Christmas spirit: thousands of donations for those in need

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Christmas spirit: thousands of donations for those in need

Fact: Individuals and organizations in Cyprus have been donating to those less fortunate ahead of the holiday period. Donations include €2000 worth of food vouchers, 100kg of meat, wired money to social welfare funds, games for primary school students and children in the hospital, and donations of halloumi, cheese, flour, milk, juices, teddy bears, and basic items to families in need. Municipalities in Cyprus are organizing musical events to bring festive cheer.

Cuba: Another country that legalizes euthanasia

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Cuba: Another country that legalizes euthanasia

The Cuban National Assembly has legalized euthanasia as part of updating the legal framework governing the country's free healthcare system. The new law recognizes the right to a dignified death and allows for the limitation or cessation of therapeutic efforts and palliative care, as well as valid actions to end life. The process is aimed at individuals with degenerative or irreversible chronic diseases, who are in the final stage of their lives or have suffered injuries that have brought them to this condition. The new legislation provides the necessary legal framework for the future approval of any form of euthanasia, including active euthanasia or assisted suicide. Euthanasia and medically assisted suicide have sparked huge controversies worldwide, with only a few countries accepting it and others equating it to murder. In Europe, euthanasia procedures are legal in countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Spain, and Germany. Similar legislation has been adopted in Australia and New Zealand, while in the Americas, apart from Cuba, the process is legal in Colombia, Canada, and certain states in the United States.

Skate park of Olympic standards in Germasogeia

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Skate park of Olympic standards in Germasogeia

The text describes the opening of a new social hub in Limassol, Cyprus called City Skate Park. The park is a donation to the city and is open to the public without an entrance fee. It covers an area of 5000 square meters and is designed to meet high safety standards. The park features ramps, bowls, and a pump track for skateboarders to develop their skills. It is considered one of the top 10 skateparks in Europe and follows Olympic standards in anticipation of skateboarding's inclusion in the 2020 Olympic Games. Safety is a top priority, with a requirement for all children to wear helmets. The park will initially operate as a testing ground and will later add additional facilities, such as a café. The construction of the park was funded with an investment of 1.3 million euros, with support from various individuals and companies. The park acknowledges the support of the Mayor of Germasogeia and the Germasogeia Municipality.

France on highest anti-terrorist alert for the holidays – New attack averted

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France on highest anti-terrorist alert for the holidays - New attack averted

Five men, all aged between 20 and 23, were arrested in three different cities in the eastern part of France. The arrests were made by the counterterrorism service. The French authorities have also arrested passengers of a plane from Dubai to Nicaragua, following an anonymous tip about illegal trafficking of individuals. The plane made a stop for refueling at an airport in eastern France. Two individuals who are not part of the crew were arrested, and they were found in possession of cash and multiple passports. The authorities have 26 days to investigate the situation, as there are suspicions of illegal trafficking of individuals. The Indian passengers on the plane may have intended to enter the United States, although their visas and passports are considered legal.

Nicosia responds to Ankara: The reactions to the Maritime Spatial Plan have no ground

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Nicosia responds to Ankara: The reactions to the Maritime Spatial Plan have no ground

The Council of Ministers approved the "National Marine Spatial Plan" last Wednesday, which determines the spatial and temporal distribution of current and future activities and uses in the Republic's waters. The plan aims to contribute to the support and promotion of sustainable development at sea, taking into account social, economic, environmental, and cultural aspects, as well as the promotion of the coexistence of relevant activities and uses. The Ministry of Shipping has announced the start of a public consultation on the content of the Marine Spatial Plan.

Coffee: Why Trading Companies Are Leaving Africa – Risk of Rising Poverty and Prices

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Coffee: Why Trading Companies Are Leaving Africa – Risk of Rising Poverty and Prices

A landmark EU law will ban the sale of goods linked to deforestation, one of the causes of climate change. Importers of coffee in the European Union are already reducing purchases from small farmers in Africa as they prepare for the law, which will come into effect in late 2024. The cost and difficulty of complying with the EU regulation on deforestation is expected to have a serious side effects that could reshape global commodity markets over time. Four companies have already stopped ordering coffee from Ethiopia, a decision that will have negative consequences for around 5 million rural families who rely on coffee cultivation. The law requires importers to prove that their raw materials do not come from deforested land or face high fines. The European Commission has launched several initiatives to help producing countries and smallholders comply with the law. However, some smallholders are struggling to collect the required data in time. The law is expected to increase food prices in the EU, but the European Commission stated that it will not lead to inflation.