European Commission

Cyprus states support for creation of EU defence commissioner

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Cyprus states support for creation of EU defence commissioner

President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his support for the creation of a European Union defence commissioner. The idea was first proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and has gained support from other countries as well. Christodoulides believes that strengthening the EU’s defence and security sector is important and that Cyprus should participate in EU missions. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening the National Guard due to Cyprus being under occupation for 50 years.

Christodoulides and Sunak talk amid migration parallels

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Christodoulides and Sunak talk amid migration parallels

– President Nikos Christodoulides and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak discussed migration on Tuesday.
– 80% of asylum seekers arrived in Ireland by crossing its land border with Northern Ireland.
– The UK is not interested in accepting the return of asylum seekers who enter the EU from their country.
– Ireland’s High Court ruled that the UK should no longer be designated as a “safe country” for returning asylum seekers.
– The Cypriot government believes that Syria is now a safe country to which migrants can be returned.

Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

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Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou extolled the virtues of Cyprus’ migrant returns policy during an inter-ministerial meeting attended by the European Union’s 27 member states’ ministers responsible for asylum and migration in Ghent. Cyprus has seen a 66% increase in the number of irregular migrants returned to their countries of origin in 2023 compared to the previous year. Cyprus has the highest number of migrant returns per head of any EU member state. The EU pact on migration and asylum, set to be fully implemented in June 2026, includes provisions for managing surges in migrant flows and screening third country nationals entering the EU. Ioannou hopes for mandatory relocation of asylum seekers between member states.

Audit Office says proposed project endangers rare seals

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Audit Office says proposed project endangers rare seals

Fact: The Audit Office calls for a new study on siting an aquaculture project in the area of Moni-Vasilikos due to its possible detrimental effects on an endangered species of seal.

20 years since the issuance of the Green Line regulation

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20 years since the issuance of the Green Line regulation

The EU regulation on the Green Line in Cyprus, issued 20 years ago, has allowed Greek and Turkish Cypriots to cross the Green Line and the UN buffer zone, fostering trust between communities. Over 64 million crossings have occurred since 2004, for various reasons like visiting friends and conducting trade. The regulation also facilitates trade between the northern and southern parts of the island, with efforts by the European Commission leading to a significant increase in trade value. To further support trade across the Green Line, a €4 million support program was launched in 2024.

Google rival Tuta complains to EU tech regulators about de-ranking

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Google rival Tuta complains to EU tech regulators about de-ranking

Fact: Tuta Mail has complained to European Union tech regulators about a sudden drop in Google search results on the day the bloc’s new tech rules kicked in.

Mismanagement of Natura2000 sends Cyprus to the European Court of Justice, EU Commissioner says

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Mismanagement of Natura2000 sends Cyprus to the European Court of Justice, EU Commissioner says

Virginijus Sinkevičius, the European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, emphasizes the importance of addressing climate change and environmental protection. Cyprus, due to its geographical position, is expected to be significantly impacted by climate change, especially in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and fisheries. Sinkevičius highlights the need for all Member States, including Cyprus, to implement climate targets to mitigate these effects. Additionally, he stresses the importance of implementing provisions for Natura2000 areas to ensure ecosystems can withstand increasing pressures, warning that Cyprus may end up in the European Court over Natura2000 issues if necessary actions are not taken.

‘Cyprus is a reliable business centre’

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‘Cyprus is a reliable business centre’

– Cyprus is considered a reliable business center by Commerce Minister George Papanastasiou.
– The Eastern Mediterranean region can play a role in ensuring Europe’s energy security.
– The Great Sea Interconnector project aims to connect the electricity systems of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel to aid Europe in becoming independent of Russian gas.
– Greek Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis warned the Cypriot government about missing deadlines for the interconnector project.
– The Cypriot government is still in the phase of discussing conditions and waiting for Greece’s transmission system operator Admie to submit a cost-benefit analysis of the project.

Real economic growth to pick up in 2025, says UCy

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Real economic growth to pick up in 2025, says UCy

Real activity growth in Cyprus is expected to continue at a similar pace as in 2023 and gather momentum in 2025, with real GDP growth forecasted at 2.6% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025. The growth forecasts have been revised up from previous estimates.

Cypriots more pessimistic, but trust EU and Euro

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Cypriots more pessimistic, but trust EU and Euro

Cypriots are pessimistic about the future, the economy, and geopolitical crises, but maintain trust in European institutions and the single currency. The two traditional political parties, DISY and AKEL, are expected to dominate the upcoming elections for members of the European Parliament, mayors, and councillors. DISY is in the lead for the election of the six MEPs with 20%, followed by AKEL with 19%.