Europe

Joining forces in the fight against breast cancer

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Joining forces in the fight against breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women globally, making up one in four cancer cases. It ranks as the second leading cause of death in the European population and the primary cause among cancer patients. Approximately one in eight women in Europe will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. In 2020, over 355,000 cases were recorded in the EU, with Cyprus reporting 700 new cases in women and seven in men annually, including 70 non-invasive cancers, according to the Cyprus Cancer Registry. Efforts in awareness, prevention, and treatment have advanced, with Cyprus implementing new screening programs, extending screening age limits, and upgrading equipment. Europa Donna Cyprus, part of The European Breast Cancer Coalition, offers support and counseling for breast and gynecological cancer patients, promotes patient rights, public awareness, and seeks increased research funding. Bean Bar coffee chain supported Europa Donna Cyprus by donating 10% of its sales revenue during the week of March 4-10, 2024, in conjunction with International Women’s Day.

After Red Sea mission, Greece seeks key role in EU defence – minister

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After Red Sea mission, Greece seeks key role in EU defence – minister

Greece hosts the headquarters of the EU operation “Aspides” aimed at protecting ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. The operation was launched to guard vessels against Iranian-aligned Houthi militants supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel. Greece, controlling the world’s largest merchant fleet, has seen a significant increase in attacks against its vessels, leading to a 40% drop in trade at its largest port, Piraeus. The Greek frigate Hydra recently sailed for the Red Sea as Greece assumed command of the EU mission, with its headquarters in Larissa and Italy commanding the naval force. The EU’s Red Sea naval mission involves five warships from Germany, Italy, Belgium, and France. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the EU aims to enhance its defense role. Greece is pursuing a defense reform and industry revamp, including a 10-year purchasing plan for new F-35 jets, French frigates, and U.S.-made Black Hawk helicopters. Greece also plans to produce drone and anti-drone systems and is in discussions with the U.S. to co-design and build Constellation-class frigates.

Wizz Air’s President: We want to continue building on our position as number one at Larnaca airport

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Wizz Air’s President: We want to continue building on our position as number one at Larnaca airport

– Wizz Air established a base at Larnaca Airport in 2020.
– Since its establishment, Wizz Air has doubled its capacity at Larnaca Airport.
– Wizz Air is now the leading airline in Larnaca and the second overall in Cyprus.
– In 2023, Wizz Air experienced a significant increase in passenger numbers in Cyprus compared to 2022.
– The increase in passengers was attributed to new destinations, Cyprus’s tourism strategy, and Wizz Air’s low fares.
– Wizz Air navigated challenges such as the pandemic, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and the conflict between Israel and Hamas by quickly reallocating capacity and was the first airline to return to pre-COVID levels by volume.
– Wizz Air operates at 160% of its pre-COVID capacity.
– The airline is focused on sustainability and is investing in new technology for the future, including the potential development of hydrogen aircraft.
– Cyprus aims to attract tourists from a wider range of countries and has been successful during the 2023 tourist season.
– Operational challenges in summer 2022 led Wizz Air to invest in schedule resilience.
– Wizz Air plans to continue growing, with potential new routes and increased frequencies to existing destinations.
– The airline carried 60 million passengers in 2023 and operates a fleet of around 180 aircraft, with plans to grow by 30 to 40 aircraft per year.

Monachus not so monastic anymore, as the seals are here to stay

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Monachus not so monastic anymore, as the seals are here to stay

– The Monachus Monachus is an endangered Mediterranean seal.
– Cypriot waters have seen a steady rise in seal numbers year after year due to environmental service measures protecting their habitat.
– Seal numbers in Cyprus increased from 7-10 in 2010 to 22 last year.
– The seal ecosystem in Cyprus is mostly in protected Natura 2000 maritime regions and off the British Bases in Limassol.
– Seals were spotted for the first time at the Anassa hotel beach, using it for resting and caring for newborns.
– A detailed outlook of the Mediterranean seal was presented in Peyia at an event co-organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and the Environment.
– The Cape Greco coastal caves are rarely used by seals due to increased human activity.
– The Ayia Napa sea caves are popular for reproduction and resting, with up to six seals recorded using the caves at a time.
– Seals have been spotted resting in regional caves from Governor’s Beach to the recycling plant area in the west.
– A 55-meter deep cave at Ayios Yeorgios Alamanos is an important shelter for reproduction and resting, with seals traveling up to 150 kilometers to use it.
– The name Monachus Monachus possibly comes from the thick layer of skin under its neck resembling a Catholic monk’s religious hood, not from a monastic nature as earlier believed.
– The Mediterranean seal is the rarest of 33 species worldwide and the only one in the genus Monachus, making it the number one endangered mammal in Europe with only 700 left.
– Half of the remaining population lives and reproduces in Greece, and another 100 off the southern coast of Turkey.
– Systematic monitoring and protection are crucial for the survival and rejuvenation of the species, which can dive down to 200 meters and reproduces in Cyprus from September to December.

Russia jails Jehovah, ’s Witness for eight years

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Russia jails Jehovah, ’s Witness for eight years

A court in southwestern Russia sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness, Aleksandr Chagan, to eight years in prison for organizing “extremist activities”. Russia’s Supreme Court had previously designated the Christian denomination as “extremist” in 2017, leading to the liquidation and banning of its nearly 400 chapters across the country. At the time of the ban, there were about 175,000 active believers in Russia. The case against Chagan was built around evidence from a “mole” who secretly filmed worship meetings. Chagan is the sixth Witness to receive an eight-year sentence, the longest term imposed since the ban. The Russian Orthodox Church dominates religious life in Russia, and some Orthodox scholars view Jehovah’s Witnesses as a “totalitarian sect”. Currently, at least 794 Witnesses have been criminally charged in Russia for their faith, with 127 serving prison sentences. The European Court of Human Rights ruled in June 2022 that the ban on Jehovah’s Witnesses was illegal.

Russians lay flowers at Navalny, ’s grave

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Russians lay flowers at Navalny, ’s grave

Russians placed flowers on the grave of late opposition politician Alexei Navalny in Moscow, with his mother Lyudmila among the mourners. Navalny died at the age of 47 in an Arctic penal colony on February 16, with supporters claiming he was murdered, a claim the Kremlin denies. Thousands attended his farewell ceremony, and his grave was covered with flowers. Navalny was known for exposing corruption in the Russian elite, leading to his movement being outlawed and his senior allies fleeing Russia. Police observed but did not interfere with the mourners. Navalny had been jailed on charges including fraud, contempt of court, and extremism, which he denied, attributing them to efforts to silence his criticism of President Putin.

Stellantis aims to sell up to 500,000 vehicles to Ayvens across Europe

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Stellantis aims to sell up to 500,000 vehicles to Ayvens across Europe

Stellantis, a Franco-Italian automaker, has entered into a frame agreement with Ayvens, a leasing and fleet management company, to sell up to 500,000 vehicles in Europe over the next three years. The vehicles will be purchased by Ayvens’ affiliates for its long-term leasing fleet, with initial deliveries starting in the first half of 2024. The deal includes flexibility in order quantities, compositions, and delivery dates based on fleet requirements and demand. Ayvens’ customers will have access to brands such as Alfa Romeo, DS Automobiles, Fiat, Opel, Peugeot, and Vauxhall, with the possibility of extending to Stellantis’ full portfolio in the future. This agreement is aimed at supporting the transition to more sustainable mobility options. Ayvens was formed through the acquisition of LeasePlan by ALD Automotive, a subsidiary of Societe Generale.

Polish farmers rally in Warsaw against EU policies, Ukraine imports

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Polish farmers rally in Warsaw against EU policies, Ukraine imports

Thousands of Polish farmers protested in Warsaw against food imports from Ukraine and EU green rules. They demand the lifting of the EU’s ‘Green Deal’ regulations and a block on Ukrainian grain imports, citing bankruptcy risks and unfair competition. The protests began earlier in February, including a blockade of Ukrainian border crossings and disruptions nationwide. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk acknowledged the need for the EU to address the issues arising from opening borders to Ukrainian food products post-Russia’s 2022 invasion.

Palestinian pop singer hopes to compete for Iceland at Eurovision

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Palestinian pop singer hopes to compete for Iceland at Eurovision

Palestinian pop singer Bashar Murad hopes to represent Iceland at the Eurovision Song Contest in May, aiming to bring a Palestinian voice to the event. The Eurovision Song Contest, taking place from May 7-11 in Malmo, Sweden, is a non-political event, but political issues often arise, such as the current scrutiny over the Israeli submission’s lyrics potentially referring to a recent conflict. Murad is competing in Iceland’s national final with a song co-written by Einar Stefansson of Hatari, a band known for its political statements. Murad, born and living in Jerusalem, finds learning Icelandic challenging but sees similarities to Arabic. His song “Wild West” is about overcoming obstacles and pursuing dreams. He expressed a desire to bring a Palestinian perspective to Eurovision, despite the contest’s rules and the political context. Russia was banned from the contest in 2022 due to its invasion of Ukraine, and while there is no Palestinian entry due to the lack of a Palestinian member broadcaster in the European Broadcasting Union, Murad’s participation is notable. He has mixed feelings about Israel’s participation but focuses on representing Palestinian voices. Israel has won the Eurovision Song Contest four times.

Gender equality to be at centre of Cyprus EU presidency

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Gender equality to be at centre of Cyprus EU presidency

Upon assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, Cyprus plans to prioritize the development of gender equality, as stated by Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis. Hartsiotis participated in the Council of Europe’s informal meeting of gender equality ministers in Brussels, where discussions on promoting gender equality took place. He emphasized the importance of strong political will, commitment, and the contribution of civil society organizations to gender equality efforts. A declaration on gender equality issues was signed by ministers from the current trio of the rotating presidency (Spain, Belgium, and Hungary) and handed over to the incoming trio (Cyprus, Poland, and Denmark) to enhance cooperation and further promote equality at the European level.