Author: cnadmin

The European Commission has today adopted a Communication setting out how it can follow up on the outcome of the Conference on the Future of Europe.

After a year of deliberations, the Conference came to an end on 9 May 2022. In the closing ceremony in Strasbourg, the Presidents of the European Parliament, Commission and Council received a final report from the Conference participants containing 49 wide-ranging, ambitious and forward-looking proposals and 326 individual measures.

These proposals, covering nine broad themes, were based on recommendations made by citizens during the European Citizens’ Panels and the National Citizens’ Panels, and who contributed their ideas through the Multilingual Digital Platform.

While the Conference has delivered in both quantity and quality of proposals, its success will ultimately hinge on the change that it can deliver. In this spirit, the European Commission, along with both the European Parliament and Council, all committed in the Joint Declaration of March 2021 to following up on what was proposed – each within the framework of their competences and in accordance with the Treaties. President von der Leyen repeated this commitment at the Conference closing ceremony.

Today’s Communication is the first step in the Commission’s follow-up. It offers an assessment of what is needed to follow up on the Conference’s proposals, gives an overview of the next steps and sets out how best to learn the lessons from the Conference and embed participative democracy into the EU’s policy and law-making. For instance, building on the success of the European Citizens’ Panels in the Conference, the Commission will enable these panels to deliberate and make recommendations ahead of certain key proposals, as part of its wider policy making and in line with Better Regulation principles.

President Ursula von der Leyen said: “European citizens have given us rich and wide-ranging ideas to improve our Union: 49 detailed proposals and more than 300 measures to make everyday life better. To build a better future. We promised to follow up. Today’s Communication is the first step in doing so. I will always stand by those who want to reform our Union for the better.”

Analysis of proposals and next steps

The Commission believes that for the assessment of the proposals to be credible, it is essential to stick to the spirit and the letter of what is proposed – without any re-interpretation or selection. This is what is set out in the annex to this Communication. The 49 proposals are divided up into the same thematic areas chosen by the Conference, with the Commission’s assessment set out under each area.

The annex sets out four categories of responses: existing initiatives that address the proposals (e.g. the European Climate Law); those already proposed by the Commission where the European Parliament and the Council are called upon to adopt (e.g. the New Pact on Migration); planned actions which will deliver on the ideas, building in new reflections from the Conference (e.g. the Media Freedom Act); and new initiatives or areas of work inspired by the proposals, falling within the remit of the Commission (e.g. issues related to mental health).

The first set of new proposals will be announced in President von der Leyen’s State of the Union address in September 2022, as well as in the accompanying Letter of Intent. These proposals will be amongst those to be included in the 2023 Commission work programme and beyond. In following up, the Commission will ensure that new reforms and policies are not mutually exclusive to discussions on the need for Treaty change, focusing on making the most of what is currently possible, while being open to Treaty change where that will be necessary.

To keep the citizens who have participated in the Conference informed, and to keep up the momentum, a Conference feedback event will be organised in autumn 2022. This event would be the moment for communicating and explaining how the three EU institutions are following up and taking stock of progress at that stage of the process.

Members of the College said:

Vice-President Dubravka Šuica: “The success of the Conference on the Future of Europe is a result of the dedication, engagement and rigour of all the citizens involved. They have articulated their vision of the future and have entrusted us with its delivery.”

Vice-President Maroš Šefcovic: “People from right across Europe put huge energy and effort into agreeing these 49 proposals. I witnessed this first-hand, particularly in the area of health. It is now for us in the EU institutions to put that same energy and effort into responding to their calls. By feeding the outcomes of the Conference into the 2023 Commission Work Programme, we can demonstrate clearly to citizens that not only have we listened to them, we have heard them.”

Vice-President Vera Jourová: “The Conference on the Future of Europe created momentum to listen more attentively to the people of Europe. Now we must bring forth tangible results. Today‘s Communication is the first step on the path to delivery and provides for concrete follow-up to the recommendations presented by citizens.”

Background

President von der Leyen called for a Conference on the Future of Europe in her Political Guidelines of July 2019, as part of a vision for a new push for European democracy – and committed to following up on its results.

The Conference on the Future of Europe, which kicked off on Europe Day 2021, ran for one year. It was an unprecedented pan-European exercise in deliberative democracy – the largest and broadest of its kind. It connected people from all ages, countries and backgrounds, many of whom had never engaged with Europe or were not familiar with the European Union’s institutional make-up. They all brought their different stories and perspectives, their different languages and identities to set out their expectations of Europe and to weave together a vision of its future.

The proposals made by the Conference include 326 measures for the EU institutions and Member States to follow up on under nine topics: climate change and the environment; health; a stronger economy, social justice and jobs; EU in the world; values and rights, rule of law, security; digital transformation; European democracy; migration; education, culture, youth and sport.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus has recorded the lowest rate of housing cost overburden in the EU in 2020, the Ministry of Finance said Friday referring to Eurostat data.

It notes that the EU average was around 7.8%, but with significant differences between Member States. Rates below 5% were recorded in 13 Member States, with the lowest rates in Cyprus (1.9%), Lithuania (2.7%), Malta (2.8%) and Slovakia (3.2%). Rates of more than 10% were recorded in three Member States with the highest being 33.3%.

It adds that only 1.9% of the population of Cyprus spends more than 40% of its disposable income to meet housing needs.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said on Friday that he will continue to fight for Cyprus’ reunification until the very end of his term. Addressing the ideological and political conference of ruling DISY party, in Nicosia, the President also spoke of Turkey’s threats and expressed hope that Europe’s support will be decisive.

“We sought and continue to seek dialogue for a peaceful, sustainable and functioning Cyprus solution” the President said, and referred to the last attempt in 2017 for a comprehensive settlement, saying that we came very close to a solution.

“If we failed to achieve this, this was not our responsibility, but Turkey’s responsibility as recorded in the published UN minutes, but also due to an insistence to an anachronistic system of guarantees and to maintain occupying troops in our country on a permanent basis” he added.

The President went on to say that Turkey’s intentions were confirmed through the recent announcements made by the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which presented a number of maps, revealing Ankara’s revisionist approach.

The President pledged not to stop fighting until the end of his term at the Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus – a term that ends next year – in order for Cyprus to get rid of Turkey’s occupation and become a reunited country, with full respect to the rights of all citizens, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

“We never even thought of usurping the rights of our compatriots” the Turkish Cypriots, he added, while at the same time “others usurp the land of our ancestors.”

We expressed hope that the support coming from Europe, friends and allies will be decisive in causing a differentiated approach from “a neighbouring country which unfortunately causes concern for peace and stability in the region.”

The President also referred to developments in the economy and employment, saying that after the financial crisis the government managed to restore Cyprus’ credit rankings, reduce unemployment from 17% to 6% and even achieve full employment conditions just as the pandemic was starting to hit, with a pre-pandemic growth of 4.5%.

He also said that the state disbursed €3.6 bln to support the economy and the citizens during the pandemic. In 2021 growth reached 5.7%, over the EU average, while unemployment remained at pre-pandemic levels, he added. Today we are called to deal a new global financial crisis, as a result of Russia’s invasion to Ukraine, the President went on and assured those present that both the government and the ruling party will continue to conduct politics in a responsible manner, in order to also successfully tackle the present crisis.

Speaking about efforts to enhance the National Guard, the President said that deterrence has been augmented significantly through various programs and pointed to the various threats Cyprus is facing.

During the conference, President Anastasiades endorsed the candidacy of ruling DISY party President, Averof Neophytou, as his successor in the Presidency of the Republic.

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Our country can be a bridge for the United Arab Emirates to enter in the European technology market, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Kyriakos Kokkinos, said on Friday after meeting with the Chief of Government Services of the UAE government, Mohamed Bin Taliah, at the Limassol Municipality. Kokkinos and the Emirati official met with Limassol Mayor, Nicos Nicolaides, and later on with the Cyprus University of Technology rector authorities to discuss subjects of common interest.

As Kokkinos said, “the aim of this visit was for the UAE to get to know Cyprus better and examine the prospects of collaboration in digital transformation and innovation, through a specific action plan, especially in regard with smart cities and green growth.” He also mentioned that a three-month timeline was set, towards a memorandum of understanding between the two parties.

Additionally, he said that there is a specific action plan “which will be followed by certain agreements between the two countries and it is within the general efforts of the Republic of Cyprus, to build bridges of collaboration with mutual practical benefit.” Kokkinos also said that the UAE delegation “has seen things that they believe could be adopted by their country, so working groups will be responsible to examine the way for certain things that we do in Cyprus, to be implemented in the UAE, too.”

The Chief of Government Services of the UAE said that the visit aims to investigate opportunities for the exchange of knowledge in aspects of government efficiency. He expressed his satisfaction for the progressive infrastructure that is under construction in Limassol, especially the digital services and the IT companies and stated that he is looking forward to the future collaboration between Cyprus and the UAE.

The Mayor of Limassol, Nicos Nicolaides, said that the discussion during the meeting mainly revolved around technology and issues related to the new age towards which our cities and countries are headed.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Today, the European Commission presented its Opinions on the application for EU membership submitted by Ukraine, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova as invited by the Council. Today’s Opinions are based on the Commission’s assessment in light of the three sets of criteria to join the EU agreed by the European Council: political criteria, economic criteria and the ability of the country to assume the obligations of EU membership (EU acquis). The Opinions also take into account Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia’s efforts in implementing their obligations under the Association Agreements (AA), including the Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas (DCFTA), which cover significant parts of the EU acquis.

The European Commission has found that Ukraine overall is well advanced in reaching the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; has continued its strong macro-economic record, demonstrating a noteworthy resilience with macroeconomic and financial stability, while needing to continue ambitious structural economic reforms; and has gradually approximated to substantial elements of the EU acquis in many areas.

On this basis, the Commission recommends that Ukraine be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.

As regards Moldova, the European Commission concludes that the country has a solid foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities; macroeconomic policies have been reasonably sound and progress has been made in strengthening the financial sector and business environment but key economic reforms remain to be undertaken; the country has established a solid basis to further alignment with the EU acquis.

On this basis, the Commission recommends that Moldova be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status on the understanding that steps are taken in a number of areas.

The European Commission assesses that Georgia has a foundation in place to reach the stability of institutions guaranteeing democracy, the rule of law, human rights and respect for and protection of minorities, even if recent developments have undermined the country’s progress; it has achieved a good degree of macroeconomic stability and has a sound record of economic policy and a favourable business environment, but further reforms are needed to improve the functioning of its market economy; and overall, Georgia has established a solid basis for further alignment with the EU acquis.

On this basis, the Commission recommends that Georgia be given the perspective to become a member of the European Union. It should be granted candidate status once a number of priorities have been addressed.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, said: “Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia share the strong and legitimate aspiration of joining the European Union. Today, we are sending them a clear signal of support in their aspirations, even as they face challenging circumstances. And we do so standing firm on our European values and standards, setting out the path they need to follow in order to join the EU. The Commission’s opinions mark an inflection point in our relations. Indeed, this is a historic day for the people of Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia. We are confirming that they belong, in due time, in the European Union. The next steps are now in the hands of our Member States.”

Olivér Várhelyi, Commissioner for Neighbourhood and Enlargement, said: “We have worked quickly and efficiently to be able to present our opinions in record time. We expect member states to take forward decisions in the coming days, but our partner countries should already start working to deliver on their side on the key reforms outlined in our recommendation. This is crucial in order for Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia to move ahead on their EU path.”

Next steps

Based on the European Commission’s Opinions, the EU Member States will now have to decide unanimously on the next steps.

The applications for EU membership by Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova in light of the Commission’s Opinions will be discussed at the next European Council on 23 and 24 June. In the meantime, the EU remains committed to continue to further strengthen ties and deepen their partnership to support Ukraine, Moldova and Georgia, in line with our Association Agreements and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Areas.

Background

On 28 February 2022, Ukraine presented its application for EU membership.

On 3 March 2022, Georgia and the Republic of Moldova presented their applications for EU membership.

On 7 March, the Council of the European Union invited the Commission to submit its Opinions on these applications. Ukraine received the part of the questionnaire on the political and economic criteria on 8 April 2022 and the part on the EU acquis on 13 April. Ukraine provided its replies on 17 April and on 9 May respectively. Georgia and Moldova received the first part of the questionnaire on the political and economic criteria on 11 April 2022 and the part on the EU acquis on 19 April. Moldova provided its replies on 22 April and 12 May. Georgia provided its replies on 2 and 10 May.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices climb to a new all-time high in May driven upwards mainly by the continued prices hikes in energy.

According to data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat) the HCIP in May rose by 8.8% year on year, marking an increase of 0.6% compared with the previous month of this year.

HICP marks a new all-time high according to Cystat’s data following the previous record of 8.6% registered in April. Harmonised inflation follows an upward path since March 2021.

For the period January – May 2022 the HICP recorded an increase of 6.9% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, Cystat said.

By economic origin, the HICP was pushed upwards mainly by Energy which saw a rise of 37.6% compared with May 2021 and by 4.9% compared with April 2022.

Compared to May 2021, the largest changes were noted in Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other Fuels with 21.9%), Transport with 16.2% and Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages with 10.6%).

Compared to April 2022, the largest change was recorded in category Restaurants and Hotels 3.1%, Cystat added.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus MPs Nikos Tornaritis (head of delegation), Yiorgos Loukaides and Christiana Erotokritou are travelling to Strasbourg on Sunday to attend the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.

Addresses by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands are among the highlights of the summer session of the (PACE), according to a press release by CoE and Cyprus Parliament.

There will also be a high-level panel and interactive debate on the theme of “Upholding democratic security in Europe” with the participation, among others, of Simon Coveney, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Minister for Defence of Ireland.

This follows a related report on “Recent challenges to security in Europe: what role for the Council of Europe?”.

Other topics to be debated include the humanitarian consequences of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, with a special focus on internal and external migration, a joint debate on reported cases of political prisoners in the Russian Federation, and the need to restore human rights and the rule of law in the North Caucasus.

The parliamentarians will also discuss the control of online communication, how to prevent and combat antisemitism in Europe, and fighting vaccine-preventable diseases through quality services and anti-vaccine myth-busting.

There is a report on the role of political parties in fostering diversity and inclusion – which proposes they sign a new Charter for a non-racist society – and one on justice and security for women in peace reconciliation.

Finally, the Assembly will debate Malta’s honouring of its Council of Europe membership obligations, and will review its partnership for democracy with the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic.

Cyprus Parliamentarian Yiorgos Loukaides, who is the rapporteur for Malta’s obligations, will present his report.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus is susceptible to desertification, drought, water shortage as well as the repercussions from climate change, a press release from the Department of Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture said on Friday, on the occasion of today’s World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought.

In Cyprus, an action plan has been prepared which includes mapping of vulnerable areas and actions as well as measures to handle the phenomenon.

The action plan provides for projects and measures taken in all fields at all levels (citizens, businesses, government) to handle desertification and drought.

Observed annually on 17 June, the United Nations initiative aims to increase awareness on the consequences of desertification and drought and highlight the methods for prevention and recovery. The 2022 theme is “Rising up from drought together”.

Droughts are increasing in frequency and severity up 29 percent since 2000 and affecting an estimated 55 million people every year, according to the latest Drought in Numbers report from UNCCD. By 2050, drylands may cover between 50 to 60 percent of all land, with an estimated three-quarters of the world’s population living in these areas under conditions of severe water scarcity.

The Horn of Africa, said the UN Convention to Combat Desertification for example, is in its fourth year of drought. A similar drought in Southern Africa five years ago put 20 million people on the verge of starvation. This year Chile marked a record-breaking 13th year of drought. A prolonged drought in the United States that started in 2000 is the country’s driest period in over 1200 years.

In the lead up to the 2022 Desertification and Drought Day, UNCCD launched Droughtland, a public awareness campaign featuring a fictional drought-stricken nation, to showcase solutions and rally global action to boost drought resilience.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The book ‘’Giorgos Christodoulides: Selected Poems (1996-2021)’’ will be launched on June 22, in Nicosia, according to a press release by Armida Books.

The event will take place on Wednesday, 22 June, 7:00 pm, at Roes Multivenue, Archbishop Kyprianos Avenue 79A, 2059, old Strovolos. Poet and author Stephanos Stephanides and poet Gürgenç Korkmazel will speak of the book. It is noted that the speakers will read in English, with simultaneous projection of the Greek translation. Actor Spyros Stavrinides will recite poems in Greek, while Giorgos Christodoulides will make the closing remarks in Greek. Despina Pirketti will coordinate the event.

About the book

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The press release notes that 100 poems chosen from eight collections of poetry, as well as poems as yet unpublished, are rearranged for this edition across six categories that exemplify the poet’s preferred themes and emulate their poetic effect within a new, cross-language soundscape. It is further added that the selected poems span a total of 25 years, from 1996 to 2021, proposing a rearrangement of the Cypriot poet’s most vibrant verses into a composite picture of suspended barriers between people, beasts and landscapes. Imbued with a sense of constant becoming, the poems choreograph both life and death as movement beyond fixed meanings and frames in a way that sustains a sharp perspective of what is seen and felt in our world, the press release concludes.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

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WTO 12TH MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE SECURES KEY OUTCOMES ON FISHERIES SUBSIDIES, PANDEMIC RESPONSE, WTO REFORM, FOOD SECURITY AND E-COMMERCE

The EU welcomes the successful results in key areas of the 12th Ministerial Conference of the WTO concluded today, against a backdrop of heightened global trade tensions and a food security crisis caused by Russian’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Trade Ministers of the 164-member organisation met for the first time after almost five years, the Conference having been postponed twice due to the restrictions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Members agreed on a significant multilateral Agreement to end harmful subsidies. Also, on specific next steps toward WTO reform, including restoring a fully functioning dispute settlement function for the organisation. A Declaration on pandemic response and future preparedness was also agreed, together with a waiver of certain intellectual property obligations concerning COVID-19 vaccines. In a joint response to the current dramatic food situation resulting from Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, WTO members agreed to exercise restraint on export restrictions and to exempt the World Food Programme humanitarian purchases from such restrictions. Finally, an agreement was reached to extend the moratorium on customs duties on e-commerce until the next WTO Ministerial.

Under EU’s initiative, some members reiterated their solidarity with Ukraine. The EU alsoforged further cooperation on addressing climate change.

European Commission Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Trade, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “Despite unprecedented challenges, this WTO Ministerial succeeded in clinching important outcomes of global significance. We showed that we can respond to urgent issues such as the emerging food security crisis and the pandemic. A historic agreement on prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies to underpin sustainability was achieved. We maintained the moratorium on import duties for e-commerce, which was vital for SMEs and the digital transition. The EU also spearheaded a major solidarity event for Ukraine. Over the past 5 days, we worked hard to overcome profound divergences. However, we also agreed a deep reform of the organisation is urgently needed, across all its core functions. Ultimately, this is about restoring trust and the political buy-in of all members, and upholding the rules-based multilateral trade system with a reformed WTO at its core. We will work on this without delay.”

European Commissioner for Agriculture, Janusz Wojciechowski, said:”The adoption of the food security declaration and the decision in support of the World Food Programme demonstrate that the WTO can deliver a timely response to the current challenges. This multilateral declaration carries a strong message to the world. Indeed, addressing the food security concerns has been a key priority for the EU for MC12. Although it was not possible at this ministerial to agree further reform of agriculture, the EU remains fully committed to continue the work on the agricultural reform post MC12. There is a need to focus in particular on trade distorting policies where WTO has a crucial role to play.”

Members agreed to convene the next Ministerial Conference (MC13) no earlier than December 2023 and no later than March 2024. Concrete outcomes of the MC12 include:

Fisheries

A meaningful multilateral agreement contributing to the protection of the oceans was achieved. The agreement on harmful fisheries subsidies is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 (UN SDG). It includes a strong prohibition of subsidies contributing to illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing with unprecedented transparency provisions.Secondly, it includes an absolute prohibition of subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas. This is a landmark prohibition for the most vulnerable areas lacking an established and coordinated fisheries management regime. And thirdly, the provision on overfished stocks will bring sustainability rules for subsidies regarding most vulnerable stocks in the first phase of the agreement. For this agreement regarding subsidies on overcapacity and overfishing to enter into force, negotiations on UN SDG 14.6 need to be concluded. The EU is fully committed to complete the agreement with the elements not yet agreed as soon as possible.A dedicated trust fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building for developing countries to implement the agreement was also announced.

WTO reform

Ministers committed to undertake a major reform of the WTO looking into all aspects of its activities. This should reinforce its capacity to be a credible forum for negotiations and to monitor global trade policy developments. Critically, there is a commitment to restore a fully-functioning dispute settlement system no later than 2024. Reforming the WTO is an essential priority for the EU since it is key to ensure stability and to promote a rules-based approach to international trade. This is why the EU has played the leading role on WTO reform and intends to continue to do so as discussions advance in Geneva.

Response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Ministers agreed on a Declaration on the WTO response to the pandemic and preparedness for future pandemics which affirms their commitment to transparency, timely and comprehensive information sharing, and restraint on imposing export restrictions. Responding to the exceptional circumstances of the COVID pandemic and to address the requests from developing countries, Ministers agreed on a waiver of certain procedural obligations under the TRIPS Agreement which allow for the swift manufacture and export of COVID-19 vaccines without the consent of the patent owner. At the same time, the agreement maintains a functioning intellectual property framework with incentives for investment, research and transfer of technology. This environment is indispensable for the development of new vaccines and medicines and should contribute to the strengthening of the production capacity of African countries.

Food Security and Agriculture

In a joint Declaration on Food Security, WTO members committed to avoiding unjustified export restrictions on food and improving transparency on any export restrictions that do occur. Moreover, a Decision was taken to completely exempt humanitarian purchases for the World Food Programme from export restrictions.

Agreement on this package shows that the WTO is ready to react to the exceptional circumstances that many members face in light of the reduced supply to world markets resulting from Russia’s war against Ukraine and its blockage of Ukraine’s grain exports.

The EU regrets that members were not able to overcome their differences on a work programme for agriculture. The EU remains committed to reaching a realistic, focused and balanced outcome in the run up to MC13.

E-commerce

The moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions (the ‘e-commerce moratorium’) was extended, a critical win for the digital economy. WTO members agreed to maintain the current practice of not imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions until MC13. The members also agreed to reinvigorate their work under the Work Programme on Electronic Commerce, including challenges and opportunities affecting the developing countries and LDCs.

Solidarity with Ukraine

In a joint statement issued at an EU-organised meeting ahead of the opening of the Ministerial, WTO members expressed their grave concerns about the devastating impact of the war on Ukraine’s ability to export and import, as well as the broader consequences of the war on global trade and food security. Ministers also expressed their willingness to facilitate market access, including transit, for Ukrainian exports. The EU is leading by example, having recently announced duty- and quota-free access to the EU market for all Ukrainian exports as well as “Solidarity Lanes” to help get Ukrainian goods to international markets.

Cooperation on Trade and Climate

The EU, Ecuador, Kenya and New Zealand agreed to work jointly to forge an inclusive Coalition of Trade Ministers on Climate, launching a dialogue with trade ministers from a diverse group of countries on enhancing international cooperation on the trade and climate nexus and its contribution to sustainable development and environmental sustainability. This reflects their shared commitment to bringing the fight against climate change to the forefront of trade policy.

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Two deaths were announced by the Ministry of Health on Friday, while the new COVID-19 cases reached 3,470 last week.

According to the Ministry, between June 10-16, a total of 53,416 tests were carried out while the positivity rate reached 6.55%.

The deaths occurred June 9 and 11 and concern a woman aged 84 and a male, aged 91 and.

This brings the total number of deaths from COVID-19 to 1,070, while 497,454 cases have been recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.

Thirty-four patients with COVID-19 are being treated in hospital, of whom one is in serious condition. One patient remains intubated in the ICU and six post-COVID patients remain in a high dependency unit.

During the past week, 3,168 PCR tests and 50,248 rapid tests were carried out.

Two positive cases were traced through the tracking programme, while 203 new cases were detected using PCR and 3,068 using rapid testing on private initiative. Another 135 cases were detected in the context of the Health Ministry’s testing programmes, while 120 cases were found at the testing sites.

Six cases were detected in the National Guard and nine cases in nursing homes.

Source: Cyprus News Agency