Table of Contents
Top Headlines
- Cyprus economy: The country’s short-term economic outlook returned to marginal growth territory in August, although geopolitical tensions, energy prices and weaker tourism remain challenges.
- Christodoulides heads to New York: President Nikos Christodoulides is travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly, with the Cyprus issue, energy, regional security and climate change among the key topics.
- Cyprus peace talks: Contacts involving Christodoulides, Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman and UN officials are expected to remain central to efforts to restart full negotiations.
- Weather warning: Cyprus is under a yellow warning for rain and thunderstorms until 5pm on September 18, with local heavy rain and hailstorms reported.
- Energy security: Cyprus continues to assess its role in major Eastern Mediterranean electricity and energy projects, including the Great Sea Interconnector.
- Banking and finance: Finance Minister Makis Keravnos is attending Eurogroup and EU finance-minister meetings in Dublin focused on economic pressures, banking competitiveness, financial innovation and artificial intelligence.
- Agriculture support: The Cypriot government recently approved €1.5 million in support schemes for farmers facing higher production costs linked to the Middle East crisis.
- Social media regulation: Cyprus plans to submit legislation in December proposing a minimum age of 15 for social-media access.
Cyprus News Today
Cyprus is in the spotlight on September 18, 2026, with the latest developments covering the economy, weather, energy, international diplomacy and the long-running Cyprus political issue. President Nikos Christodoulides is preparing for an important visit to New York, while domestic authorities are responding to severe weather and continuing economic and infrastructure discussions.
Cyprus Economy Shows Signs of Recovery
Cyprus’ short-term economic outlook moved back into marginal growth territory in August, according to the latest Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) from the Economics Research Centre of the University of Cyprus.
The index increased by 0.02% year-on-year in August, following declines in previous months. Stronger domestic indicators, including property sales, credit-card transactions, retail activity and electricity consumption, helped offset weaker external conditions.
The Central Bank of Cyprus expects GDP growth of 2.9% in 2026, followed by 3.1% growth in both 2027 and 2028. The bank’s latest forecast was more positive than its previous projection, although it continues to identify geopolitical risks, energy prices and tourism as important factors for the economy.
Christodoulides Travels to New York
President Nikos Christodoulides is travelling to New York for the UN General Assembly, where the Cyprus problem is expected to feature prominently in his diplomatic programme.
According to current reports, Christodoulides is scheduled to meet UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the UN Secretary-General’s Personal Envoy for Cyprus, María Ángela Holguín. Energy, regional security and climate change are also expected to feature in discussions.
The visit comes as efforts continue to create conditions for renewed negotiations between the two sides of the divided island.
Cyprus Peace Talks Remain in Focus
The Cyprus negotiations remain one of the country’s most important political stories. European Commission special envoy Raffaele Fitto is also expected to engage with Turkish and Greek officials as part of efforts to support the negotiation process.
Christodoulides has indicated that preparations are underway for further contacts with the UN and the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has meanwhile said that conditions for an expanded 5+1 meeting have not yet been met.
The UN remains involved in efforts to determine whether formal negotiations can resume.
Cyprus Weather Today
Weather is another major Cyprus news story today. The country’s meteorological department has issued a yellow weather warning for rain and thunderstorms until 5pm on Friday.
Forecasts indicate cloudy conditions, local rainfall and isolated hailstorms. After midday, rainfall is expected to focus particularly on mountainous areas and the eastern part of the island.
Reports also indicate that severe weather has caused damage in parts of Paphos. Residents and motorists are advised to follow official weather warnings, particularly during thunderstorms and periods of heavy rain.
Energy and Great Sea Interconnector
Energy security remains an important issue for Cyprus. The Great Sea Interconnector, intended to connect Cyprus with Greece and the wider European electricity network, continues to face questions about its future structure and Cyprus’ role.
Recent reporting has raised concerns that alternative routes could potentially bypass Cyprus, although these remain reported possibilities rather than an announced change to the project’s official route.
The issue has economic and strategic implications because Cyprus is geographically isolated from Europe’s mainland electricity grid.
Banking, AI and EU Economic Discussions
Finance Minister Makis Keravnos is attending Eurogroup and informal EU finance-minister meetings in Dublin on September 18 and 19.
Discussions include economic developments, financial-sector competitiveness, innovation and artificial intelligence. EU ministers are also expected to discuss productivity and competitiveness across the euro area.
For Cyprus, these discussions come as the country seeks to maintain economic growth while dealing with higher energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty.
Farmers Receive Additional Support
The Cypriot government has approved €1.5 million in financial support for farmers facing increased production costs linked to the Middle East crisis. The measures are intended to help agricultural producers manage the effects of higher operating costs.
Agriculture remains an important part of Cyprus’ domestic economy, particularly as businesses face higher energy, transportation and input costs.
Social Media Age Limit Proposal
Cyprus is also preparing legislation concerning children’s access to social media. Deputy Research Minister Nicodemos Damianou said a bill proposing a minimum age of 15 for social-media access is expected to be submitted to parliament in December.
