Amazon Web Services plans $8.4 bln cloud investment in Germany
Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest 7.8 billion euros in Germany through 2040 to build a cloud computing infrastructure specifically for Europe.
government
Tales from the Coffeeshop: Auditor-general far too popular to do anything wrong
– The opposition proceedings in the case brought against auditor-general Odysseas Michaelides by attorney-general George Savvides were filed by Odysseas’ team of lawyers.
– The opposition is based on two points: the application of the AG to the constitutional council is groundless and the AG does not have the authority to seek the sacking of an independent state official.
– Odysseas’ camp is applying pressure on the president to publicly side with him.
– The head of the anti-corruption authority demanded criminal charges against the drug squad chief, possibly linked to the Odysseas-Savvides clash.
– Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah urged Syrians to head for Cyprus and Europe to pressure Brussels to give Lebanon more funds for Syrian refugees.
– Parents were upset over the difficulty of questions in modern Greek exams for secondary school students.
– State hospital nursing unions are threatening industrial action if more nurses are not hired.
– The president announced the decision to appoint two criminal investigators before the cabinet approved it.
Reduction in small business tax passes in House of Assembly
Fact: The small business corporate income tax rate in Newfoundland and Labrador has been reduced from 3 per cent to 2.5 per cent effective January 1, 2024.
Poland to spend around $2.5 bln on securing eastern border, says PM
Poland is investing 10 billion zlotys in a program to secure its eastern border due to a perceived threat from Russia and Belarus. The program includes building fortifications and enhancing security measures to prevent unauthorized entry. Prime Minister Donald Tusk also plans to discuss financing for the European Sky Shield Initiative with the European Investment Bank.
President for Vasilikos: The state cannot be blackmailed; there is a plan B but I don’t want to get to that point
President Nikos Christodoulides is in contact with the company and various EU and non-EU member states to create prospects for the resumption of talks. The Vasilikos terminal project has three phases, with progress varying in each. The President will meet with the Ambassador of China to discuss the project, emphasizing the need for solutions to be found with goodwill. A plan B exists, but the government intends to proceed with the contract obligations.
Why Cayman? Cayman Islands Vs Barbados: Offshore Business Showdown
The Cayman Islands and Barbados are competing for entrepreneurs’ attention as offshore business destinations. The Cayman Islands offer a tax-neutral environment with no corporate, capital gains, or sales taxes, while Barbados has low corporate tax rates and a network of double taxation agreements. Both locations have advantages in terms of business setup, legal frameworks, and lifestyle amenities. The choice between the two islands depends on specific priorities and business goals.
CMC hits back in escalating Vasiliko spat (Updated)
Fact: The Chinese-led construction firm CPP-Metron Consortium Ltd (CMC) has accused Natural Gas Infrastructure Company (Etyfa) of persistently failing to make milestone payments for the under-construction liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko.
Christodoulides to meet Chinese ambassador over Vasiliko row
President Nikos Christodoulides will meet with Chinese ambassador Liu Yantao on Monday to discuss the ongoing dispute between Chinese-led construction firm CMC and Etyfa over the LNG terminal at Vasiliko. The state will not be blackmailed and has a ‘plan B’ in place. The only topic of conversation with the Chinese ambassador will be Vasiliko.
Fifty dead in heavy rain, floods in central Afghanistan, official says
At least 50 people are dead in central Afghanistan due to heavy rain and flooding. The rain spell began on Friday, cutting off key roads and causing significant destruction in the province of Ghor. 2,000 houses were destroyed, 4,000 were partially damaged, and 2,000 shops were flooded in the capital, Feroz-Koh. Last week, flash floods in northern Afghanistan killed 315 people and injured over 1,600. Afghanistan is vulnerable to natural disasters, and the lack of aid has worsened since the Taliban took over in 2021.
Australians stranded in New Caledonia ‘running out of food’ amid civil unrest
Australians stranded in New Caledonia are rationing food as they wait for a way out of the troubled Pacific island territory after riots that killed four people. The riots were sparked by anger among indigenous Kanak people over a new bill that gives French people who have lived in New Caledonia for at least 10 years the right to vote. The unrest has resulted in burnt businesses, torched cars, looted shops, and road barricades, cutting off access to medicine and food. Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that Canberra is working with authorities in France and New Caledonia to assess options for Australians to safely depart. The New Caledonia government said the island has food stocks for two months, but the problem lies in distribution. French officials plan to remove road barricades booby-trapped by activists to supply food and medicine to the public.