Parliament approves new regulations for soldiers and 2026 budgets for state media

On March 12, 2026, the Parliament of Cyprus approved significant changes to the terms of service for contract soldiers (SYOP). The maximum employment age for contract soldiers was extended to 57 years, up from 42, and the recruitment age limit was raised to 35 from 27. Additionally, the Parliament passed the 2026 budget for the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation (RIK), totaling €45,905,329 in expenses against €38,700,000 in revenue, resulting in a deficit caused by pension provisions and EU presidency hosting costs. While 28 deputies voted in favor of the RIK budget, Andreas Themistocleous voted against it, citing concerns over internal management and transparency issues raised by other members. Conversely, the 2026 budget for the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) was approved with 32 votes in favor, while Deputy Andreas Themistocleous abstained. The CNA budget is balanced, with both revenues and expenditures set at €4,379,017, largely supported by public funding. Legislators noted the importance of the agency's role while discussing future infrastructure needs.