Italian police arrested 13 prison guards on suspicion of torture and ill-treatment of juvenile detainees at the Cesare Beccaria juvenile detention centre in Milan. The investigation stemmed from reports by the prisoners’ rights ombudsman and involved testimonies from the detainees and camera footage from inside the prison. The alleged offences were committed from 2022 to the present day.
The YKAN has reported an increase in individuals involved in drugs and crime settling in Cyprus after the war in Ukraine and due to political instability in the region. Foreigners make up a significant percentage of those involved in drug-related cases, with drug seizures reaching record levels in recent years. YKAN is working to address the rise in minors involved in illegal activities by focusing on providing help and treatment rather than stigmatizing them as lawbreakers. They are mapping out schools and areas frequented by juveniles to monitor the situation closely.
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.
Fact: The Greek economy is forecast to grow nearly 3 per cent this year, approaching its pre-crisis size of 2009 and far outpacing the eurozone average of 0.8 per cent.
The new permanent residency by investment program in Cyprus allows applicants to make investments in real estate, share capital of a company, or units of a collective investment organization. Applicants must also prove they have a secure annual income of at least €50,000. The program promotes foreign investments in Cyprus, supporting local businesses and regional development.
A global survey showed a surge in despair and disillusionment with established politics, particularly among young American men, who were the only U.S. population group to turn more conservative over the past decade.
The tourism industry in Cyprus is facing challenges from climate change, geopolitical developments, and economic conditions. The president of the Pancyprian Association of Hotel Managers emphasized the need for support from the state, including training programs and tax incentives. The Deputy Minister of Tourism highlighted the importance of addressing climate change and improving the quality of services through education and skill development.
Cyprus and Denmark discussed re-evaluating the status of specific areas in Syria. Danish official supports examining real facts in Syria to allow states to carry out returns under specific conditions. Interior Minister Ioannou suggested creating a group with European countries to prepare an official joint document on the Syrian issue. Ioannou will also meet with the interior minister of the Czech Republic in Prague.
Tax reform should aim for sustainable finances and economic equity. Personal income tax should include taxing family income, with a tax-free bracket of €25,000 per individual or €50,000 per family. A flat 20% tax on all personal income above the tax-free bracket is proposed. Corporate tax should be leveled at 20% to be competitive and fair. A fair tax on immovable property is suggested to combat tax evasion and incentivize property owners to rent out vacant properties. VAT rates can be adjusted, and a flat road tax per car is recommended to cover road infrastructure costs. Carbon emission taxes should be imposed on fuels to fund carbon reduction and renewable energy initiatives.
Employers in Cyprus are advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of the tax system, proposing significant changes aimed at boosting economic activity and competitiveness. They are calling for adjustments to individual tax rates, including reducing taxes on interest earned from savings to 10%, raising the tax-free threshold, introducing a “mortgage relief” program, and granting couples/single parents the option to file taxes separately or jointly. Employers are also pushing for changes to corporate taxation, advocating for the elimination of taxes on certain dividends, raising the corporate tax rate to 15%, and reducing the tax rate on dividends from 17% to 5%. They are also proposing changes to various aspects of the tax system, including lowering the capital gains tax, simplifying transfer pricing rules, and providing tax incentives for companies engaging in mergers and acquisitions, startups, and investments in the research and green sectors. Additionally, they are prioritizing green taxation with recommendations for tax breaks for investments in eco-friendly industries and incentives for purchasing energy-efficient buildings and solar panels.