meeting

President convenes emergency meeting over Israel-Iran tensions

by
President convenes emergency meeting over Israel-Iran tensions

President Christodoulides convened an emergency meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss the potential implications of a new flare-up in the Middle East region, particularly between Iran and Israel. The meeting focused on preventive measures, including security at airports and ports, in case of increased flows of Syrian refugees and potential threats to Cyprus. The Government clarified that the meeting was not out of concern but to evaluate data and exchange opinions on the situation. There is no differentiation in security measures, and the Government’s main goal is to prevent escalation in the region. President Christodoulides’ invitation to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon is still under discussion.

Teacher abuse incident under investigation

by
Teacher abuse incident under investigation

Sexual abuse in Cypriot schools has been on the rise, with three recent cases reported. One incident involved a female teacher being forced to resign due to abuse by students. Delays in response and gaps in management have been highlighted. The police are investigating cases of abuse, clarifying that any offense involving a minor victim is considered sexual abuse. The Minister of Education emphasized the need for immediate reporting and coordinated action among all stakeholders. A lawmaker has requested information on protocols for preventing and addressing deviant behavior in schools.

Our View: The education system has thoroughly failed abuse victims

by
Our View: The education system has thoroughly failed abuse victims

A gymnasium student who was sexually abused by fellow students was still expected to go to the same school as his abusers, a month and a half after the incident.

Euro tumbles on firm ECB rate cut bets for June

by
Euro tumbles on firm ECB rate cut bets for June

The EURUSD fell to a near five-month low around 1.0660 due to speculation that the European Central Bank will begin reducing interest rates from the June meeting.

Migration and Middle East crisis discussed in Security Council meeting

by
Migration and Middle East crisis discussed in Security Council meeting

– The National Security Council convened to discuss developments in the Middle East and migration.
– No decisions were made to change security measures, but there was an evaluation of existing data.
– The government has no information about the possibility of strikes on Israeli targets in Cyprus.
– Due to the situation in the region, the entire region is under threat.
– A joint forced-return flight took place where 3,337 people were deported for living in Cyprus illegally.
– Cyprus’ police participated in the operation with Greek authorities and Frontex.
– The National Security Council constantly assesses data and exchanges views on major concerns.
– There are no news to be announced regarding Christodoulides’ invitation to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to visit Lebanon.
– Christodoulides visited Lebanon to address migration and called for more EU support in tackling migration flows.

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.

House leader reacts to Azerbaijan’s intend to recognise occupied areas

by
House leader reacts to Azerbaijan’s intend to recognise occupied areas

The President of the House, Annita Demetriou, is sending a letter of protest to the President of the Azerbaijani Parliament and European counterparts due to Azerbaijan’s intention for inter-parliamentary cooperation with the parliament of the occupied areas. She also called for the National Council to be convened again and emphasized the need to stop such actions, stating that negotiations within the agreed framework of the Bizonal Bicommunal Federation with political equality is the only solution.

Government to discuss company’s stance on Larnaca project

by
Government to discuss company’s stance on Larnaca project

A conference will be held on Monday morning at the Presidential Palace to discuss the unified development of Larnaca port and marina. The meeting will be attended by company representatives, the Director-General of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, and the Mayor of Larnaca. The President of the Republic expressed his intention for the meeting, which will address issues related to the project. The company has not shown willingness to submit a performance bond, and there has been no change in their stance so far.

‘, ask bbf’ initiative puts real-estate clients front and centre

by
‘, ask bbf’ initiative puts real-estate clients front and centre

BBF is a leading residential and commercial developer in Cyprus that has launched ask bbf, a customer-centric initiative offering all-inclusive, one-stop-shop services for property buyers and business relocations.