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Greece & Cyprus

🇨🇾Cyprus

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Friday, 16 October 2026

Next EU budget more than 10% smaller, says Christodoulides

António Costa speaking at a podium at the European Council
António Costa speaking at a podium at the European Council Image: politis.com.cy

President Christodoulides stated that the next EU multiannual financial framework may be more than 10% smaller than the European Commission's initial proposal, and he signed with 17 other leaders a letter calling for the abolition of the rebates of net contributors. An extraordinary Summit is scheduled for 26 November with a new Costa proposal, where the rebates are expected to form part of the package, without it yet being known whether the total amount will be higher or lower.

Why it matters The size and distribution of the EU budget determine the funds that Cyprus will receive in the period 2028-2034.

Earlier on this storyConvergence on UN resolutions and joint presence in Pyla

Thursday, 15 October 2026

Bad weather across Cyprus: floods, blackouts and flight diversion

Lightning striking in the dark sky over a roof
Lightning striking in the dark sky over a roof Image: politis.com.cy

Heavy rain and storms yesterday caused floods, power outages in areas of Paphos and Larnaca and problems on the road network, while a flight from Glasgow to Paphos was diverted to Larnaca and six tourists were freed in the Akamas gorge. The unstable weather continues today with local rain, isolated storms and possible hail, with noticeable improvement from the afternoon.

Why it matters The conditions affect today movement, power supply and flights across the country.

New Barak MX battery added to Cypriot air defence

A Barak MX air defense system vehicle on a street
A Barak MX air defense system vehicle on a street Image: en.philenews.com

Nicosia is proceeding with the operational integration of the Israeli Barak MX anti-aircraft system with one more battery, which is expected to complete the planning for anti-aircraft coverage of the territory. No final decision has been taken on the purchase of other Israeli systems, while Russian systems remain in service.

Why it matters Air defence is at the centre of Cyprus's defence shield amid regional tensions.

EU summit on energy prices - small increases in fuel

Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz walking together at the European Council
Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz walking together at the European Council Image: philenews.com

High energy prices, inflation and the redrawing of trade relations with China dominate the two-day EU Summit in Brussels, where guidelines to the European Commission for targeted and temporary measures are expected. In Cyprus, small increases in fuel prices are expected in the coming days.

Why it matters Decisions on energy directly affect the cost for households and businesses.

Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Convergence on UN resolutions and joint presence in Pyla

Nicos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman sitting at a conference table
Nicos Christodoulides and Tufan Erhürman sitting at a conference table Image: philenews.com

Christodoulides and Erhürman agreed that the solution to the Cyprus problem must not deviate from the Security Council resolutions, with the President stating that the Turkish Cypriot leader accepted some of his 19 proposals and rejected others. The two leaders will jointly attend the bicommunal festival in Pyla on Saturday and will meet again next week, while Holguín's decision on when she will come to Cyprus is awaited.

Why it matters It is the country's central political pending issue and the moves show an effort to improve the climate despite the deadlock.

Seven arrests for the beating of a 16-year-old in Latsia

A person clenching a fist in anger, showing aggression
A person clenching a fist in anger, showing aggression Image: politis.com.cy

The Police arrested seven persons, among them six minors from 14 years old and a 21-year-old, for the attack on a 16-year-old on October 9 in the Nicosia district. The 16-year-old has a broken nose and a hematoma, while a video records the attack and bystanders filming without intervening.

Why it matters The case concerns juvenile violence and the attitude of bystanders, an issue that is returning publicly.

Orange warning for strong storms on Wednesday

Raindrops falling on a windowpane with a palm tree outside
Raindrops falling on a windowpane with a palm tree outside Image: politis.com.cy

The Department of Meteorology issued an orange warning for intense storms from 7 p.m. on Wednesday to 5 a.m. on Thursday, with rainfall intensity of 55 to 70 millimeters per hour and strong, variable winds. A low-pressure system from the southern Aegean is bringing the bad weather.

Why it matters This is immediate practical information for travel and for the risk of flooding phenomena.