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Tag: Cyprus

  • Horizon programme — Protesters Demand Israel’s Expulsion from EU Horizon Programme

    Horizon programme — Protesters Demand Israel’s Expulsion from EU Horizon Programme

    Protesters are calling for Israel’s expulsion from the EU’s Horizon Programme during demonstrations across Europe, including a gathering in Nicosia, Cyprus. On Friday evening, around 30 to 40 activists braved the cold outside the EU Commission building, joining a wider campaign that spanned over 20 cities.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    The Horizon Programme, a €95 billion initiative aimed at funding research and innovation, has been a focal point of criticism. Activists argue that Israel, with its privileged status allowing participation equivalent to that of EU member states, has been the recipient of substantial funding since 2014, totalling around €300 million annually.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    One activist voiced concerns about the implications of this funding, stating, “€3 billion of EU funding going directly to a genocidal state.” The speaker condemned specific projects funded by Horizon, highlighting connections to Israeli aerospace industries and military technologies, including drones and interrogation techniques purportedly linked to human rights violations.

    As temperatures dropped, the protesters raised their voices against what they termed the EU’s hypocrisy. Chants like “EU Horizon, you can’t hide, we charge you with genocide!” echoed in the evening air. The gathering also served as a poignant reminder of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with one speaker noting the tragic deaths of three children due to the cold weather, underscoring the severity of the situation.

    The activists expressed frustration over the European Commission’s handling of Israel’s participation in the programme. They pointed out that since October 7, discussions of a suspension have been minimal, with proposals suggesting only a partial reduction in collaboration. This, they argue, falls short of the decisive action taken against Russia in April 2022, when the European Commission suspended its involvement in Horizon entirely.

    With calls for accountability and action resonating through the crowd, the protests in Nicosia reflect a growing sentiment among students and researchers in Europe. As the campaign unfolds, it seeks to challenge existing partnerships and highlight the ethical considerations surrounding funding in light of ongoing conflicts.

  • Ex-police Officer Seeks to Halt Prosecution in Thanasis Nicolaou Case

    Ex-police Officer Seeks to Halt Prosecution in Thanasis Nicolaou Case

    A former police officer has invoked an Assistant Attorney-General’s letter in his attempt to suspend the prosecution linked to the 2005 death of National Guard soldier Thanasis Nicolaou.

    • A former police officer has invoked an Assistant Attorney-General's letter in his attempt to suspend the prosecution linked to the 2005 death of National Guard soldier Thanasis Nicolaou.

    This request comes two decades after the tragic discovery of the 26-year-old soldier’s body beneath the Alassa bridge, an incident shrouded in controversy, with Nicolaou’s family long contending that the initial ruling of suicide was a facade for murder.

    The defendant, Christakis Kapiliotis, was the head of Lania Police Station at the time of Nicolaou’s death in September 2005. Through his lawyer, Andriana Klaedes, he has argued to the Attorney-General (AG) that the duration since the incident is excessively long for private criminal prosecutions to be initiated.

    In his correspondence to the AG, Kapiliotis pointed to the AG’s Law Office’s prior assessment of the evidence. He attached a letter from Assistant AG Savvas Angelides, dated 11 June 2025, which had previously dismissed a request from the Nicolaou family’s lawyer, Nikos Clerides, to pursue state prosecutions based on the Pappas-Athanasiou report. Angelides indicated that there was not enough evidence to support a charge of deliberate neglect of duty.

    Furthermore, the letter addressed medical examiner Panikos Stavrianos, who is also a defendant in the private case. Angelides clarified that there was no proof that Stavrianos had any knowledge of a murder or intent to conceal the identity of potential perpetrators.

    It is anticipated that the other defendants, including Stavrianos, former Limassol Police Director Andreas Iatropoulos, former Limassol CID head Nicos Sophocleous, and former Rural Police head Christakis Nathanael, will submit similar letters to the AG.

    In response to Kapiliotis’s request, the AG has sought the position of the Nicolaou family lawyers, who are expected to oppose the suspension and advocate for the continuation of the prosecution towards a conclusive court ruling. This follows the AG’s earlier announcement that he would not halt private prosecutions if the family chose to move forward, especially after the release of the Matsas-Alexopoulos report.

    All five defendants made their initial court appearance on 9 December, during which a preliminary objection regarding a conflict of interest was raised. The court has scheduled the next hearing for 22 January 2026.

  • Christodoulides Urges Swift Action on Cyprus Meeting with Mitsotakis

    Christodoulides Urges Swift Action on Cyprus Meeting with Mitsotakis

    cyprus meeting — cyprus meeting — President Nikos Christodoulides emphasised the need for an enlarged meeting regarding the Cyprus problem during a telephone conversation with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Thursday. This discussion followed Christodoulides’ meeting with European Union envoy Johannes Hahn and came just before a tripartite meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman and United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin.

    As one of Cyprus’ guarantor powers, Greece plays a crucial role in these discussions, typically represented by Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis. The aim is to foster dialogue among the involved parties, including Turkey and the United Kingdom, to address the longstanding issues surrounding Cyprus.

    During the call, Christodoulides articulated that the purpose of the day’s meetings was to pave the way for the resumption of substantive negotiations, which had been interrupted in Crans-Montana, Switzerland. A government statement reiterated that Nicosia and Athens are in complete alignment, steadily progressing towards the unchanged objective of resolving the Cyprus problem.

    The resolution, according to the statement, should adhere to the resolutions of the UN Security Council, the principles and values of the EU, and the European acquis communautaire. This framework underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach to the complex geopolitical dynamics at play.

    Following his meeting with Hahn, Christodoulides highlighted the significant role the European Union can play in the process. He noted that the EU has both political and institutional tools capable of supporting the resumption and progress of negotiations. “The EU’s active involvement is not only a strategic choice for Cyprus but also a recognition that the solution to the Cyprus problem is a European issue that affects the cohesion, stability, and security of the entire union,” he stated.

    Prime Minister Mitsotakis had previously reiterated Greece’s commitment to reunifying the island, stating that the Greek government’s positions are clear. He asserted that it is now up to other parties to demonstrate their willingness to restart talks within a framework defined by UN resolutions and the broader relationship between the EU and Turkey.

    Gerapetritis remarked that the election of pro-reunification candidate Tufan Erhurman as Turkish Cypriot leader in October represents a new chapter filled with hope and expectations for the island’s reunification. The alignment of thoughts and actions among the involved parties could be pivotal in moving forward.

  • Ikyk Scholarships for 300 Students to Be Paid in 2026

    Ikyk Scholarships for 300 Students to Be Paid in 2026

    ikyk scholarships — ikyk scholarships — The Ikyk student scholarships will be disbursed in 2026, as confirmed by the finance ministry, which announced plans to allocate additional funds next year for 300 students who have yet to receive their awarded amounts.

    • “We are glad that the President of the Republic has listened to our appeals and we hope that we will not find ourselves as spectators in the same play next year,” Savvidis remarked.

    During a session with the House education committee, a finance ministry representative outlined the government’s commitment to providing extra funding to the State Scholarship Foundation (Ikyk). This decision aims to ensure that deserving students obtain the financial support they need to continue their studies.

    Concerns have been raised about the payments owed to students from previous years, as the ministry is also looking into outstanding grants from 2023 and possibly 2022. The representative mentioned that they have reached out to Ikyk for detailed information regarding these payments, emphasising the importance of accessing data stored in Ikyk’s digital system.

    Chrysanthos Savvidis, chairman of the education committee and Diko MP, highlighted the urgency of the situation, expressing that some students could be forced to halt their education due to the lack of funds. He has appealed to President Nikos Christodoulides for an additional budget to support these students, stressing the need for equal opportunities and the importance of maintaining trust in public institutions that provide scholarships.

    “We are glad that the President of the Republic has listened to our appeals and we hope that we will not find ourselves as spectators in the same play next year,” Savvidis remarked.

    Meanwhile, Disy MP Giorgos Karoulas urged the finance ministry to enhance collaboration with Ikyk, warning that the reliability of the scholarship system is at stake. He stated, “Our talented children must not be victims of this situation and the unreliability of the state itself,” advocating for an increase in scholarship amounts to better support gifted students.

    Akel MP Christos Christofides expressed his satisfaction with the ministry’s recent decision, noting that while it does not achieve perfection, it will ensure that an additional 300 students receive the necessary support. He conveyed his hope that the current issues surrounding the scholarship payments would be resolved promptly.

    Sotiris Ioannou from Elam reassured the committee that, according to his discussions with the finance ministry, no students would lose their scholarships. He indicated that the remaining amounts would be distributed soon, citing information from the Minister of Finance that the issue would be resolved within days.

    The absence of an Ikyk representative at the committee meeting was noted with criticism, particularly as the position of the organisation’s president has been vacant for several months, with the deputy president currently abroad.

    Heightened interest in academic scholarships has led to an increase in Ikyk’s budget, with a supplementary budget of €1.7 million allocated for 2025. The regular budget for 2026 is expected to exceed the previous year’s figure, as announced in parliament.

    Ikyk serves as a government body that awards scholarships to students from Cyprus, the EU, and non-EU countries based on academic merit and socio-economic status. These scholarships cover undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies, both domestically and internationally.

  • Missing sailboat — Four Israelis Rescued After Missing Sailboat Found Between Cyprus and Israel

    Missing sailboat — Four Israelis Rescued After Missing Sailboat Found Between Cyprus and Israel

    missing sailboat — missing sailboat — Four Israeli nationals have been safely located after their sailboat was reported missing in the waters between Cyprus and Israel. This successful rescue concludes a significant search and rescue operation that began when the vessel, which had set sail from Israel on 2 December, failed to arrive in Crete as planned.

    The Cyprus Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) played a pivotal role in the search, coordinating efforts throughout the day. The JRCC activated the national ‘Nearchos’ search and rescue plan, which involved collaboration with both Greek and Israeli authorities. Cypriot air assets were mobilised to aid in the search, along with assistance from nearby commercial vessels that were in the area.

    According to the Israeli Foreign Ministry, officials worked closely with their counterparts in Greece and Cyprus to locate the missing sailors, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in maritime emergencies. The vessel was located successfully today, bringing relief to the families of those onboard.

    As the situation unfolded, concerns arose regarding the circumstances under which the sailboat departed from Israel. An investigation has been ordered to examine why the vessel was permitted to leave, especially given the weather warnings that were in effect at the time, signalling a storm system approaching the region.

    This rescue operation demonstrates the commitment of authorities in Cyprus and Israel to ensure the safety of their citizens at sea, and the swift response from multiple agencies played a crucial role in bringing this incident to a positive conclusion.

  • Cyprus Dodges Cancer Gene Scandal Linked to Sperm Donor of 197 Children

    Cyprus Dodges Cancer Gene Scandal Linked to Sperm Donor of 197 Children

    cancer gene — A sperm donor whose genetic mutation has condemned at least 197 children across Europe to a 90% chance of developing cancer fathered no children in Cyprus, the Health Ministry has confirmed.

    • A sperm donor whose genetic mutation has condemned at least 197 children across Europe to a 90% chance of developing cancer fathered no children in Cyprus, the Health Ministry has confirmed.

    The anonymous Danish donor, who was paid for his sperm while studying, unknowingly carried a defect in the TP53 gene. This mutation disables the body’s primary defence against cancer, resulting in a severe condition known as Li Fraumeni syndrome. This syndrome dramatically increases the risk of various cancers, particularly in childhood. Some children conceived from his sperm have already died, while others have been diagnosed with two different types of cancer.

    Cancer gene: Strict Regulations Shield Cyprus

    Cyprus managed to avoid the fallout associated with this case due to strict national laws that limit each donor’s sperm to a single family. The Health Ministry confirmed that although the donor’s sperm reached the island, no children were conceived from it. This was clarified following an investigation launched last spring, which began when the first 67 affected children were identified.

    Rising Numbers and Alarming Findings

    A recent BBC investigation revealed that the number of affected children has nearly tripled to at least 197, with the final count likely to be higher as data from several countries remains uncollected. Dr Edwige Kasper, a cancer geneticist at Rouen University Hospital in France, expressed concern over the situation, stating, “We have many children who have already developed cancer. We have some children who have already presented with two different cancers and some have already died at a very young age.”

    Genetic Mutation and Its Consequences

    The mutation affects the TP53 gene, which is crucial for preventing cells from becoming cancerous. Up to 20% of the donor’s sperm carried this dangerous variant. Any child conceived using affected sperm inherits the mutation in every cell of their body, leading to a significantly heightened cancer risk throughout their lives.

    Despite the serious implications of this mutation, the donor himself and his family were reported to be healthy, having passed all necessary screening tests. The European Sperm Bank acknowledged that such mutations are not typically detected during preventive genetic testing, which raises questions about the safety protocols in place.

    Failures in Monitoring Sperm Donor

    In a troubling turn of events, the European Sperm Bank temporarily blocked the donor in April 2020 after a child conceived from his sperm developed cancer. However, subsequent tests declared the result negative, leading to his re-approval. It was only in October 2023, after further analysis, that he was permanently blocked from donating. For 18 months following the first cancer diagnosis, his sperm remained available for use.

    A Growing Concern Across Europe

    The case first emerged publicly in June 2022 when Belgian newspaper Le Soir revealed that 52 children had been conceived using the donor’s sperm in Belgium alone between 2008 and 2017. An investigation by The Guardian then uncovered that a total of 67 children across Europe were affected, with many conceived through assisted reproduction in Belgium. The Belgian Health Ministry alerted other European nations, including Cyprus, about the potential risks.

    The Health Ministry’s Medically Assisted Reproduction Council has been monitoring the situation since the initial reports, and based on current data, no immediate concerns have been identified for Cyprus. However, the ongoing situation serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of rigorous screening and monitoring of sperm donors to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • Paphos rainfall: Paphos Experiences Record Daily Rainfall Amid Storm Byron

    Paphos rainfall: Paphos Experiences Record Daily Rainfall Amid Storm Byron

    paphos rainfall — paphos rainfall — Paphos has experienced its highest daily rainfall in over a century, with 113.11mm recorded during the recent weather event attributed to storm Byron. According to the meteorological department, this figure marks the most significant rainfall since records began in 1916.

    The torrential downpour occurred over the weekend, as the island faced the effects of a barometric low that brought intense weather conditions. The Polis Chrysochous weather station reported that the average rainfall for December in the area is typically around 99.8mm, based on historical data spanning three decades from 1961 to 1990.

    Further highlighting the impact of storm Byron, the Kathikas station in Paphos registered 67.1mm of rain, making it the third-highest daily rainfall recorded for December since 1977. Only 2001 and 2008 experienced greater rainfalls of 99.7mm and 74.5mm, respectively.

    Across the Paphos district, several weather stations reported varying levels of rainfall, with totals between 15mm and 57mm during the storm. As the rain continued, the met department noted that from December 5 to 7, the highest amounts were concentrated in the western and southwestern regions, along with higher mountainous areas. The average rainfall for this three-day period reached 35.1mm.

    The dramatic weather has drawn attention not only for its intensity but also for its rarity, prompting discussions about climate patterns and the potential for more unusual weather events in the future. Residents and officials alike are now contemplating the implications of such extremes on local infrastructure and the environment.

  • Chevron’s Commitment Boosts Cyprus’ Energy Prospects

    Chevron’s Commitment Boosts Cyprus’ Energy Prospects

    The presence of Chevron in Cyprus’ maritime exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is viewed as a significant vote of confidence in the energy potential of Cyprus and Europe. This assertion was made by President Nikos Christodoulides during a recent meeting with Javier La Rosa, head of Chevron’s base assets and emerging countries organisation.

    At the presidential palace, Christodoulides expressed appreciation for Chevron’s involvement, highlighting its importance not just for Cyprus but also for the broader European energy landscape. “We appreciate your presence. It is a strong vote of confidence, not only for us, but also for Europe and the possibility of the region developing as an alternative source of energy for Europe,” he stated.

    The discussions between the two leaders came amid notable developments in the energy sector since their last meeting in New York in September. Christodoulides emphasised the urgency of completing pending agreements with Egypt, particularly concerning the Aphrodite gas field, to expedite its utilisation.

    Chevron is a key player in the agreement established between Cyprus and Egypt, which lays the groundwork for the commercialisation of gas from the Aphrodite gas field, located in Block 12 of Cyprus’ EEZ. This agreement is pivotal for facilitating the export of natural gas from Cyprus to Europe.

    In a recent update, Cyprus’ former energy minister, George Papanastasiou, revealed that a techno-economic study on Block 12 is underway, with expectations for completion by the end of next year. This study is critical, as it will inform the final investment decision regarding the transport of gas to the Segas liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Damietta, Egypt.

    Seabed surveys commenced in June, aiming to identify a suitable location for the pipeline that will transport natural gas from Cyprus to Egypt. The initial objective is to facilitate the export of natural gas from the Aphrodite gas field to the Egyptian port city of Damietta.

    In a significant development, members of the Egyptian government visited Nicosia in September, announcing plans for the export of Cypriot natural gas to Europe via Egypt by 2027. This timeline reflects the growing collaboration between the two nations in leveraging their energy resources.

    Furthermore, natural gas from Block 6 of Cyprus’ EEZ, which includes the Kronos gas field, is also set to be transported to Damietta. The Egyptian government was designated as the host government for Block 6 in February, reinforcing its role in this energy partnership.

    Papanastasiou previously noted that the agreements for Blocks 6 and 12 comprehensively address the entire supply chain, from liquefaction in Damietta to the eventual export of LNG to European markets.

    Expressing optimism about the cooperation between Cyprus and Egypt, Egyptian Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi stated in September, “Our cooperation in the energy sector with the Republic of Cyprus is very important and is expanding daily. We are here to support the Republic of Cyprus in the full development of its energy reserves, so that it can exploit them and make them available to its citizens and to European markets which need energy.”

  • Perseas military: Cyprus Hosts Perseas-2025 Military Exercise with Regional Forces

    Perseas military: Cyprus Hosts Perseas-2025 Military Exercise with Regional Forces

    perseas military — perseas military — The multinational “Perseas-2025” military drill has successfully brought together forces from Cyprus, Greece, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Conducted between November 30 and December 5, this significant exercise involved personnel from the National Guard alongside units from the participating nations, all operating across various firing ranges in Cyprus.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    The Cypriot defence ministry highlighted that the drill aimed to enhance readiness in special operations, while also improving cooperation among the different armed forces involved. Cyprus contributed a diverse array of units, including its elite green beret branch, navy, and air force commands, as well as teams from search and rescue and anti-terrorist squads.

    Special forces from the Hellenic Armed Forces, the Jordanian Armed Forces, and the Royal Saudi Navy also played a crucial role in the exercise. The ministry emphasised that the primary objectives of the drill were to strengthen operational coordination and elevate collaborative efforts among the participating states.

    Perseas-2025 has been described as particularly valuable for reinforcing partnerships with regional allies committed to security cooperation. This exercise not only solidified existing relationships but also paved the way for enhanced military cooperation in the future.

  • Letymbiotis Assures Cyprus Presidency Preparations Unaffected by Cabinet Reshuffle

    Letymbiotis Assures Cyprus Presidency Preparations Unaffected by Cabinet Reshuffle

    Letymbiotis has assured that the recent cabinet reshuffle will not hinder Cyprus’ preparations for the upcoming Council of the European Union presidency. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis made these remarks on Saturday, responding to concerns following the announcement of six cabinet changes on Friday.

    Letymbiotis: Cabinet Changes and Their Implications

    Letymbiotis stated emphatically that “under no circumstances whatsoever” will the reshuffle impact the government’s readiness for its role in the Council of the EU, which Cyprus is set to assume next month. The reshuffle, he explained, is “the exclusive constitutional right of the president” and does not compromise the administration’s ongoing work.

    Commitment to the Government’s Programme

    The spokesman underscored President Nikos Christodoulides’ commitment to the government’s programme, which he referred to as a “social contract” with the Cypriot people. This statement aims to reassure citizens that governance will remain stable and focused, despite the recent changes in leadership.

    New Cabinet Members and Their Roles

    The new cabinet members are scheduled to be sworn into their roles on Monday, a move that marks a significant transition just weeks before Cyprus takes on the presidency. Four new ministers will lead the Council of the EU meetings over the next six months, taking office only 24 days prior to this critical responsibility.

    Key Ministerial Roles in the EU Council

    • Justice Minister: Costas Fytiris will chair the Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) meetings.
    • Health Minister: Neophytos Charalambides and Social Welfare Deputy Minister Clea Hadjistefanou-Papaellina will jointly oversee the Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs Council (Epsco) meetings.
    • Energy Minister: Michael Damianos, who has been reappointed as Health Minister, will chair the Competitiveness Council (Compet) meetings.

    These appointments are crucial as they set the stage for the upcoming six-month term, during which Cyprus will hold the rotating presidency of the EU.

    Continuity in Leadership for Other Councils

    While the reshuffle has brought changes to some positions, it is important to note that other key councils will continue to be chaired by ministers who have not been affected by the reshuffle. This continuity is expected to provide stability and ensure that the transition into the presidency is seamless.

    Chairs of Remaining Councils

    • General Affairs Council (GAC): European Affairs Deputy Minister Marilena Raouna.
    • Foreign Affairs Council (FAC): EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas.
    • Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin): Finance Minister Makis Keravnos.
    • Agriculture and Fisheries Council (Agrifish): Maria Panayiotou.
    • Environment Council (Envi): Maria Panayiotou.
    • Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy Council (TTE): Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades.
    • Education, Youth, Culture, and Sport Council (EYCS): Education Minister Athena Michaelidou.

    This leadership structure aims to facilitate effective governance during Cyprus’s presidency, as the ministers transition into their new roles.

    Preparation for the Presidency

    As Cyprus prepares for its turn to lead the Council of the EU, the government emphasises the importance of a stable and effective cabinet. The reshuffle, while significant, is viewed as a necessary step in aligning the cabinet with the administration’s goals and commitments to the EU. Letymbiotis’ assurances serve as a reminder of the administration’s focus on continuity and proactive governance.

    Supporting Cyprus’ International Role

    The successful assumption of the presidency will require coordination across various governmental departments, and the newly appointed ministers are expected to bring fresh perspectives and energy to their roles. This reshuffle is seen not only as a change in personnel but as a strategic move to enhance Cyprus’s international standing and effectiveness within the EU framework.

    The government’s proactive stance and assurance from Letymbiotis may help to quell any public concerns regarding the impact of the reshuffle. As Cyprus stands on the brink of a pivotal moment in its EU involvement, the focus remains on ensuring a smooth transition and sustained commitment to the European agenda.