Rampant environmental abuse, calls for disciplinary investigation

Rampant environmental abuse, calls for disciplinary investigation

– A slew of illegal developments have taken place in environmentally protected areas across the country, including Natura 2000 sites.
– A politically exposed person in Sotira, Famagusta benefited from irregular procedures in obtaining a town planning permit for a tourism development.
– Holiday homes were constructed before all the necessary permits and approvals were granted.
– The most important habitat cave for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus was affected by illegal construction.
– Cyprus has been referred to the Court of Justice of the EU for its failure to comply with its obligations under the Habitats Directive.
– Concerns were raised over an illegal biological plant in Kalopanayiotis causing environmental pollution.
– A forest conservator is under investigation for illegal cattle farms within the Natura 2000 area.
– Requests by the Inia community for placing sunbeds and umbrellas at Lara beach were promoted illegally, despite objections by the fisheries department.
– Multiple fires occurred at the Geri-Dali recycling plant site and waste was not properly managed.

Ormidia fishing shelter upgraded, government pledges support

Ormidia fishing shelter upgraded, government pledges support

Fact: The Ormidia fishing shelter in Cyprus received a €1.6 million upgrade, co-financed by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014-2020, as part of a larger operational program for fisheries and aquaculture with a budget of €54.7 million.

EU Parliament adopts first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse

EU Parliament adopts first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse

The European Parliament has adopted the first EU-wide rules to combat domestic abuse and violence against women. The legislation prohibits female genital mutilation and forced marriage, as well as sets guidelines for online offences. Member states must improve reporting procedures and increase awareness of non-consensual sex as a criminal offense. One in three women in the EU has experienced violence, and 600,000 women have undergone female genital mutilation. The new rules will come into force 20 days after publication and member states have three years to implement them.

European Commission rebukes Cyprus over money laundering

European Commission rebukes Cyprus over money laundering

Fact: The EU Commission sent a reasoned opinion to Cyprus for failing to correctly incorporate EU legislation covering money laundering and financial interests.

President reiterates support for businesses , — wants to “turn challenges into opportunities”

President reiterates support for businesses , — wants to “turn challenges into opportunities”

Fact: President Nikos Christodoulides addressed the Cyprus Employers and Industrialists Federation (Oev) during their annual general meeting and reiterated the government’s support for the local business community. He emphasized that businesses are the driving force behind economic development and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the public and private sectors to facilitate a better environment for businesses, promote innovation, and achieve sustainable economic growth.

Government spent €40 million on Ukrainian refugee accommodation, audit finds

Government spent €40 million on Ukrainian refugee accommodation, audit finds

The Cypriot government spent approximately €40 million on accommodation for Ukrainian refugees, primarily covering housing costs until March 4, 2024. Other expenses included transportation and translation services. The Audit Office recommended developing an emergency contingency plan for managing future influxes of displaced people. Standard tendering procedures were advised for transparency, despite no violations found in the audit. The European Commission provided €6.7 million in support for the refugee aid program, with management of accommodation contracts transferred to the Municipality of Paralimni. Expenditure details for accommodation in various hotels were provided, totaling €39,680,831.65.

Auditor-general reports latest legal service spat to EU Commission (Update 2)

Auditor-general reports latest legal service spat to EU Commission (Update 2)

Fact: The Audit Office reported the Legal Service to the European Commission and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (Intosai) due to allegations of threats, revenge, and efforts to remove the auditor general from his post.

Christodoulides: We cannot accept any more Syrian refugees

Christodoulides: We cannot accept any more Syrian refugees

Cyprus cannot accept any more Syrian refugees.

Our View: The sterile practice of using Cyprus, ’ EU membership to punish Turkey

Our View: The sterile practice of using Cyprus, ’ EU membership to punish Turkey

President Nikos Christodoulides expressed his satisfaction that his objective of linking EU-Turkey relations with the Cyprus issue was achieved at the special meeting of the European Council.

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Our greatest victory of the post invasion era

Tales from the Coffeeshop: Our greatest victory of the post invasion era

– The first ever Coffeeshop appeared in 1991 on April 21.
– The rejection of the Annan plan by 76% of the Greek Cypriot population was celebrated as a victory.
– The audit report on the foreign ministry for the 2021-22 period revealed a diplomat unlawfully collecting an overseas posting allowance.
– Deputies in Cyprus receive various perks and privileges, including multiple pensions.
– The chairman of Hellenic Bank accepted a mediation proposal by the labor minister regarding the renewal of the collective agreement.