France is banking on a new push to integrate the European Union’s fragmented capital markets to give them the scale needed to wean its flourishing startup sector off of dominant US venture capital.
Two different elections will be held simultaneously in Cyprus on June 9, 2024, with voters having to choose between 61 candidates for the European Parliament and 3,232 candidates for various local government positions.
Jose Mourinho has begun negotiations with Fenerbahce over the head coach role in the Turkish Super Lig club.
The “All eyes on Rafah” campaign is gaining traction in Western Europe, Australia, and India, aiming to raise awareness about the conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 36,171 Palestinians. Israeli forces have intensified their assault on Rafah, prompting global attention and support for the residents seeking refuge from the violence. Social media, including platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has seen a massive outpouring of support with millions of users sharing the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah. The campaign has coincided with international condemnation of Israel following airstrikes that resulted in civilian casualties. Israeli military operations in Rafah have continued despite the heightened scrutiny and criticism.
Real Madrid is facing Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley Stadium. Real Madrid is seeking to win their record-extending 15th European Cup and sixth in 10 years. They have learned from past mistakes of overpaying for big names and have focused on developing young talent to create a successful team. The current squad is a mix of veterans and young players, with Dani Carvajal being the only surviving starter from a decade ago. Borussia Dortmund, despite having less Champions League success compared to Real Madrid, have shown their strength by defeating Atletico Madrid and Paris St Germain in the knockout stages.
Russia has announced changes to its tax system, moving from a flat to a progressive system by 2025. The upper rate of income tax will rise from 15% to 22% and for corporate taxes from 20% to 25%. These changes are expected to reduce the budget deficit caused by increased military spending but may not be enough to prevent economic overheating. The tax hikes are modest compared to military and defense spending, which is 6% of GDP and rising. The overall fiscal stance remains expansionary, challenging the central bank’s efforts to combat inflation. Russia’s budget deficit is expected to halve this year and remain flat in 2025, while growth forecasts vary with some predicting modest growth and others more upbeat figures.
Russia has announced changes to its tax system, including a shift to a progressive income tax system in 2025, with the upper rate increasing from 15% to 22% and corporate taxes from 20% to 25%. These changes are expected to reduce the budget deficit caused by increased military spending.
Two new shopping malls in Limassol, the “Limassol Mall” and “The Mall of Limassol,” have received environmental approval from the government. The “Limassol Mall” will have approximately 90 stores, 6 kiosks, 2 large restaurants, a food court, a cinema, and 1,278 parking spaces. The “Mall of Limassol” will feature over 50 stores, a supermarket, a cinema, and a children’s play area, with 1,045 parking spaces available.
Cyprus has fully implemented 75% of the recommendations regarding prosecutors, but only 25% of the recommendations regarding MPs.
Cypriot students rank among the highest in Europe in e-cigarette and hookah use.