Europe

Ukrainian laundering suspect to face trial on April 17

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Ukrainian laundering suspect to face trial on April 17

A Ukrainian woman was arrested in Cyprus for attempting to stage a theft of €420,000, which led to the discovery of a money laundering ring. She had made 20 trips to Cyprus, bringing in about €8 million over six months for property purchases. The 31-year-old will face trial on April 17 and remains in custody. She faces 60 charges related to money laundering and other offenses. Her activities included declaring large sums of money at customs and claiming to invest in property. Further investigations will involve Europol and Interpol, focusing on her financial activities in Cyprus.

Aid ship heads to Gaza

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Aid ship heads to Gaza

The maritime corridor for humanitarian aid from Cyprus to Gaza is likely to be launched on Sunday, as stated by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Larnaca after inspecting the port installations with President Nikos Christodoulides. The Amalthea Initiative, aimed at delivering aid to Gaza following five months of war, was led by Cyprus and supported by the EU, the United Arab Emirates, the U.S., and the U.K. The first vessel, belonging to the Spanish NGO Open Arms, is anchored in Larnaca, ready to deliver food and supplies provided by the World Central Kitchens charity. The U.S. military plans to set up a temporary port off Gaza’s coast to support the initiative, as announced by President Joe Biden. The Cyprus maritime corridor intends to scale up aid by complementing other routes, including the Rafah crossing from Egypt and airdrops from Jordan. The UN Special Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, plays a crucial role in coordinating humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The European Commission President emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the need for aid, mentioning Europe’s financing of a major humanitarian effort for Palestinians in Gaza and the region, amounting to €250 million this year. The EU has launched 41 flights carrying over 1,800 tonnes of aid and is considering all options, including airdrops. The EU naval force operation Aspides was launched to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea amid deteriorating maritime security. Von der Leyen highlighted the importance of preparing for a viable two-state solution, calling for an immediate humanitarian pause leading to a sustainable ceasefire, opposing forced displacement of Palestinians and the blockade of Gaza, and condemning Gaza as a safe haven for terrorists.

Books and music in Paphos

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Books and music in Paphos

On March 11, Technopolis 20 in Paphos will host two events. The first event is a book presentation by June Megennis, titled “Tears and Symphony – a Musical Journey,” starting at 6pm. The book discusses Megennis’ experiences within major European operatic and musical organizations from 1964 to 2006, including the London Opera Centre, the Royal Opera House, and the Chamber Orchestra Europe. The second event is a concert by the Fluboe Trio, consisting of Klaus Storm, Florian Rabe, and Agnes Tang, at 8pm. They will perform pieces by Telemann, Händel, Scarlatti, Rameau, and Kleinknecht.

Central Prisons: CoE report flags overcrowding and conditions

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Central Prisons: CoE report flags overcrowding and conditions

The Council of Europe’s Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) released a report highlighting concerns about overcrowding in Cyprus’s Central Prisons and deficiencies in detention conditions across prisons, police holding cells, and Mental Health Services. The report points out issues such as understaffing due to overcrowding, with prison populations exceeding a thousand inmates, and inadequate detention conditions, where cells meant for fewer detainees now accommodate more. The CPT also expressed concerns about insufficient medical personnel in prisons, leading to staff members assuming nursing duties, and suggested increasing efforts to assess incoming prisoners to address suicide and attempted suicide incidents. The Deputy Director of Central Prisons, Haris Philipides, acknowledged the overcrowding problem and stated that measures are being promoted to alleviate it and improve conditions for prisoners and staff. An action plan has been developed for the Committee’s recommendations, with specific timelines to monitor implementation.

Armenia is considering seeking EU membership, foreign minister says

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Armenia is considering seeking EU membership, foreign minister says

Armenia is considering applying for European Union membership, according to Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. This consideration is part of Armenia’s efforts to strengthen its ties with the West amidst tensions with Russia. Since the 2018 revolution that brought Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to power, Armenia has been enhancing its relationships with Europe and the United States. Armenia’s alliance with Russia does not extend to the conflict in Ukraine, and Pashinyan has accused Russia of attempting to undermine his government. Additionally, Armenia criticizes Russia for not defending it against Azerbaijan, a country that has been growing closer to Moscow.

EU one of best examples of equality, Commissioner Kyriakides tells CNA

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EU one of best examples of equality, Commissioner Kyriakides tells CNA

Commissioner Stella Kyriakides, in a statement to the Cyprus News Agency on International Women’s Day, emphasized that gender equality in Europe benefits not only women but everyone. She highlighted the European Union as a leading example of equality, noting the increasing presence of women in politics, business, journalism, and leadership roles. Kyriakides described women in public life as strong, determined, and aware, encouraging them to recognize they are not alone and to continue fighting for change.

Working in Cyprus: an essential guide for expats, remote workers

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Working in Cyprus: an essential guide for expats, remote workers

Cyprus is a strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and Africa, making it an attractive destination for professional expansion. The work landscape in Cyprus includes employment with a Cyprus company, self-employment, and working for a foreign company. Employees in Cyprus sign a contract of employment, are subject to Income Tax, Social Insurance, and contributions to the General Healthcare System, with a tax-free threshold for salary income set at EUR 19,500. Self-employment involves a contract of services, with taxation based on annual profits and mandatory registration for Social Insurance and the General Healthcare System. Working for a foreign company in Cyprus involves considerations regarding tax residency, with over 183 days spent on the island likely resulting in Cyprus tax residency. Non-Cyprus EU employers may need to register as local employers, while non-EU employers might need to establish a branch or company in Cyprus.

EU regulators seek details of escalating Apple, Epic Games spat

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EU regulators seek details of escalating Apple, Epic Games spat

Apple has been questioned by EU antitrust regulators for preventing Epic Games from launching its own online marketplace on iPhones and iPads in Europe, to determine if this action violates EU technology rules. The inquiry is focused on Apple’s compliance with the Digital Markets Act (DMA), Digital Services Act (DSA), and the Platform to Business Regulation (P2B), particularly regarding the relationship between developer program membership and the App Store’s status as a very large online platform (VLOP).

Govt to participate in interconnector project , – if conditions met

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Govt to participate in interconnector project , – if conditions met

The government of Cyprus, represented by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, has expressed its intention to participate in the Great Sea Interconnector project alongside Greece and Israel, contingent upon the fulfillment of specific conditions set by the cabinet. This project aims to end Cyprus’s energy isolation by connecting the island to the energy networks of Europe and enhancing energy security. The decision comes after discussions with Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), which has urged Cyprus to expedite its participation with a contribution of up to €100 million. Keravnos highlighted the project’s significant geopolitical value and the need to assess all financial costs and potential risks before making a final government decision.

Czech farmers dump manure on Prague streets in renewed protests [PHOTOS]

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Czech farmers dump manure on Prague streets in renewed protests [PHOTOS]

Czech farmers protested in front of the government’s office in Prague, demanding more support and a halt to cheap imports to the European Union. They blocked streets with tractors, dumped manure in front of government headquarters, and called for the removal of restrictions from the Green Deal plan and for customs duties on Ukrainian farm products to be reimposed. This protest is part of a wider movement across the EU, with similar actions in Poland and Brussels. The Czech farmers’ demands include subsidies matching 2022 levels, employment support programs, reduced property tax for farmland, and measures to tackle surplus in EU markets due to cheap imports. The government has refused to be pressured, with Prime Minister Petr Fiala calling it “blackmail” and Agriculture Minister Marek Vyborny criticizing the manure dumping.