Nearly 23% of Cyprus residents are foreign born
Cyprus holds the third highest share of foreign-born residents in the EU, with 22.7 percent of its residents born abroad.
Poland
Island states, ’ requirements must be noted in EU 2040 climate goals, says minister
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou emphasized the importance of considering the individual circumstances of member states when working towards EU climate goals.
Russia stages major airstrike on Ukraine; one missile enters Polish airspace
– Russia conducted a missile strike on critical infrastructure in Lviv, Ukraine, and also targeted Kyiv.
– One Russian cruise missile entered Polish airspace according to Warsaw.
– Moscow launched 57 missiles and drones in the attack.
– Lviv’s regional governor, Maksym Kozytskyi, reported two hits on a critical infrastructure facility in Lviv using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
– The energy ministry reported a critical energy facility in Lviv was attacked, causing a fire and power loss.
– Ukraine’s air defenses destroyed 18 of 29 inbound missiles and 25 of 28 attack drones.
– The attacks on Ukraine’s energy system led to widespread blackouts and a halt in electricity exports from Ukraine.
– In Kyiv, air defenses destroyed about a dozen missiles, resulting in only minor damage.
– The attacks are portrayed by Moscow as retaliation for Ukrainian actions during Russia’s presidential election.
– A downed Kh-55 cruise missile was found in a Kyiv park.
– Poland reported a Russian cruise missile violated its airspace, staying for 39 seconds and traveling about 2 km inside.
– Poland demanded an explanation from Moscow and pledged continued support for Ukraine.
Kyiv, Lviv under Russian air attack; missile violates Polish airspace
Russia launched 57 missiles and drones on Ukraine, including attacks on Kyiv and the Lviv region. Poland reported a brief violation of its airspace by one of Russia’s cruise missiles. Ukraine’s air force claimed to have destroyed 18 out of 29 missiles and 25 out of 28 drones. In Kyiv, air defense forces intercepted about a dozen missiles, resulting in only minor damage. The attacks were described by Moscow as retaliation for Ukrainian actions during Russia’s presidential election. The U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine highlighted Russia’s indiscriminate attacks and violation of international law. Poland’s armed forces observed the missile in their airspace for 39 seconds and activated allied aircraft to ensure airspace safety. Lviv’s mayor reported no attacks on the city itself but mentioned missiles and drones targeting the region’s critical infrastructure.
World reaction to deadly shooting at Moscow concert hall
– A shooting rampage occurred at a concert hall near Moscow, resulting in dozens of deaths, and was claimed by Islamic State militants.
– The United Nations Security Council condemned the attack and emphasized the need for justice against those responsible.
– White House spokesman John Kirby expressed condolences for the victims.
– Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called for global condemnation of the crime.
– Ukrainian Presidential Adviser Mykhailo Podolyak denied Ukraine’s involvement in the incident.
– Yulia Navalnaya demanded justice for the crime.
– Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the massacre.
– The French Foreign Ministry expressed sympathy for the victims and called for clarity on the acts.
– The German Foreign Ministry offered condolences and called for a quick clarification of the attack’s background.
– Polish Minister of National Defense Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz mentioned monitoring the situation for its impact on Poland’s security.
– Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte expressed horror at the terrorist act and offered thoughts to the victims and Russian people.
– Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi condemned the attack and offered solidarity with Russia.
– Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil condemned the attack and expressed condolences.
– Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the terrorist act and offered condolences to Russia.
– U.S. Senator Mitt Romney condemned the targeting and murder of civilians.
Wales lucky to have Ramsey in reserve, says Davies
Wales’ stand-in captain Ben Davies stated that having Aaron Ramsey on the bench for the Euro 2024 playoff semi-final against Finland is a significant advantage as they aim to qualify for the finals. Wales must defeat Finland in Cardiff and then either Poland or Estonia on March 26 to qualify for the tournament. Despite being favorites, Davies described the match against Finland as a challenging test. Aaron Ramsey, usually the Welsh captain, has recently returned from injury and has had limited playtime with Cardiff City, meaning his participation will likely be as a substitute. Davies praised Ramsey’s potential impact on the game. Wales has previously lost twice at home to Finland, in a friendly and a World Cup qualifier in 2009, with their last encounter in 2021 ending in a 0-0 draw in a friendly. Coach Robert Page highlighted the importance of Ramsey’s experience for the younger players in the squad.
33 countries to meet in Cyprus for Gaza aid summit
A total of 33 countries, four organizations, and two NGOs have confirmed their participation in an international summit on March 21st to address the food crisis in Gaza. The countries include the United States, United Kingdom, France, United Arab Emirates, Italy, Greece, Spain, Switzerland, Portugal, Poland, Brazil, Denmark, Czech Republic, Israel, Australia, Germany, Bulgaria, Singapore, Netherlands, Slovenia, Japan, Canada, Malta, Qatar, Hungary, Belgium, Latvia, Luxembourg, Austria, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, Slovakia, and Cyprus as the host. The organizations are the European Union, the United Nations, USAID, and WHO. The NGOs are WCK and FOGBOW. Approximately 100 attendees are expected to be physically present at the summit.
Tourist arrivals show recovery in February
Tourist arrivals in Cyprus for February 2024 increased by 5% compared to February 2023, with a total of 125,034 tourists. The increase in tourist arrivals for the first two months of 2024 reached 1.6% compared to the same period in 2023. The main sources of tourism in February were the United Kingdom (24.6%), Poland (13.3%), Israel (10.6%), and Greece (10.3%). The majority of visitors in February traveled for vacation (66.8%), visiting friends or relatives (17.8%), and business (14.2%). Trips by Cypriot residents abroad in February 2024 increased by almost 12% over the previous year, with 114,110 trips recorded. The main destinations for Cypriot residents were Greece (32%), the United Kingdom (11.6%), and Italy (4.6%). The primary purpose of travel for Cypriot residents was holidays (70.6%), professional reasons (23.4%), studies (4.6%), and other reasons (1.4%).
Tourism to keep head up high in 2024
– Cyprus’ tourism head, Costas Koumis, is optimistic about the tourism sector’s performance in 2024, aiming for arrivals close to the 3.97 million record of 2019.
– Despite geopolitical unrest and other challenges, the goal is to maintain tourist arrivals at similar levels to the previous year, with a possible deviation of 30,000 to 50,000.
– In 2023, Cyprus saw 3.85 million tourist arrivals, marking the third-best historical performance with a 20% annual increase, despite losing the Russian and Ukrainian markets.
– The tourism sector’s contribution to Cyprus’ GDP in 2023 was estimated at 12.8%, with tourism revenue reaching €2.99 billion, a 22.6% nominal increase from 2022.
– The average per capita expenditure in 2023 increased by 2.1% to €778, and daily expenditure rose by 11.6% to €90.
– The average length of stay for holidaymakers in Cyprus decreased to 8.6 days in 2023 from 9.4 days in 2022.
– Sea arrivals in 2023 were around 322,000, with expectations of a decrease in 2024 due to the conflict in Israel.
– Challenges for 2024 include conflicts in the Middle East, economic downturns in Germany and the UK, and an aviation sector crisis.
– Air connectivity remains the same with 55 airlines, but available seats are expected to decrease from the initial estimate.
– Tourism from Poland, Scandinavian countries, Romania, and Serbia is expected to increase, while UK and German markets remain stable.
– The government and ministry are committed to enhancing Cyprus’ tourism product, with €11.24 million allocated for 16 subsidy schemes in 2024, including €8.1 million from the EU-funded Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Paphos tourism from Central Europe on the rise in 2024
Tourism from Central Europe to Paphos is expected to grow in 2024, based on early-year figures. This growth follows a trend of increasing arrivals from countries like Poland, Hungary, Austria, France, and Italy. Factors contributing to this growth include the expansion of Ryanair’s low-cost flights between Paphos and Central European airports, Paphos’s popularity as a year-round destination due to its mild climate and diverse attractions, and promotional efforts by the Paphos Tourism Board. In 2023, Paphos received over 120,000 tourists from Poland, a number expected to rise in 2024 with Ryanair operating at least 14 flights per week from six Polish airports.