Filenews 5 February 2026
The main actions of the government for 2026 in the fields of Foreign Policy, Defense and Security were presented tonight by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, talking about further upgrading the international status of the Republic of Cyprus and strengthening its deterrent power in an unstable geopolitical environment.
Agreement with Israel on gas, accession to Schengen
In the field of foreign policy, the President underlined that Cyprus is consolidating itself as a stable and reliable partner with a clear European and Western orientation. In 2026, taking advantage of the Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Republic of Cyprus will strengthen its presence in Brussels and deepen its relations with countries in the region, but also with strategic partners such as India and Central Asian states. In this context, the President will visit India in May, at the invitation of the Indian Prime Minister.
Particular emphasis was placed on energy security. As announced, the signing of the agreement with Israel for the development and development of the "Aphrodite" reserve is expected within 2026, while the detailed planning that will lead to the Final Investment Decision will be completed. At the same time, developments are also underway for the "Kronos" field, with the aim of exporting Cypriot natural gas to Europe, while the signing of the relevant trade agreements is planned in March.
At the European level, the government continues the effort for the full integration of Cyprus into the Schengen Area, with the completion of the technical requirements in cooperation with the European Commission, further strengthening the sense of security.
Referring to defence, the President described the strengthening of the deterrent power of the National Guard as an issue of national importance. In 2026, tenders are announced for the upgrade of the "Evangelos Florakis" Naval Base and the modernization of the "Andreas Papandreou" Air Base, in cooperation with the EU and the USA. At the same time, Cyprus will make use of the European SAFE program, amounting to €1.2 billion, for the acquisition of modern equipment and support for the domestic defense industry. In the same direction, the President referred to the opportunities arising through the participation of the Republic of Cyprus in American armament programs. In addition, as he said, the training of the human resources of the National Guard will be strengthened, the institution of the SYOPs and their terms of employment will be improved, while the personal equipment of the Reservists and Home Guards will be modernized.
On migration, the President noted that Cyprus is no longer considered an attractive destination, stressing the decision to withdraw protection status or residence permits from foreigners who commit criminal offenses, with the aim of their immediate repatriation. At the same time, a comprehensive strategy for the integration of legally residing migrants and full adaptation to the new European Pact on Migration and Asylum are being promoted.
Important announcements were also made for civil protection and water security, with the completion of the Solea-Marathasa heliport, substantially strengthening the country's capabilities in Air Firefighting, Search and Rescue. The President also referred to the implementation of an Early Warning System with the aim of its full operation within 2026. The issue of Civil Protection is also a priority of the Cyprus Presidency, with the promotion of discussions on the relevant European Mechanism and the creation, as the President of the Commission herself has announced, of a Regional Firefighting Centre in Cyprus.
In the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU, the Water Resilience Strategy is being promoted, contributing to the preparation of the new European Climate Change Adaptation Plan, and to addressing the increasing pressures due to water scarcity. In 2026, it will proceed with the installation of 3 additional mobile desalination plants, enhancing the country's water balance with 50,000 cubic meters of water per day. At the same time, all the necessary studies are being carried out with the aim of constructing additional permanent desalination projects. At this point, Nikos Christodoulides thanked the President of the United Arab Emirates for the substantial assistance and expressed the hope that there will be further announcements soon.
"Strengthening the sense of security of citizens is our fundamental obligation and we recognize that even more needs to be done in the field of Public Order" noted the President and after referring to the actions to address the chronic problem of prison overcrowding, he announced that in 2026 a fundamental reconstruction of the country's prison system is being promoted, including the planning for the construction of a new one, penitentiary outside the urban fabric. It also promotes procedures for the rapid return of foreign convicts detained for minor offences and speeds up the deportation of immigrants who break the law. As he said, in the last two months, more than 1,000 people have been deported.
Within 2026, according to Nikos Christodoulidis, the institution of electronic surveillance of prisoners will be strengthened and in combination with the Legislation for the criminalization of the import, use and possession of mobile phones, Security will be substantially strengthened. In 2026, the Organized Crime Directorate ("Cyprus FBI") will also operate, with specialized capabilities to deal with modern forms of crime, in cooperation with foreign police authorities. In order to deal with organized crime, the Parliament is expected to vote within the month on the bill on the use of personal cameras in police officers' outfits.
