Lithuania

First Cypriot born on EU accession day 2004 joins anniversary celebrations

by
First Cypriot born on EU accession day 2004 joins anniversary celebrations

Cyprus was honored at a ceremony celebrating 20 years since acceding to the European Union. Kyriacos Yiallourides, the first Cypriot born on May 1, 2004, asked about Cypriots’ expectations during the road to accession. George Iacovou mentioned that Cypriots hoped for security and stability and that the younger generations were excited about opportunities to study, work, and live abroad. The EU is characterized by breaking down borders and former enemies becoming friends. Yiallourides hopes more countries continue to join the EU to promote peace in Europe. EU Parliament president Roberta Metsola discussed the benefits of being part of the EU and embracing differences while ensuring equality of opportunity.

MEPs complain can, ’t be in two places at once

by
MEPs complain can, ’t be in two places at once

Cypriot MEP candidates will officially submit their candidacies on Wednesday. The interior ministry was criticized for scheduling the submissions on the same day as the last session of the EU parliament. The far-right gaining ground in the EU parliament is a growing concern. The session will also celebrate the 20 years since Cyprus and other countries were greenlighted to enter the EU in 2004.

Russia may be ready to attack NATO in 5-8 years, German official says

by
Russia may be ready to attack NATO in 5-8 years, German official says

Russia could potentially be prepared to launch an attack on NATO countries in five to eight years, according to Germany’s top military official, Lieutenant General Carsten Breuer. This readiness would come after Russia rebuilds its forces following the impact of the Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin has denied any intentions of attacking NATO countries, but tensions remain high. Russia currently controls almost a fifth of Ukrainian territory and is increasing its military capabilities. Germany’s chief of defense emphasized the need for NATO to be prepared for a potential threat from Russia in the next five to eight years.

Britons unprepared for new EU entry system causing long queue fears in airports

by
Britons unprepared for new EU entry system causing long queue fears in airports

A new survey shows that many Britons are unaware of the upcoming European Union Entry/Exit System (EES), which will replace manual passport stamping with biometric checks. Concerns have been raised about potential delays at airports due to the new system. Additionally, Britons will also need to obtain pre-approved travel authorisation through the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) for visits to certain European countries. The UK Parliament’s European Scrutiny Committee is investigating the potential impact of the EES on UK borders, including possible gridlock in Kent.

Mačiulis: increasing only the corporate tax would not be enough to finance defence needs sustainably

by
Mačiulis: increasing only the corporate tax would not be enough to finance defence needs sustainably

– Some political parties are proposing to increase corporation tax, which is popular among some voters
– Corporate tax revenues are volatile, especially during tough business cycles
– Abolishing tax breaks is the easiest way to create sustainable funding for defense
– Increasing VAT and corporate tax by 1% is the simplest way to finance defense
– Lithuania has the lowest debt in the EU and should not be afraid to borrow for defense
– Germany and Estonia are making mistakes with their fiscal policies
– A strong counter-cyclical fiscal policy is needed in Europe
– Different proposals have been made to raise funds for defense, including revising tax rates and increasing corporate tax
– Opposition groups propose introducing a bank wealth tax, issuing defense bonds, and reducing the shadow economy
– Defense funding in Lithuania is currently at 2.75% of GDP, with a goal of reaching 3%
– The 4 Percent initiative aims to allocate 4% of GDP to defense and has support from businesses and organizations.

Exiled Belarusian opposition leader in Cyprus

by
Exiled Belarusian opposition leader in Cyprus

Exiled Belarusian political opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya visited Cyprus and met with House president Annita Demetriou and the House foreign affairs committee. The European Union must play an active role in confronting dictatorial regimes, and the struggle for freedom and democracy in Belarus is also Cyprus’ struggle. Thousands of political prisoners have been taken hostage in Belarus, and Tsikhanouskaya thanked Cyprus for supporting Belarusians in their fight for democratic changes.

EU admin needs to be fit for green, AI future, says top official

by
EU admin needs to be fit for green, AI future, says top official

Fact: European Union countries’ budget cuts have resulted in reduced staff in public administration and delayed training or introduction of new technologies.

Cyprus sees rise in hourly labour costs in 2023

by
Cyprus sees rise in hourly labour costs in 2023

The hourly labour cost in Cyprus rose to €20.1 in 2023, compared to €19 in 2022. The hourly labour cost in Greece was €15.7 in 2023, among the lowest in the EU. The lowest hourly labour cost is in Bulgaria at €9.3, and the highest is in Luxembourg at €53.9. In the EU, the hourly labour cost in the industry sector was €32.2 in 2023, and in the construction sector, it was €28.5. The hourly labour cost across the entire economy increased by 5.3% in the EU and by 4.8% in the Eurozone in 2023 compared to 2022. The largest increases were recorded in Croatia, Lithuania, and Estonia. The share of non-wage costs in the total labour cost for the entire economy was 24.7% in the EU and 25.5% in the Eurozone.