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Articles by Tom Cleaver
US and EU Condemn Libya’s Ratification of Contested Turkey Maritime Deal
The US State Department and European leaders have sharply criticized eastern Libya’s parliament for ratifying a maritime boundary agreement with Turkey, reigniting eastern Mediterranean tensions. SN How Streamline reports this story Build your reading streak0/3 today·Counts at 25% No sign-in required. Choose up to two. This captures your response to the story—it is not a vote on whether the reporting is true. 1 source reference Sources linked in this article’s evidence ledger.
Cyprus warns EU budget deal must be struck by year’s end amid electoral deadlines
Cyprus has warned that the European Union must finalize its next long-term budget before the end of the year, citing impending national elections in France and Spain that threaten to derail negotiations and delay crucial funding frameworks. SN How Streamline reports this story Build your reading streak0/3 today·Counts at 25% No sign-in required. Choose up to two. This captures your response to the story—it is not a vote on whether the reporting is true.
Unrecognised Somaliland calls on Cyprus, Greece to recognise it
By: Tom Cleaver Saturday August 22, 2026 The 'Republic of Somaliland's' leader Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu The internationally unrecognised ‘Republic of Somaliland’ has called on both Cyprus and Greece to consider recognising it, after the new parliament speaker of Somalia, the country from which it has broken away, referred to the ‘Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus’ in a now deleted social media post.
Euro area trade surplus widens to €8.60 billion in June
Eurozone trade surplus more than doubles from June 2025 The euro area recorded an €8.60 billion surplus in trade in goods with the rest of the world in June 2026, according to first estimates published by Eurostat on Friday. The surplus more than doubled from €4.80 billion in June 2025, while the bloc swung back into positive territory after registering a €9.00 billion deficit in May.
Strong Cyprus performance supports upgraded targets for major Greek banks
Greek banking groups with operations in Cyprus delivered stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, with faster lending growth, resilient interest income and rising fee revenue prompting analysts to remain upbeat about the sector’s prospects for 2026 and 2027.
Our View: Selective targeting of crowdfunding does not look good
A big public debate was sparked by the decision of Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou to ask the police to investigate the crowdfunding appeal announced on Monday by journalist Makarios Drousiotis.
Bar association chief urges caution over Drousiotis crowdfunding probe
The president of the Cyprus Bar Association, Michalis Vorkas, has urged caution over the investigation into journalist Makarios Drousiotis’ crowdfunding campaign for his legal expenses, stressing that the presumption of innocence must be respected while raising questions over whether Cyprus’ fundraising law applies to an online platform based abroad.
Questions over whether Drousiotis crowdfunding appeal is within the law
Two legal experts are questioning whether journalist and author Makarios Drousiotis’ online crowdfunding campaign to cover his legal expenses falls within the scope of Cyprus’ fundraising legislation. They argue that the law appears to apply only to appeals for specific public-interest purposes rather than personal legal costs.
Cases against Drousiotis threaten freedom of expression says journalists union
The journalists’ union (ESK) broke its silence on Wednesday over the criminal cases involving journalist Makarios Drousiotis, cautioning that their handling could pose risks to freedom of expression. Drousiotis is currently facing criminal proceedings in three separate matters involving allegations of disseminating false news, violating personal data legislation and most recently allegedly conducting illegal fundraising.
Arthur Hayes predicts that the Federal Reserve’s yen program will drive up the price of Bitcoin, giving BTC holders the opportunity to earn $7,000
Article Summary: Arthur Hayes, head of Maelstrom, predicts that the Federal Reserve’s initiatives regarding the Japanese yen will drive up the prices of digital assets such as Bitcoin, while EiCrypto cloud mining focuses on providing users with solutions for long-term, sustainable cryptocurrency returns. Arthur Hayes stated that the Federal Reserve’s plan to help Japan defend the yen would inject fresh US dollar liquidity, which he believes will drive up the price of Bitcoin (BTC).
Small island, global science as Cyprus biotech pioneer wins top award
Cyprus-based biotech innovator Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades has been named the 2026 Study UK Alumni Awards global winner for Business and Innovation, becoming one of only four people worldwide to receive the British Council distinction this year. Prokopi-Demetriades progressed from winning the award in Cyprus to representing Europe among seven international finalists in her category, before being selected as the global winner.
Geopolitics, artificial intelligence and inflation reshape investment outlook
Artificial intelligence, persistent inflation and growing geopolitical fragmentation will continue to define global markets, according to JPMorgan’s mid-year outlook report, with the investment bank urging investors to prepare portfolios for both heightened risks and long-term opportunities. The report, titled “Promise and Pressure Mid-Year Outlook 2026, What could go wrong, and what could go right”, updates the firm’s economic and market outlook published at the beginning of the year.
Keve promotes agri-tech matchmaking initiative
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) has announced a June initiative inviting agri-food and agri-tech stakeholders to join the European NEXTCHAIN matchmaking platform, aimed at fostering innovation and cross-border collaboration. The chamber, acting as coordinator of Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus and a member of the Digital Innovation Hub Cyprus, said the initiative targets companies and organisations engaged in the agri-food sector and its digital transformation.
Fire Safety Education programme launched for primary, secondary schools
The official presentation and launch of the Fire Safety Education programme for primary and secondary education took place successfully at Astromeritis Primary School as part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the Cyprus Fire Service, the Cyprus Retired Firefighters Association and Bank of Cyprus’ (BoC’s) SupportCY network.
Responsible AI in finance: where automation ends and judgment begins
Finance is one of the most promising areas for AI adoption, yet also one of the most sensitive. Sergey Smirnov, Group Financial Controller at DataArt, shares the four-step approach that helped the company’s finance function adopt AI and achieve measurable business results. Based on hands-on experience, he explains where AI creates real value, where it introduces risks, and why human judgment still remains essential.
Fidan, Gerapetritis discuss Cyprus problem
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis on Wednesday discussed the Cyprus problem when they met on the sidelines of the south-east European cooperation process summit in the Bulgarian capital of Sofia, according to reports.
Council of Europe ministers to re-examine Immovable Property Commission
The Council of Europe’s committee of ministers is to once again examine the Immovable Property Commission and the state of affairs regarding Greek Cypriots’ access to property and compensation for lost immovable property in northern Cyprus this week. Between Tuesday and Thursday, the committee is to deliberate the implementation of rulings made by the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR), with the Xenides-Arestis case among the rulings to be discussed.
Erdogan slams Greek Cypriots for ‘boarding Israel’s ship of discord’
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday lambasted the Greek Cypriot leadership for “boarding Israel’s ship of discord” and “undertaking the role of subcontractors for Zionism” as he addressed MPs from his AK Party. “We are now witnessing an attempt to ignite a fire of discord in the Mediterranean, particularly on the island of Cyprus, and we are following developments very closely.
Deputy tourism ministry chiefs ‘fell out over drone strike’ significance
The rift between Tourism Deputy Minister Costas Koumis and his permanent secretary Neophytos Papadopoulos, which culminated in the former placing the latter on leave and will soon be deliberated in court, first arose in the aftermath of an Iranian-made drone being fired at Cyprus in March, according to reports on Wednesday.
Court rejects Phedonos’ appeal against suspension
The court of appeal on Wednesday rejected suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos’ appeal against his suspension. He had been suspended from his duties by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou in February after he was accused of rape and domestic abuse. Since being suspended, he has been paid a third of his mayoral salary by the state. His suspension will end either when legal proceedings regarding the allegations levelled against them have concluded.
Cyprus’ role in international energy developments ‘strengthened’, minister says
Cyprus’ role in regional and international energy developments has been strengthened in recent years, Energy Minister Michael Damianos said on Tuesday, as he evaluated the day’s Atlantic Council global energy forum, which he attended in Washington, DC.
Turkish Cypriots bemused by France military deal
High-profile Turkish Cypriots on Tuesday expressed displeasure with Monday’s signing of a status of forces agreement between the Republic of Cyprus and France, which will, among other things, allow France to station troops on the island. Turkish Cypriot ‘prime minister’ Unal Ustel accused the Greek Cypriot side of “increasingly intensifying” the buildup of military assets in and around the island “under the guise of humanitarian purposes”, while instead aiming to “gain military advantages”.
Christodoulides congratulates Armenia’s Pashinyan on election victory
President Nikos Christodoulides on Tuesday congratulated Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan after his Civil Contract party won a majority in the country’s parliament at Sunday’s parliamentary election. “Warmest congratulations, Nikol Pashinyan, on your election victory. The people of Armenia have reaffirmed their commitment to a European future.
Cocaine involved in ‘majority’ of overdose deaths in Cyprus
Cocaine played a part in the majority of deaths caused by drug overdoses in Cyprus in 2024, according to data released in the European Union drugs agency’s latest annual European drug report on Tuesday. The report found that cocaine was involved in the majority of overdose deaths in three other EU member states – Luxembourg, Malta and Portugal – with statistics from no fewer than 20 other member states showing that opioids were involved in the plurality of overdose deaths.
Enlarged meeting planned for July or August, Holguin says
The next enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem will take place in either July or August, United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin said on Monday after holding a meeting with Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman. “We had a very productive meeting with Erhurman, as well as with [President Nikos] Christodoulides this morning. We are preparing a five-plus-one meeting with [UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres].
Christodoulides ‘moderately optimistic’ after Holguin meeting
President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday expressed optimism regarding the next steps to be taken on the Cyprus problem after meeting United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin, saying, like Holguin, that he is “working to prepare” an enlarged meeting in the near future. “I am moderately optimistic. We will meet Holguin again this week. It is important that she will visit Turkey, she will visit Greece, she will visit Brussels, she will come back to Cyprus,” he said.
Kyrgyzstan warns Cyprus that EU sanctions may harm country
Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Zheenbek Kulubaev on Monday warned his Cypriot counterpart Constantinos Kombos that the European Union’s “intensification” of its sanctions on Russia may harm the central Asian country, as Kombos embarked on the fourth and final leg of his tour of the region. According to Kyrgyzstan’s foreign ministry, Zheenbek “expressed concern over the possible adverse impact of unilateral restrictive measures on Kyrgyzstan’s trade, economic, and financial development”.
Govt to report ‘interference’ with ministerial aircraft by Turkish Cypriots
The government plans to report what it described as “interference” with communications between air traffic control and aircraft carrying ministers from Greece, France, and the Netherlands on the part of the Turkish Cypriot authorities as the three aircraft approached Cyprus, presidential press office director Victor Papadopoulos said on Monday.
Holguin ‘preparing’ for enlarged Cyprus meeting
United Nations envoy Maria Angela Holguin on Monday said that the groundwork is being laid for an enlarged meeting on the Cyprus problem to be held, involving the island’s two sides, its three guarantor powers, Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, and the UN. “We are preparing for a five-plus-one meeting with the secretary-general [Antonio Guterres],” she said after meeting President Nikos Christodoulides.
North denies ‘harassing’ Dendias’ aircraft
Reports that Turkish Cypriot air traffic controllers “harassed” the aircraft on which Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias was flying to Cyprus overnight are “misrepresentations” of the truth, Turkish Cypriot air traffic controllers’ trade union leader Kursad Hudaverdioglu said on Monday.
Pickup truck collides with stationary car on motorway hard shoulder
A pickup truck collided with a car which was stationary on the hard shoulder of the motorway connecting Larnaca and the island’s east on Monday morning. According to the police, the collision occurred at around 5am on the motorway’s westbound carriageway near the Larnaca suburb of Livadia. There were no people in the stationary car at the time of the incident. Police officers and firefighters attended the scene, while the driver of the pickup truck was taken to hospital for examinations.
Fire breaks out in car near Paphos
A fire broke out in a car in the Paphos district village of Tremithousa during the early hours of Monday morning. According to the police, the fire broke out at around 4.30am, with officers arriving on the scene shortly afterwards to begin their investigations into the matter. The police have not yet disclosed the extent of the damage sustained by the vehicle, while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Today’s weather: Largely clear, clouds possible later
Monday’s weather is expected to be mostly clear across most of the island, though clouds may gather later in the day, with rain and even the odd storm possible in the mountains. Temperatures are expected to rise to 35 degrees Celsius inland, 28 degrees Celsius on the west coast, 30 degrees Celsius on the rest of the coasts, and 26 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Overnight, the skies will remain largely clear, though sparse mist may form during the early hours of Tuesday morning.
State lab confirms chicken à la crème was behind wedding mass food poisoning
The state laboratory on Sunday confirmed that an incident which saw more than 70 people develop symptoms of food poisoning and 21 people hospitalised was caused by salmonella bacteria found in a batch of chicken à la crème, as well as bacillus cereus bacteria found in rice with vermicelli and penne with mushrooms.
Edek refuses to accept leader’s resignation
Edek on Sunday refused to accept party leader Nikos Anastasiou’s resignation after he had attempted to leave the post in light of the party losing all its seats at last month’s parliamentary election. As such, he remains party leader for now.
Four terror suspects have remands renewed
Four men who stand accused of terror-related offences were all handed renewed remands by the Larnaca district court during behind-closed-doors hearings on Sunday. Two of the four, aged 38 years old and 32 years old, were liked to finds of large quantities of materials which could be used to create explosives, including ammonium nitrate, while the remaining two, aged 57 years old and 54 years old, are alleged to be their associates.
Christodoulides offers ‘no comment’ over prospect of cabinet reshuffle
President Nikos Christodoulides on Sunday refused to be drawn into discussions over whether he will perform a cabinet reshuffle in the aftermath of last month’s parliamentary elections, which saw two of the three parties which support his government lose all their seats in the legislature. “I have no comment. Reshuffles are not announced, they are executed.
Guterres has ‘very specific plan’ for Cyprus problem, Christodoulides says
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has a “very specific plan” for the next steps to be taken in efforts to resume talks geared towards a solution to the Cyprus problem, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Sunday. He told journalists during a visit to the Paphos district village of Emba that Guterres had informed him in March of his intentions. “He has a very specific plan, a specific design, and I share his approaches and views.
France expected to sign deal to station troops in Cyprus on Monday
The French government is on Monday expected to sign a status of forces agreement on Monday, allowing it to station troops in Cyprus, according to reports published on Sunday. The Cyprus News Agency reported that the agreement is to be signed by French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin and Cypriot Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas in Nicosia, with both set to attend the informal European foreign affairs council (Fac) meeting in its defence configuration in Cyprus’ capital on the same day.
Kombos pledges to ‘expand’ relations with Uzbekistan
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos pledged to deepen relations between Cyprus and Uzbekistan, as he met his Uzbek counterpart Bakhtiyor Saidov in the country’s capital, Tashkent, marking the third leg of his tour of central Asia. He thanked Saidov for the “warm welcome” he was given to Uzbekistan and the “productive discussion” which was held, before adding that both he and Saidov discussed ways to “further expand” relations and “enhance economic cooperation” between the two countries.
Today’s weather: Sunny and warm
Sunday’s weather will be mostly clear across most of the island, though clouds are expected to gather in parts during the afternoon. Those clouds may produce rain and even the odd storm in the mountains, though elsewhere, clear skies and sun are expected to persist throughout. Temperatures are expected to rise to 36 degrees Celsius inland, 30 degrees Celsius on the north, southeast, and east coasts, 28 degrees Celsius on the rest of the coasts, and 27 degrees Celsius in the mountains.
‘More overlap than expected’ in public’s opinions on Cyprus problem
A study conducted into public opinion on the Cyprus problem and what needs to be done to resolve it found what the British high commission’s political section’s head Rich Calver described as “more overlap than expected” in Turkish Cypriots’ and Greek Cypriots’ positions, with focus groups on both sides broadly accepting each other’s demands for initiatives to improve one another’s lives.
Almost all pending foot and mouth animal culling complete
Almost all pending culling of animals from farms on which foot and mouth disease was detected has been completed, the agriculture ministry said on Saturday. It said that around 6,650 animals were culled in the space of two days prior to Saturday morning.
Disy says agreement with Fidias had ‘no connection’ to presidential elections
Disy on Saturday insisted that the deal it struck with social media influencer Fidias Panayiotou and his political party, Direct Democracy Cyprus, which saw him and his party support Disy leader Annita Demetriou’s successful bid to be re-elected as House president bore no relevance to the forthcoming presidential elections of 2028.
Deposed bishop Tychikos plans to take case to European court
Deposed Paphos bishop Tychikos’ legal representatives on Saturday said that he plans to take the case against his dismissal to the European Court of Human Rights once all legal avenues in Cyprus have been exhausted. They said that he will remain in Paphos “until all legal proceedings are completed” and will “exhaust every legal remedy, both before the Cypriot courts and, if deemed necessary, before the European Court of Human Rights”.
Erdogan green-lights ‘new initiative’ on Cyprus problem – sources
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has given the go-ahead for a “new initiative” to be undertaken by the United Nations with the aim of bringing about a resumption of formal negotiations on the Cyprus problem, the Cyprus Mail understands.
Three escape burning car after motorway crash
Three people managed to escape from a burning car on the motorway connecting Limassol and Nicosia after their car collided with another vehicle and then with railings on the outside of the motorway shortly after midnight on Saturday.
Fidias declares end to ‘throwing eggs and rocks’ in justifying Annita vote
Direct Democracy Cyprus leader Fidias Panayiotou on Friday moved to justify his party’s decision to vote for Disy leader Annita Demetriou as House president, declaring that his party’s “philosophy” is “not to be throwing eggs and rocks at the wall”. “’Fidias, why did you vote for Annita?’ They have been driving me nuts with messages and they were asking me at the gym … and I will answer.
Congratulations roll in for re-elected House President Annita
Congratulations rolled in for Annita Demetriou, who was on Thursday re-elected as House president, with political figures both at home and abroad offering their well-wishes for her second term in the role. Armenian parliament president Alen Simonyan said that Demetriou’s “renewed mandate is a testament to the trust placed in [her] leadership, dedication and vision”. “I look forward to continuing our close cooperation and strengthening the excellent ties between Armenia and Cyprus,” he said.
Christodoulides calls on Turkey to fulfil obligations to join EU
President Nikos Christodoulides on Friday called on Turkey to fulfil its obligations so as to be able to join the European Union, as he arrived in Montenegro, the country which at present appears to be in pole position to become the first country to join the bloc since 2013. “I am truly pleased because after several years, the Cyprus presidency has given a significant boost to candidate countries’ accession process, in particular, to Montenegro, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine,” he said.
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