and professional advancement in their new homelands, referring to admirably creative people, brilliant scientists, highly capable businessmen with the heart and mind in their homeland which is still divided.

President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades has tested negative to COVID-19 and as a result he will return to his public activities, according to a written statement issued on Wednesday by Government Spokesman Marios Pelekanos. President Anastasiades tested positive for coronavirus on July 19th and was self isolating ever since.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias pays an official visit to Cyprus on Thursday. Nikos Dendias will meet with Archbishop Chrysostomos II and is expected to be received by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, at 11:00. The meeting takes place in the context of close cooperation and coordination between Nicosia and Athens. Among other things, the next steps of Cyprus and Greece while dealing with Turkish provocations will be discussed.

US Senators and members of the US Congress addressed Thursday through video messages, the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora, stressing the need for Turkey to end the illegal occupation in Cyprus and its recent provocations and the need for Cyprus and the US to strengthen their cooperation. Many of them also spoke against the potential sale of F-16 jets to Turkey. Senator Robert Menendez called on Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to halt provocations in Cyprus immediately.

Cyprus and Greece insist on respect of international law, said President of the Republic of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades following his meeting on Thursday with Greece’s Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias. In a post on Twitter, President Anastasiades said “Cyprus and Greece insist on respect of international law”, adding it is an “essential pillar to ensure peace and security in the region.” The two, he said, “examined the actions necessary to manage the Turkish revisionism in Cyprus and the Aegean”. In a tweet, the Greek Foreign Ministry said that Dendias was received by #Cyprus President Anastasiades in the presence of Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides.

In May 2022, the Industrial Production Index reached 136.2 units (base 2015=100), recording an increase of 5.3% compared to May 2021, according to data published by the Cyprus Statistical Service, on Thursday. In particular, according to the official data the manufacturing sector registered an increase of 6.3% compared to May 2021.

Expatriate organizations that participate in the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora referred Thursday to the new difficulties they face in promoting aspects of the Cyprus issue, due to the new geopolitical developments. They also stressed the need for further mobilisation of the Republic of Cyprus to raise awareness of the Cyprus issue abroad. In his statements to journalists, the President of the International Coordination Committee “Justice for Cyprus”, (PSEKA), Philip Christopher, expressed the opinion that “we are in a difficult position, due to the upgraded position of Turkey after the war in Ukraine.”

A new €50 million package to support the society and businesses from electricity price increases for both residential, commercial and industrial users, amounting to €50 million, has been announced by the Government, which will cover from 50% up to 85% of the expected new increase in electricity tariffs, with coverage reaching 100% for the vulnerable groups. As announced by the Minister of Finance, Constantinos Petrides, following a Cabinet meeting this grant will also cover the reintroduction of VAT on electricity at 19%.

The European Commission announced it received on Thursday the first payment request from Cyprus under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) for a disbursement of €85 million in financial support (net of pre-financing), adding that it will assess it and will send its preliminary assessment of milestones and targets fulfilment to the Council’s Economic and Financial Committee. “Cyprus’ overall recovery and resilience plan will be financed by €0.9 billion in grants and €0.2 billion in loans,” the Commission says in a press release.

EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Marija Gabriel and the Mayor of the Romanian city of Cluj-Napoca Emil Boc, rapporteur of the European Committee of the Regions for the opinion on the European University Alliances initiative, expressed their support of transnational alliances of European universities in a co-signed opinion article on Thursday. As Commissioner Gabriel and Mayor Bocque say there are around 5,000 higher education institutions in Europe, each of which is a centre of knowledge and innovation in its own right, whether you are looking at research universities or higher vocational education and training institutions, universities of applied sciences, institutes of technology or schools of arts.

Cyprus and Greece are in constant and close coordination, especially in light of Turkish threats to create new faits accomplis both on land and at sea, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries said on Thursday, in view of the illegal drilling by the Turkish drilling rig Abdul Hamid Khan In joint statements after their meeting in Nicosia, Cypriot Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said that there are six potential sites where the illegal drilling could take place and added that actions were discussed in the hope of preventing new tensions. The Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias recalled that the relevant decisions of the European Union are in force.

The Ministry of Finance announced on Thursday the submission of the first payment request to the European Commission for a disbursement of €85 million from the Recovery and Resilience Mechanism. According to the Ministry’s press release, the first payment request submitted on 28 July relates to the achievement of 14 milestones by completing reforms and investments in the energy and circular economy sectors, the financial sector, digital transition, modernising the public administration, fighting corruption and strengthening the effectiveness of the monitoring and control system of the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan.

A lot of work needs to be done to bring the missing persons issue back to its proper dimension, Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou said on Thursday, noting that it is a humanitarian and not political issue. Speaking at the International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), conference, in the framework of the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots that is taking place in Limassol, Photiou thanked overseas Cypriots for promoting the humanitarian problem of the missing people and urged them to continue their efforts so that Turkey finally cooperates.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution for the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). In a press release issued on Thursday, the Ministry notes that in its resolution, the UN Security Council reaffirms all its resolutions on Cyprus and reiterates the importance of achieving a comprehensive solution of the Cyprus issue within the agreed framework of a solution based on a bicommunal, bizonal federation, with political equality as defined in the relevant resolutions.

The UN Security Council unanimously voted on a draft resolution renewing the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus for another six months, until January 31, 2023 and asking the General Secretary to submit a new report on January 3, 2023. ?ccording to Cypriot diplomatic sources, the final draft of the UN Secretary General’s resolution is satisfactory. Positive references according to the same sources include strong wording over Turkish actions in the fenced off city of Varosha and the fact that the Security Council encourages the Secretary General to appoint a special envoy on the Cyprus problem.

Cyprus ranks 20th among 27 EU Member States in the 2022 edition of the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), moving up one place compared to 2021. According to a European Commission’s report, the country’s relative progress, considering its starting point, is above the expected rate, indicating that it is converging to the EU average.

The Nicosia Chamber of Commerce and Industry took part recently in the opening meeting of the European programme WAST – Support Young Women and Professionals in the field of Alternative and Sustainable Tourism, which was held in the city of Lublin, Poland. During the meeting, partners discussed the goals and priorities of the programme, as well as the distribution of tasks between them. The programme will be completed in May 2024, a press release reads.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Kasoulides expressed satisfaction for the adoption of the UN Security Council resolution for the renewal of the mandate of the UN Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP). Speaking to reporters in Limassol, on the sidelines of the World Conference of Cyprus Diaspora, Kasoulides also said that the Ministry will continue to support UNFICYP but at the same time it insists on its position regarding the setting up of barbed wire in the buffer zone in an effort to curb illegal migrants from the Turkish occupied north crossing into the government-controlled areas. Invited to comment on the newly adopted resolution, Kasoulides said “we are satisfied because a lot has been said about the UN Secretary General’s reports about no references to the basis for a solution to the Cyprus problem, that of a bizonal, bicommunal federation with political equality.”

We are once again at a critical crossroad as regards the Cyprus problem, Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides said Friday addressing the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots that wraps up in Limassol. The Minister said that the government of Cyprus has repeatedly expressed its will for the immediate resumption of the Cyprus talks, while referring to Ukraine, he said that the international community must not have double standards since the same principles that are being violated by Russia, are being violated by Turkey in Cyprus for 48 years now.

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has calculated the reference interest rate t? prevent usury at 8.93%. “The Central Bank of Cyprus, exercising its power under article 314A of the Cyprus Penal Code, Cap. 154 as subsequently amended, has calculated, in accordance with the provisions of the said article, the reference interest rate at 8.93%,” a CBC press release says.

Presidential Commissioner, Photis Photiou outlined a National Strategy for Cypriots of Diaspora which includes how to make more use of the role of overseas Cypriots, strengthen the new generation and promote the Cyprus problem in their home countries. The Commissioner presented the strategy on the last day of deliberations of the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots by the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK), the International Coordinating Committee “Justice for Cyprus” (PSEKA) and the Youth of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (NEPOMAK). Photiou said it is clear that it is important to highlight the reciprocal relationship between Cyprus and Cypriots of the diaspora.

Bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue, Ukraine and Western Balkans will be on the agenda of a meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Cyprus and Serbia on Monday. According to a press release by the Cyprus Foreign Ministry, Serbian Foreign Affairs Minister Nikola Selakovic will pay on Monday a working visit to Cyprus, during which he will hold a tête-à-tête meeting with Minister Ioannis Kasoulides followed by consultations with the participation of delegations from the two Ministries.

Heads of the World Federation of Overseas Cypriots (POMAK) and the International Coordinating Committee – Justice for Cyprus (PSEKA), Andreas Papaevripides and Phillip Christopher respectively, assured on Friday that overseas Cypriots will intensify their efforts about the Cyprus problem once they return to their countries of residence. They were speaking to the press in the framework of the World Conference of Overseas Cypriots that wrapped up in Limassol.

The Index of Industrial Output Prices continued its steep annual rise in June, showing increasing signs of inflationist pressures on the economy. According to data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat), the index in June rose to 131.3 units (base 2015=100), recording an increase of 0.5% compared to May 2022, while the Index climbed by 21.7% compared with the respective period of last year. For the period January-June 2022, the index registered an increase of 19.4% compared to the corresponding period of 2021 In June 2022 compared to May 2022, the index remained stable in the sector of electricity supply, while it showed a rise in the sectors of mining and quarrying by 3.8% and manufacturing by 1.1%.

Three banks granted 16 loans amounting to €11.06 million with state guarantees, the Finance Ministry announced on Friday. The provision of loans guaranteed by the state was put in place last year as part of the measures to alleviate the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic to economic activity and were approved by the European Commission.

“We can’t remain inactive in the face of Turkey’s expansionist plans and the two-state solution,” stated Speaker of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou at the annual memorial service of the first President of the Republic of Cyprus, Archbishop Makarios. “Forty-five years after the death of Archbishop Makarios, the struggle for vindication and the overthrow of the fait accompli continues against the intransigent, threatening and destabilising attitude of Turkey.

The Cyprus Government expects the creation of conditions that will allow the UN Secretary-General to activate the discussion procedures on “the bold” Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) it has submitted, but also the resumption of a new dialogue on equal terms, Government Spokesman, Marios Pelekanos said on Sunday.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The 2022 Fortune Global 500 list has been announced with Midea Group listed on Fortune Global 500 for its seventh consecutive year, this time with its ranking moved up to No. 245.

(Graphic: Business Wire)

This April, Midea Group published its 2021 annual report – the company’s annual revenue grew 20.06% in 2021, reaching an all-time high of RMB343.4 billion.

Midea adheres to its strategic focus on “Technology Leadership”, and accelerates its technology-driven transformation.

For C-suite businesses, smart home is committed to providing the best experience of whole-house smart home appliances and services through using IoT and AI technology.

For B-suite businesses, Midea focuses on developing not only ToB business areas such as robotics and automation, building technologies, energy management, smart travel, and Midea Healthcare, but also further developing the transformation and upgrading of digital innovation business areas such as Annto, Midea Cloud.

In this approach Midea will strive to better realize its ultimate aim of evolving from a home appliance company into an innovation-driven technology group.

Midea Industrial Technology invests in green energy and high-precision products, and it operates brands such as GMCC, Welling, HICONICS, SERVOTRONIX, etc.

With its digital building service platform, Midea Building Technologies provides one-stop solutions that are intelligent, digital, and low-carbon.

The Robotics & Automation division focuses on providing solutions for industrial robotics, automatic logistics systems, and transmission systems for future factory-related fields, as well as solutions for health care, entertainment, new consumption, etc.

The Digital Innovation Business provides solutions and services for the digital transformation of enterprises.

In addition, Midea has been seeking breakthroughs in overseas markets; recently, COSCO-owned CSP Abu Dhabi signed an agreement with Midea on the joint construction of an overseas warehouse transit center in the Middle East, which will make it easier for international users to access Midea products.

Midea Group is proud to have a family of approximately 160,000 employees, including over 30,000 based overseas.

About Midea Group

Midea Group has upheld its philosophy of creating a better life through technology ever since its establishment 54 years ago. Over the past five years, Midea has invested nearly RMB50 billion in R&D, and has 35 R&D centers and 35 major production bases across the globe. Midea products and services are used and enjoyed by 400 million consumers in over 200 countries and regions.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus has allocated 103 euro per person to research and development in 2021, compared to 244 euro in the EU’s average, according to data on government budget allocations for R&D published by Eurostat, the statistical service of the European Union.

In 2021, the total government budget allocations for R&D across the EU stood at 109,250 mln euro, equivalent to 0.8% of GDP. This is a 6% increase compared with 2020 (102 791 million euro) and a 35% increase compared with 2011 (81 139 million euro).

According to this data, government budget allocations for R&D at an EU level stood at 244 euro per person, a 33% increase compared with 2011 (184 euro per person). The highest allocations were recorded in Luxembourg (689 euro per person), followed at a distance by Denmark (530 euro) and Germany (471 euro).

On the other hand, EU countries with the lowest R&D budget allocations per person were Romania (19 euro per person), Bulgaria (24 euro), Latvia (45 euro) and Hungary (60 euro).

Over the last decade, the largest percentage increases in government budget allocations for R&D at euro per person were recorded in Latvia (from 14 euro in 2011 to 45 in 2021), Greece (from 58 euro to 152) and Hungary (from 30 euro to 60). In contrast, these allocations decreased in Spain (from 155 euro in 2011 to 152 in 2021).

In Cyprus, there was a small increase compared to 2011 (from 96 to 103 euro), but a decrease compared to 2020 (from 132 euro). Per person allocation had decreased significantly in 2012 and 2013 (to 81 and 67 euro respectively) and stayed around 70 euro between 2014 and 2018. The number increased one more in 2019 (to 92 euro) and in 2020 (to 132 euro).

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The European Commission has announced it will be funding new projects to support reception, asylum and return systems in Cyprus, Italy, Spain, Greece, and Poland.

The total funding for all countries amounts to 171 million euro and will be directed to projects related to their reception, asylum and return systems, and is intended for national authorities as well as international organisations.

The support to Cyprus will go to the construction of an accommodation and pre-departure centres in the Menoyia area, in Larnaka.

The projects to be funded were selected through a competitive call launched in the beginning of 2022 to fund projects in Member States under pressure, under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund, according to the Commission’s press release.

The financial support to international organisations in Greece will contribute to improving the quality of protection assistance to asylum seekers hosted within the reception system. It will have a particular focus on individualized management of people being in a situation of vulnerability, as well as on providing support for education to the school-aged refugee children in Greece.

In Spain, it will be dedicated to the reinforcement of the capacity of the reception system in Ceuta and in Canary Islands, contributing to mitigate their reception capacity overload stemming from the increased migratory pressure.

The project of Italy will focus on strengthening the capacity of the reception system from arrival to all phases of reception, to protect and care for the most vulnerable refugee children and women.

The award to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Poland will focus on strengthening a rights-based and protection sensitive approach to the provision of direct assistance and improving return procedures.

New calls might be programmed under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) budget 2023, according to the Commission.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Unemployment in Cyprus decreased by 25.4% in July 2022, compared to the same month of 2021. According to data published by the Statistical Service on Wednesday, the unemployed persons, registered at the District Labour Offices on the last day of July 2022, reached 14,145 persons, down from 18,950 registered in July 2021.

The decrease is mainly attributed to the sectors of accommodation and food service activities, where a decrease of 1,275 persons was recorded, trade, was down by 1,219, manufacturing by 314, construction by 271, transportation and storage dropped by 271 persons, while the decrease of 427 persons recorded in newcomers to the labour market.

In comparison to June 2022, registered unemployed persons increased by 1,813 in July. Based on the seasonally adjusted data that show the trend of unemployment, the number of registered unemployed for July 2022 increased to 14,128 persons in comparison to 13,724 in the previous month.

Source: Cyprus News Agency