Europe

Massive bug sighted: keep your toes out of the water

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Massive bug sighted: keep your toes out of the water

Scientists have identified a giant water bug, known as the toe-biter, along the shores of Cyprus. This species, which inhabits lakes and slow-moving freshwater, had not been previously recorded on the island but is known in neighboring Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Turkey, and Israel. A team of scientists from various institutions in Cyprus, led by Michalis Hadjikosnstantis of the Cyprus Natural Heritage and Biodiversity Protection Society, Yiakoumis Giortzis from the agriculture ministry, and Kadir Boğaç Kunt from the Cyprus Wildlife Research Institute, are studying the species. Their findings were published in the journal Travaux du Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle Grigore Antipa. The giant water bug is the largest true bug and water insect in Europe, with a diameter of up to 12 cm, and is known for delivering painful bites. Sightings of the bug on the eastern coast of Cyprus were reported in late spring and summer of 2020 and 2021, with a total of seven sightings recorded: five from social media and two after direct communication with the researchers. Two samples were taken and morphologically examined to verify the species. The sudden appearance of the species in Cyprus may be linked to migratory events from neighboring countries or environmental factors. Further investigation is required to determine if the species has become established on the island.

Christodoulides to address college during official meetings in Belgium

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Christodoulides to address college during official meetings in Belgium

President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus is visiting Bruges, Belgium, to address the College of Europe on invitation by the Cypriot students association during the national week dedicated to Cyprus. This marks the first visit by a Cypriot President to the college. Christodoulides will be greeted by Rector Federica Mogherini, speak to students and academics, and meet with Vice-President of the European Commission, Margaritis Schinas. His agenda also includes participating in European People’s Party deliberations, discussing global issues with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and EU heads of state, and attending the 30th anniversary of the European Economic Area. Christodoulides will have another meeting with Guterres and will return to Cyprus on Friday evening.

Youth and climate advocacy: opportunities and action!

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Youth and climate advocacy: opportunities and action!

Climate change significantly impacts the world’s youth, affecting their health, education, and economic opportunities. A 2018 poll by the Cyprus Institute of Statisticians revealed that 63.2% of young people aged 18 to 35 intend to abstain from general elections in Cyprus, indicating a lack of interest in participating in decision-making. Challenges for youth involvement in climate activism include lack of time, social and political suppression, lack of supportive structures, and lack of representation. However, opportunities exist through grassroots movements, social media campaigns, and collective action. The EU promotes youth participation in climate initiatives. Friends of the Earth Cyprus aims to involve youth in climate activism through European-funded projects like GreenViDialogue and Embrace the World project.

MPs hear LNG grant could be lost

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MPs hear LNG grant could be lost

Cyprus risks losing part or all of an EU grant for the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Vasiliko due to not meeting certain requirements. The LNG terminal project is 80% complete, with the floating, storage, and regasification unit at 97% and the land-based infrastructures at 50%. Cyprus has received two extensions from the European Commission for the project, with the latest extension expiring at the end of 2024. To receive the remaining €28.9 million of the €101 million grant, Cyprus must have €253 million in recognized expenditures for the terminal by the end of 2023 and complete the project with the necessary certification by the end of 2024. Failure to meet these conditions could result in losing 20% of the remaining EU grant or more.

Methane to become key criteria for future EU energy imports, official says

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Methane to become key criteria for future EU energy imports, official says

– The European Union plans to use methane emissions as a criterion for deciding its energy suppliers in the future.
– A U.N. methane conference took place in Geneva from March 18-21, with over 1,000 participants from 100 countries.
– Methane is the second-biggest cause of climate change after carbon dioxide and has a higher warming effect in the short term.
– The EU will focus on the environmental impact and carbon intensity of its energy purchases.
– In November, the EU agreed to impose methane emissions limits on its oil and gas imports from 2030.
– The EU will create “methane performance profiles” for countries and companies, favoring those that reduce emissions.
– The Geneva forum aims to advance methane emissions reduction efforts ahead of the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan.

Christodoulides in Brussels for EU Council

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Christodoulides in Brussels for EU Council

President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus will visit Belgium to attend the College of Europe in Bruges, participate in the European Council summit in Brussels, and engage in both public and private meetings with officials. He will also attend a working lunch with the UN Secretary General and other EU member state leaders, focusing on the Middle East and Ukraine. Additionally, Christodoulides will visit the College of Europe following an invitation from the Society of Cypriot Students and will meet with Federica Mogherini, the college’s rector and former Vice President of the European Commission. He will also meet with Margaritis Schinas, the Vice President of the European Commission, before attending activities of the European People’s Party and a commemorative event for the 30th anniversary of the European Economic Area. Christodoulides will return to Cyprus on Friday evening.

President to visit College of Europe

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President to visit College of Europe

President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus will travel to Bruges and Brussels for official engagements. In Bruges, he will visit the College of Europe, addressing students and academics as part of a national week dedicated to Cyprus, marking the first visit by a Cypriot President to the College. His agenda includes a private meeting with Rector Mogherini and a meeting with European Commission Vice-President Margaritis Schinas. In Brussels, President Christodoulides will participate in the European People’s Party proceedings, attend a working lunch with the UN Secretary-General and EU member state heads focusing on the Middle East, Ukraine, and global challenges, and engage in the European Council Summit discussions on the Middle East, Ukraine, Migration, Security, EU Enlargement, and External Relations. He will also attend a commemorative event for the 30 years of the European Economic Area and a Eurozone Summit. President Christodoulides, accompanied by officials, will return to Cyprus on March 22. A potential private meeting with the UN Secretary-General is under consideration.

Keve to host seminar on green business transition

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Keve to host seminar on green business transition

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Keve) is organizing a seminar titled “Green Business Transition” to address the demand for businesses to adopt more sustainable practices. This event, in collaboration with the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus and hosted by Keve’s Green Business Observatory, is scheduled for Thursday, March 28, 2024, at 3:30 pm at the Keve building in Nicosia. The seminar will cover topics such as emissions reduction, sustainable production, sustainability promotion, and corporate social responsibility, focusing on European legislative requirements. Businesses can register for the seminar until March 26, 2024.

VC fund with presence in Cyprus invests $1.5 million in games studio

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VC fund with presence in Cyprus invests $1.5 million in games studio

ROAR Games, an independent games studio, has received a .5 million investment from The Games Fund, a specialist early-stage VC fund based in New York and Cyprus. The Games Fund is known for having the largest gaming portfolio in Eastern Europe and Cyprus and is recognized as a prominent early-stage gaming investor. The investment will support the development of ROAR Games’ first title, “Tenet of the Spark,” a game featuring a heroic young boxer with the ability to perceive the world through his ancestors’ powers, set to release on PC and console. The game will include a unique world-switching mechanic inspired by Ancient South American and Viking civilizations. ROAR Games was founded in 2023 by the founders of ZHEESHEE, a CGI production studio, and has a global team of 30 members. The Games Fund’s inaugural fund raised million to invest in gaming companies from emerging markets in Central and Eastern Europe.

Ashish Bam century helps Everest to superb opening win

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Ashish Bam century helps Everest to superb opening win

The BAOFinancial 40 Over Cup saw Telugu 11 win against Everest with a remarkable 6-wicket victory, thanks to significant contributions from Sivannarayana Patti (73), Vinod Kumar (82), and Ashish Bam (110 not out). In the Spring T20 league, Al Fatah overcame Cyprus Knight Riders by 5 wickets, with notable performances from Umar Farooq (3-15) and Asif Mehmood (38 not out). Moufflons CC participated in the European Cricket League in Spain, facing challenges including flight issues and tough competition, but showcased individual talents such as Akila, Isidore, Burdekin, and Nalin Pathirana.