🔊 Picnic rush on Assumption Day: Mountain areas of Cyprus were packed to capacity
On the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Cypriots and tourists massively went out into nature, filling popular spots in the Troodos and Paphos mountains by noon.

Troodos (maximum occupancy by 12:30):
• 100%: Gefyri Panagia, Mesa Potamos
• 90%: Platania, Kampos tou Livadi, Pasia Livadi, Agia Paraskevi
• 85%: Trooditissa, Fraktis tou Ksiliatos, Fraktis tou Prodromos
• 50%: Kampi tou Kalogiros, Xerarkaka
• 30%: Kakomallis
• 0%: Kapuras, Asinu

Paphos:
• 100%: Mavralis
• 80%: Timi
• 40%: Xistaruda
• 30%: Pikni
• <20%: Most other sites

Nicosia/Larnaca/Famagusta:
• 90%: Kionia
• 80%: Kampios Mantra
• Minimum people: Ayios Georgios Atalassa, Oroklini, Dasaki Achnas, Rizoelia.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 Penalty trap: 10,000 undelivered fines for Turkish Cypriots and harsh penalties for Greek Cypriots at checkpoints!
About 10,000 penalty notices issued via violation detection cameras for vehicle owners with Turkish Cypriot (T/C) license plates remain undelivered due to the lack of a delivery system. While 150 new traffic cameras are being prepared for launch in the unrecognized territory (Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus - TRNC), Greek Cypriots (G/C) face harsh fines at checkpoints when exiting to the free areas.

Haris Evripidu, assistant director of the Cyprus police, confirmed that a system is being developed to deliver fines for T/C vehicles directly at the crossing points, but for now, the undelivered fines remain pending. Meanwhile, G/C drivers face immediate penalties for violations recorded by police on the spot.

Against this backdrop, the occupied territories have intensified the installation of traffic cameras: 150 new devices (130 stationary and 20 mobile), donated by Turkey, are being implemented and are expected to be operational by August 15-16. According to the so-called "Minister of Transport" of the TRNC, Arikla, Greek Cypriots and the cars they rent commit more than half of all traffic violations in the unrecognized state.

Now the system will transmit data on violations committed by G/C directly to the TRNC "police." Fines will be handed to them at checkpoints when attempting to return to the free areas, putting Greek Cypriots in a highly disadvantageous position.

Since 2025, stricter traffic fines linked to the base salary (about 1000 euros) have been in effect in northern Cyprus, making penalties especially severe:

• Using a phone while driving: 100% of salary (~1000 euros).
• Speeding: from 100 to 250 euros (depending on severity).
• Not wearing a seatbelt: 200 euros.
• Smoking (regular/electronic) while driving: 50 euros.

Thus, the new measures create tension between the two communities and highlight the need for an effective system for recording and delivering fines to all drivers in Cyprus.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 Cyprus Airways launches direct flights Larnaca – Heraklion (Capital of Crete) from December
Air carrier Cyprus Airways announced a new direct air connection as part of the winter flight schedule from Larnaca. The route is to the capital of Crete — Heraklion.

The city, located in the central part of the Greek island, will become a convenient starting point for tourists planning to explore Crete.

Regular flights on this route will begin on December 19, 2025. Departures are scheduled:
* On Fridays: at 19:00
* On Mondays: at 07:30
The round-trip ticket price at the time of news publication is 110 euros.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🚒 Old furniture caused a fire near the underground parking of a residential building in Limassol: the incident occurred on August 15, 2025
Today in Limassol, a fire broke out at the entrance to the underground parking of a residential building. The source of the fire was discarded furniture and household items left near the parking entrance.

According to fire service representative Andreas Kettis, the fire involved carpets, chairs, and flower pots that belonged to a store located on the ground floor of the building. These items caused significant damage to the carpets, garden furniture, and the exterior walls of the building.

Fortunately, the fire crews arrived at the scene promptly and quickly extinguished the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to the parking area and the interior spaces of the residential complex. This incident highlights the importance of proper disposal of old furniture and adherence to safety measures in public places.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🇨🇾 Cyprus has opened a licensing corridor for the withdrawal of Russian assets from Euroclear
The Cypriot regulator has officially started issuing permits to Russian clients for withdrawing funds unfrozen in the Euroclear and Clearstream depositories. The island confirmed its status as a key jurisdiction for such operations: according to experts, up to 80% of unfrozen Russian capital passes through Cypriot structures.
**
How the rules have changed: **
Since April 2025, Cyprus has introduced an additional filter for investors. Now, to transfer funds, the following is required:
1. Primary license from the regulator of Belgium (for Euroclear) or Luxembourg (for Clearstream);
2. Cypriot permit – its issuance began in July after coordinating procedures with European partners.
**
Current situation: **
The first batches of approved applications were received by clients at the end of July. According to a source @bizneszarabotok, the average document review time is 6-8 weeks. Priority is given to:
• Clients of Cypriot trust managers;
• Owners of assets in "white" jurisdictions (UAE, Kazakhstan, Armenia).
**
Why Cyprus leads: **
• Historical ties with Russian business;
• Legal procedures familiar to investors;
• Well-established infrastructure for capital transit.
**
Important: **Rejection by Belgium/Luxembourg automatically blocks the application submission in Cyprus. The island's regulator verifies:
✓ Origin of assets;
✓ No links to the sanctions list;
✓ Compliance of documentation with EU directives.

#Кипр #Cyprus #инвестиции
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 New incident at the sea caves of Cape Greco: Woman hospitalized after fall
On Friday, August 15, at about 16:40, a woman fell from a height in the area of Cape Greco (sea caves district). The victim sustained injuries.

The Coordination Center (JCCD) immediately activated the "NEARCHOS" rescue procedure. The following arrived promptly at the scene:
Famagusta police patrol
Coast guard boat
Ambulance team

The woman was urgently taken to Famagusta hospital.

JCCD again warned about the danger of approaching the edge of the caves and jumping from them. The Geological Department confirms: severe erosion has made the ground in this area extremely unstable, creating a high risk of collapse.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 Sharp increase in fines for illegal transportation in Cyprus: up to 300 euros
The Cyprus police have intensified the fight against unlicensed taxi services. From July 25, 2025, the fine for illegal passenger transportation has increased from 85 to 300 euros. The head of the traffic police, Haris Evripidu, has ordered the widespread application of the new sanctions.
**
Key issues: **
Despite the tougher penalties, illegal transportation remains widespread. The main difficulty for the police is proving guilt in court:

Cases often fall apart due to the lack of passenger testimony (without which it is impossible to confirm the payment).

Many investigations are conducted superficially, leading to acquittals.
**
New strategy: **
The police demand thorough preparation of materials for each case to ensure real accountability of offenders.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊** The Cypriot gaming service Skich Store has launched a global alternative to Google Play for Android. The solution was a response to the recent court ruling in the Epic Games vs. Google case, which opened the Android ecosystem to third-party app stores.
**
Key features of the platform:
• Access: Distributed via the website skich.app as an APK file (without the Google store).
• Focus: Positioned as a gaming platform where promotion depends on content quality rather than advertising budgets.
• Commission: Offers developers a transparent rate of 15% (compared to 15-30% at Google).
• Tools: Includes recommendation, analytics, and social interaction features for studios.

Current status and plans:
• iOS: Already operational in the EU.
• Expansion: Plans to launch in the UK, Japan, and Australia by the end of 2025.
• Interest: More than 100 studios have expressed readiness to publish games.
• Future: Anticipates the implementation of direct installation of alternative stores (without manual APKs) in accordance with new international regulatory standards.

CEO Sergey Budkovsky called the launch of the Android version a strategic step, emphasizing the platform's mission: to create a space where games are promoted based on their value, not marketing expenses.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

"Our beloved city Famagusta with your numerous beauties, we will return to you, faithful spring!"

- Yours, the Cypriots.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🇹🇷 Turkish Forces Buildup in Cyprus: Troop Numbers to Increase to 100,000 Amid Rising Tensions
Against the backdrop of EU dialogue with Ankara, Turkey is strengthening its military presence in the occupied part of Cyprus. According to Cypriot sources, the contingent is planned to be increased from 40,000 to over 100,000 servicemen, while simultaneously raising the command level to lieutenant general.
**
Official reasons: **
The Turkish leadership explains the measures as a "threat from Israel," stating the need for "strategic redeployment."
**
Real motives (according to experts): **
1. Pressure on the EU: Using the military factor in negotiations on sanctions and migration;
2. Annexation plans: Calls within the Turkish political sphere for full integration of the island are growing ("Cyprus must become a Turkish republic"), citing "Greek and Israeli threats";
3. Militarization of the Mediterranean: Creating a foothold to control gas fields.

▪️ A 2.5-fold increase in troop numbers will be the largest since 1974;
▪️ The promotion of the commander’s rank indicates the transformation of the group into a full-fledged army;
▪️ Actions contradict UN resolutions on the demilitarization of the island.
**
EU reaction: **
Brussels limits itself to formal calls for "restraint," which Ankara perceives as a license for expansion.

#Кипр #Турция #ЕС #Безопасность
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊** Plastic Crisis: The World on the Brink of an Environmental Catastrophe — Why the Geneva Negotiations Failed and Who Is Standing in the Way of a Solution?
**Geneva, August 15, 2025 – The global community's attempt to develop a unified strategy against plastic pollution has once again failed. After 11 days of intense discussions at the UN office in Geneva, representatives of 184 countries were unable to reach a consensus on the draft global treaty.
**
Main obstacle: **The primary deadlock arose around key measures — the need to limit the growing production of plastic and to introduce global control over the toxic chemicals used in its manufacture. This situation repeats the failure of similar negotiations in South Korea a year earlier.
**
Reactions of participants:
* Disappointment: **Representatives from Norway, Australia, Tuvalu, and other countries expressed deep regret over the absence of a final document.
* EU (Jessica Rosvall): The European Commissioner for the Environment acknowledged that the stakes are extremely high, and although the latest draft is not perfect, she considers it a step forward. The EU intends to push for a stronger and binding agreement.
* Saudi Arabia/Kuwait: Criticized the draft, stating it was unbalanced and unjustifiably included issues of plastic production, which they believe are not within the scope of the treaty.
**
Content of the draft: **The two versions of the agreement presented by UN Chair Luis Vias Valdivieso (based on countries' positions) did not receive unanimous support. The morning edition of the document:
* Did not include direct restrictions on plastic production.
* Recognized the unsustainability of current production and consumption volumes.
* Stated: "Production volumes exceed existing waste recycling capacities and, according to forecasts, will only increase, requiring coordinated global measures to change this trend."
* Proposed a comprehensive approach to the entire life cycle of plastic: reducing products with hazardous chemicals and decreasing the share of single-use or short-lived plastic products.
**
Process assessments:
* Denmark (Magnus Hojnike): **Assessed the text as "much better and more ambitious, though not perfect," but noted that the hardline positions of countries ("red lines") blocked compromise.
* Center for International Environmental Law (David Azulay): Described the outcome as a "grand failure," accusing some countries of deliberately sabotaging the treaty to protect the status quo.
**
Consensus problem: **The requirement for unanimous approval of all proposals (insisted upon by India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Kuwait, Vietnam, and others) became the key stumbling block. Representatives of "Greenpeace" (Graham Forbes) and other countries called for considering decision-making by voting to break the vicious cycle of fruitless negotiations: "We cannot keep doing the same thing and expect a different result."
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 Trump and Putin Meeting in Alaska: Lots of Talk, Little Agreement
Anchorage, Alaska, August 16, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held lengthy talks — a full three hours — at the Elmendorf-Richardson military base in Alaska. The main topic was finding ways to stop the war in Ukraine.

What the leaders said:

• "There is progress, but no deal": Both leaders called the discussion "very useful" and "businesslike." Trump stated that the sides found much in common but emphasized the key phrase: "No deal until the deal is done". He clarified that several issues remain unresolved, including one that is the most important.

• Putin on the war: The Russian president, through a translator, thanked Trump for his efforts, calling the war "a great tragedy and a severe wound." He said agreements were reached that *may* help Ukraine’s security but gave no details.

How the meeting went:

1. A "neighborly" tone: Putin began by reminding that Alaska symbolizes the closeness of the U.S. and Russia, calling current relations the worst since the Cold War.

2. Lunch canceled: The planned joint lunch of delegations was canceled — not a very positive sign.

3. Strange ending: The final press conference ended abruptly. Trump thanked Putin and left without answering journalists’ questions. Putin, in turn, suggested in English that the next meeting be held in Moscow and urged Europe not to interfere or play "games behind the scenes."

Main outcome: Despite loud statements about "productivity" and "progress," no concrete agreement to end the war in Ukraine was reached. No details of future settlement or ceasefire plan were announced.

What’s next:

• Trump promised to inform NATO leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the talks’ results.

• Putin clearly hints at continuing dialogue, proposing Moscow as the venue for the next meeting.

• Talks were held in a "three on three" format (leaders + two senior aides each).

• Before the meeting, media discussed a possible "land for peace" idea (Ukraine giving up territories in exchange for security guarantees and possibly NATO path), but officials from both countries later denied this was a topic. The U.S. and allies insist a ceasefire must be the first step, and Ukraine must participate in any talks about its territory.

• Ukraine is categorically against ceding territories enshrined in its Constitution. Russia firmly insists on recognition of its borders, including annexed regions, Ukraine’s renunciation of NATO, and its non-nuclear status.

• The Kremlin called Alaska a logical choice due to its proximity to Russia via the Bering Strait.

In conclusion: The meeting of the two presidents ended without a breakthrough. They talked a lot about peace, emphasized the importance of dialogue, and even found common ground, but no real steps toward ending the war in Ukraine were proposed. Concrete results are absent.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 The EU may introduce mass scanning of private messages
Debates are intensifying in the European Union around the "Chat Control 2" bill. Its essence is to require messengers, email, and cloud services to automatically check *all* private messages, photos, and user files directly on their devices (client-side scanning technology). The goal is to combat materials related to child sexual abuse, but the cost is the privacy of correspondence.**
Key provisions:**
1. Universal scanning:Any content (texts, photos, videos, audio, documents) will be automatically scanned *before* sending or uploading, compared against databases of prohibited materials. Matches will be reported to authorities.

2. End of encryption?The scanning will affect even end-to-end encrypted chats, effectively bypassing its protection. The main advantage of private correspondence will disappear.

3. Mandatory for services:Major platforms will be required to implement this technology. The voluntary approach will become a thing of the past.

4. Risk categories:Services will be divided into groups (low, medium, high risk). Mandatory scanning, according to the latest proposals, will primarily affect "high-risk" platforms, mainly for visual content and URLs. Text and audio are *currently* excluded, as is "grooming" (online child exploitation), but this may be reconsidered.

5. Some guarantees:Introducing scanning will require court or independent authority approval. Data will be pseudonymized before human review. Technologies must undergo strict checks for effectiveness, security, and rights compliance.
**
Status and controversial points:**
Voting in the EU Council is scheduled forOctober 14, 2025. Qualified majority of countries is needed for adoption.

Germany plays a key role:Its position (currently against) may be decisive. Support has already been expressed by 19 countries.

Strong opposition:Critics call the law total surveillance, destroying digital privacy. They fear abuses and system errors.

Pressure on countries:There is information that the EU may make existing voluntary measures mandatory if countries do not support the new regulation.
**
Summary:**If "Chat Control 2" is adopted, private correspondence in Europe as we know it will cease to exist. The balance between child safety and the fundamental right to privacy will be radically shifted in favor of the former.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🎹 JAZZ EXPLOSION IN PAPHOS: Da Trio brings piano trio legends to life!
August 19 | Technopolis 20 | 20:00

Why this is a must-see:
🔥 Da Trio is not just music, but a *time machine*! You will hear masterpieces of the great jazz trios of the 20th century, reinterpreted through a modern lens.

🎶 On the program:
• Hypnotic jazz standards with new arrangements;
• Original compositions — the ensemble’s signature sound;
• The energy of live performance: from nostalgic ballads to fiery improvisations.

Concept:
A fusion of academic tradition with bold innovation. As the members say:
“We are having a dialogue with the era of Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans — but in the language of 2025.”

Practical info:
📍 Technopolis 20 (the iconic art space of Paphos);
⏰ August 19 (Tuesday), starting at 20:00;
💶 15 € (tickets available *at the door or online*).

Tip:
Book your seats in advance — a full house is expected! It’s the perfect evening for lovers of live sound and atmospheric discoveries.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 Increased Risk of Wildfires, Sunday, August 17 🔴 Red Alert Declared: Be Careful!
The Forestry Department warns that tomorrow, August 17, a "red" level of risk for the occurrence and spread of wildfires is expected. According to the Forest Law and the Law on Prevention and Extinguishing of Fires in Rural Areas, starting a fire is an offense with severe penalties.

We strongly urge citizens to be especially cautious during walks and to avoid actions that could cause a fire. If you notice smoke or fire, immediately call 1407 (Forestry) or 112 (Fire Service).
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺

🔊 Cyprus: From Sunny Paradise to Innovation Hub — How to Revolutionize the Country's Image and Restore Investor Confidence
Product management expert Yuriy Palevich offers a radically new perspective on Cyprus's development, viewing the country as a digital product that requires a clear strategy, focus on the target audience, and continuous improvement.
🔎 Outdated Brand: Rethinking the Image
Relying on the traditional perception of Cyprus as "sun, sea, tourism" no longer guarantees success. Modern residents and investors choose locations based on opportunities and quality of life.

Cyprus needs to identify strong niches such as fintech or biotech and purposefully develop them to create a unique positioning on the international stage.
❤️Trust Crisis: Restoring Reputation
Government initiatives often resemble loud but unfulfilled software updates, such as the unrealized marina in Larnaca.

This undermines the trust of "users" — citizens and investors — in any government announcements. It is necessary to restore this trust through transparency and consistency of actions.
❗️ Key Areas for Change:
1. Revising the Tourism Model:
The current strategy resembles a mass application with low monetization. The priority should be shifting to attracting fewer guests with high purchasing power to increase revenue and reduce infrastructure strain.

2. Human-Centered Services:
The naturalization procedure today is subjective and opaque, resembling a complex quest. Clear, unified rules are needed, similar to the intuitive registration process in a quality service.

3. Removing Barriers for Residents:
Restrictions on business activities for work visa holders (prohibition on company formation, capital participation) are akin to blocking features for loyal users. These barriers need to be removed to create a more favorable business environment.

4. Strengthening the Brand:
The country requires conscious targeting of the audience (scientists, innovators, international business). Effectively using success stories of people with Cypriot roots to enhance global recognition and attractiveness.
▪️Size Advantage: Speed and Flexibility
Cyprus's compactness is its competitive advantage, allowing quick testing and implementation of solutions, similar to agile development. However, the country currently shows bureaucratic sluggishness of a large corporation, which needs to be changed.
🍃 Systematic Approach to Development
Urban improvements should not be piecemeal. As in product design, a holistic architecture and convenient "navigation" (infrastructure) are important, not scattered cosmetic changes. This will ensure higher quality interaction between citizens and guests with the environment.
📊 Conclusion: Fundamental Transformation Instead of Rebranding
Cyprus needs not just rebranding but deep transformation. The goal is to create an ecosystem attractive for living, investment, and innovation, not just short-term vacationing.

It's time to move from selling beaches to building a country-product with high "user" loyalty.
———————————————-
👉 FOLLOW CYPRUS NEWS 🇨🇾🇬🇧
👉 CYPRUS NEWS IN RUSSIA 🇷🇺