cooperation

Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy building at Columbia University

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Pro-Palestinian protesters occupy building at Columbia University

Pro-Palestinian activists occupied a building at Columbia University, escalating a battle with administrators who have begun suspending students for refusing to dismantle tents set up on the New York campus. The activists entered Hamilton Hall, hung a banner reading “Hind’s Hall,” and blocked the doors with outdoor tables. The protesters stated the building was liberated in honor of Hind, a six-year-old Palestinian child, who was killed in Gaza by Israeli forces funded by Columbia University. Police arrived outside the school gates but did not enter the campus unless someone was injured. The university limited access to the campus to students residing in residential buildings and essential employees. The crackdown at Columbia occurred after negotiations failed to end the protest camp set up in opposition to Israel’s actions in Gaza. Similar protests and arrests also took place at other universities across the U.S.

Critical medicines list aims to put end to shortages

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Critical medicines list aims to put end to shortages

The European Union has identified 200 essential “critical medicines” to address shortages and ensure consistent supply across member states. The EU is promoting cooperation among countries to allow for drug procurement from nations with available stocks. The Critical Medicines Alliance aims to help smaller states like Cyprus, which often struggle with stock levels. Efforts include strengthening EU drug production capacity, creating European stockpiles, and aligning funding to tackle shortages. Elena Panayiotopoulos, Cyprus’ Director of Pharmaceutical Services, emphasized the importance of addressing medicine shortages that disrupt treatment and endanger patients. The EU Regulation ‘HTA’ will provide Cyprus with a common clinical assessment in 2025 to help access innovative treatments and effective medicines.

Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

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Ioannou hails Cyprus, ’ migrant returns policy

Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou extolled the virtues of Cyprus’ migrant returns policy during an inter-ministerial meeting attended by the European Union’s 27 member states’ ministers responsible for asylum and migration in Ghent. Cyprus has seen a 66% increase in the number of irregular migrants returned to their countries of origin in 2023 compared to the previous year. Cyprus has the highest number of migrant returns per head of any EU member state. The EU pact on migration and asylum, set to be fully implemented in June 2026, includes provisions for managing surges in migrant flows and screening third country nationals entering the EU. Ioannou hopes for mandatory relocation of asylum seekers between member states.

More than ten organised crime groups operating in Cyprus, Interpol says, pointing to rising period of criminality

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More than ten organised crime groups operating in Cyprus, Interpol says, pointing to rising period of criminality

A global investigation over the past four years points to Cyprus as a hub for criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, smuggling tobacco products, extortion, illegal betting, and fixing football matches. The report, based on Interpol data, highlights a rise in extreme criminality in Cyprus, with recent assassinations, arson attacks, bombings, and underworld killings. Criminal organizations in Cyprus are mostly foreign and involved in crimes against property, money laundering, drug trafficking, and bribing public officials. In 2024, there were 55 arsons and bomb attacks reported in 101 days.

HB eyes insurance crown with CNP deal

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HB eyes insurance crown with CNP deal

Fact: Hellenic Bank’s takeover of CNP’s local operations in Cyprus is worth €182 million and will boost its market share to 30% in the life insurance sector and 23% in the general insurance sector.

Government ramps up crackdown of undeclared work

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Government ramps up crackdown of undeclared work

– Around eight per cent of the workforce, or 40,000 people, are illegally employed in Cyprus, resulting in a loss of revenue to the social insurance fund of €10 million a year.
– The government has approved a plan to strengthen measures to combat undeclared work, including implementing a system of extra-judicial fines for employers.
– The fine for each instance of undeclared work will increase from €500 to €1,000 and will be doubled in the event of a future offence by the same employer.
– Authorities will increase the number of inspections to target specific work sites and times, and there will be increased coordinated inspections between different departments.
– The government will conduct an outreach campaign for third-country nationals legally in Cyprus who are not identified as legal workers.
– The government will investigate employers of undeclared workers for links to people-smugglers.
– Legislative changes will be submitted to the House, including the creation of a digital census of all employees and liability for main contractors and subcontractors in cases of undeclared work.

Smart City Project advances glass recycling with Green Dot

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Smart City Project advances glass recycling with Green Dot

Fact: A Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the municipality of Nicosia and Green Dot on smart glass recycling as part of the Nicosia Smart City Project.

Tax reporting transparency reaches a tipping point

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Tax reporting transparency reaches a tipping point

Tax transparency is becoming more common globally, with regulators, investors, and the public demanding greater visibility into corporate tax profiles. Companies are facing new tax reporting and disclosure requirements, such as expanded Financial Accounting Standards Board disclosures in the U.S. and public Country-by-Country Reporting legislation in the EU. Adapting to these changes and investing in suitable technology tools can help companies communicate their tax narrative effectively and enhance trust with stakeholders.

Local elections: a focus on Larnaca upgrade

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Local elections: a focus on Larnaca upgrade

The submission process for candidate nominations in district administrations and municipalities in Larnaca was completed on Wednesday. People in Larnaca are voting in June to elect district governors, mayors, deputy mayors, municipal councillors, and members of school boards. Angelos Hadjicharalambous and Evangelos Evangelides submitted their candidacies for the role of district governor.

Larnaca marina, ’s Kition no-show at committee ‘not a sign of disrespect’

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Larnaca marina, ’s Kition no-show at committee ‘not a sign of disrespect’

Developer Kition Ocean Holdings did not attend a House transport committee meeting, but insisted it was not a sign of disrespect. They tried to attend remotely but were unable to. There is a dispute with authorities over the payment of a financial guarantee for the Larnaca port and marina project. The government expects €10 million, but the company insists on discussing the amount. Transport Minister threatened to take legal action if the full amount was not paid, but Kition only put forward €4.2 million. Differences in opinion remain regarding the guarantee amount, and the construction license for the project is set to be issued soon.