Latest poll points to Elam securing seat in Europarliament
Elam is edging out Diko in the MEP elections according to the latest CyBC poll.
migration crisis
Christodoulides arrives to Lebanon with von der Leyen
President Nikos Christodoulides and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Lebanon for a joint visit on the migration crisis. The main objective of the visit is to provide political and economic support to Lebanon from the EU, discuss challenges facing the country, and promote stability and prosperity through necessary reforms. The EU will present an Economic Support Package for Lebanon during the visit.
Racist violence surges in Greece, report finds
Attacks against migrants, refugees, and LGBT people in Greece surged to their highest level in nearly a decade last year, with 158 attacks recorded in 2023.
Migration: Difficult to reassess areas of Syria as safe, MEP says
Cyprus is suspending the processing of asylum applications due to an increase in Syrian arrivals from Lebanon. The country wants EU partners to reassess the safety of certain areas in Syria to block asylum applications. MEP Fabienne Keller expressed scepticism, highlighting the challenges posed by Syria’s unstable situation and authoritarian leadership. Keller emphasized the need for support for Cyprus, as it faces a high number of asylum applications per capita. Meanwhile, MEP Tomas Tobé called for EU member states to unite and address the migration crisis collectively, urging a common position on Syria. Cyprus wants EU partners to reconsider the status of Syria, as it believes certain areas are safe for returnees.
‘Political climate benefits Elam’
Elam is currently polling at 11 per cent, slightly ahead of Diko at 10 per cent.
Christodoulides reaffirms Cyprus-Egypt partnership
President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus expressed strong support for the enhanced strategic partnership between the EU and Egypt before his departure for Belgium. In an interview, he emphasized Cyprus’ commitment to the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Egypt and the EU, highlighting the excellent and strategic partnership between Cyprus and Egypt. Christodoulides mentioned ongoing discussions for new agreements and joint projects, particularly in human resources, and noted the importance of the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF) initiated by Egypt for regional energy cooperation. He also mentioned a 2019 agreement between Cyprus and Egypt for the construction of a submarine pipeline to transport natural gas from Cyprus to Egypt. Additionally, Christodoulides discussed the strategic alliance between Cyprus, Egypt, and Greece, aiming for peace and stability in the region, and reiterated Egypt’s role as a cornerstone of stability. Lastly, he addressed Cyprus’ efforts in managing the migration crisis, expressing concern over the large migration flows arriving from Syria.