Cyprus imposes livestock movement ban as foot-and-mouth outbreak triggers international import curbs
Cyprus and Ireland stay manual as EU Entry/Exit System passport rule sparks blank-page warning
Coach opens flagship boutique at Cyprus Duty Free, signalling confidence in post-pandemic passenger rebound
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EU maritime regions gather in Nicosia, put migration management and mobility resilience on 2026 agenda
Closing its 18-20 February session in Nicosia, the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions urged the EU to fast-track talent-mobility tools and visa facilitation for maritime industries while supporting frontline islands like Cyprus that shoulder disproportionate migration costs. The proposals, if adopted, could streamline seafarer and offshore-energy assignments from late-2026.
Cyprus EU Council presidency outlines cohesion-policy priorities, flags Schengen readiness in Brussels brief
Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, briefing media on 20 February 2026, said Cyprus’ EU presidency will lobby to use cohesion funds for Schengen-readiness projects and smoother cross-border mobility. Faster deployment of e-gates and dedicated relocation funds could ease visa queues and protect business travel if the proposals gain Council backing.
Cyprus airport winter traffic surges 16 % as 30 airlines keep island connected year-round
Traffic at Larnaca and Paphos airports jumped 16 % this winter, with 30 airlines now linking Cyprus to 54 cities. New routes to Barcelona, Brussels and Bratislava extend year-round connectivity, making it easier and cheaper for mobile employees to reach the island. The surge underscores Cyprus’ push to become a regional aviation hub ahead of its planned 2026 Schengen entry.
Parliament fast-tracks bill to vet Turkish-linked companies on security and land-ownership grounds
Lawmakers in Nicosia introduced a bill on 19 February that would oblige the Registrar of Companies to vet any firm with Turkish shareholders or directors. Supporters cite espionage and land-grab fears, while business groups warn of delays for legitimate joint ventures. If passed, the screening regime could add several weeks to incorporation and work-permit timelines for multinationals operating in Cyprus.
Eurostat data show Cyprus asylum applications halved, mirroring EU-wide decline
Eurostat’s latest bulletin shows EU asylum claims fell 26 % in November 2025, with Cyprus posting a steeper 50 % month-on-month drop to just 165 applications. The decline eases pressure on the island’s reception facilities and is already shortening corporate work-permit processing times.