☃️Troodos in White for First Time This Year
Troodos saw the season's first snowfall Tuesday night, painting the peaks in magical scenes as snow at times fell heavily and began to settle. Police advise that low temperatures and snow have created icy, slippery conditions on Karvouna–Troodos, Platríón–Troodos and Prodromou–Troodos; travel on these roads permitted only for four-wheel-drive vehicles or cars fitted with anti-skid chains. Forecast: temporary cloud increases with light rain mainly in highlands, highest peaks may see snow or sleet. Winds NE 4–6 Bf, sea slight to rough. Temps around 7°C inland, 9°C coasts, about 2°C on highest peaks with local ice.
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🚘Transport Minister: Solutions for Agios Athanasios Industrial Zone
Transport Minister Alex Vafeadis visited the Agios Athanasios Industrialists Association. He said the goal is to improve the industrial area's operation and resolve traffic issues. The first phase of the northern bypass, starting at Evagoras Lanitis, is expected to be tendered around end‑2026. Government committed to a second eastern entrance/exit; designs ready and funding to be sought if needed. Public Works conditions require any mall not to increase congestion. Park‑and‑ride for workers to be examined. Association president welcomed progress and safety gains.
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👩‍🏫Teachers' strike — "Ministry should not complain" — High social cost
Two‑hour teachers' stoppage today; OELMEK president Dimitris Taliadoros defends the action as a constitutional right, recalls past multi‑day strikes and says the state should have adjusted school start times; last‑minute transport decision runs buses only to technical schools, many buses idle 7:30–9:00 and companies got no reply. Parents' confederation head Loizos Konstantinou accepts the right to strike but warns of heavy social cost; working parents cannot abandon jobs; absences will be logged but not counted; 55% of secondary pupils use buses. New teacher evaluation law lacks clear criteria; both sides call for dialogue and calm.
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🤷‍♀️Cyprus 2024: Gender pay gap persists across sectors
Nicosia — 2024 data show women earn less than men on average. 12.6% of women earn under €1,000 vs 12.4% of men. In €1,000–€1,999 women 47.6% vs men 41.7%. Gap grows in higher bands: €2,000–€3,999 men 30% women 27.6%; €4,000+ men 15.7% women 12.2%. Sector highlights: Mining men €3,462 women €2,673; Finance €5,619 vs €3,887; Education €3,201 vs €1,945; Health €2,819 vs €1,884. Construction equal €1,805. Agriculture women €1,028 men €920. High-paying roles remain male-dominated.
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Thessaloniki metro excavation uncovers intact Hellenistic streets
Agia Sophia and Venizelos stations: teams exposed wide colonnaded streets 13–13.5 m across, intersecting at right angles, confirming Hippodamian grid influence. Multiple occupation layers record urban evolution from 3rd century BC. One corridor contained at least 55 commercial amphorae, signalling vigorous trade. Results suggest Thessaloniki used its full territory from early phases, revising views of confined ancient limits. Officials note continuity of the main east–west artery into modern layout.
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💸Cyprus pays €10.2M to drought-hit farmers
Cyprus paid €10.2 million to farmers and producer groups for losses from the severe 2024 drought; 2,516 claims were approved in 2025. Aid came from a Support Plan under Rural Development Measure 23 and covered cereals, olives, fruits, vegetables, vineyards, potatoes, avocados, beekeeping and producer organisations. Both professional and non‑professional farmers qualified if losses reached 30% or more. Government declared the drought a natural disaster, approved compensation and water‑management measures. The European Commission added €3.5M in exceptional aid in September 2025. Drought now in fourth year; authorities continue monitoring and may provide further support.
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🚒Cyprus readying to host 28,000 visitors for Presidency — readiness exercises ongoing
Countdown to the Cypriot Presidency. Fire Service held a fire-and-rescue drill at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia — evacuation scenario, three fire engines and an ambulance responded. Spokesperson Stella Michail: this week dedicated to readiness, checks and coordination; simulations continue through Friday. Programme of work nearing completion; Presidency will handle some 300+ dossiers from Denmark. Peak in April with informal leaders' meeting. Former AXIK building refitted as press centre; conference centre fully renovated. President to present priorities and visual identity Sunday 10:30 from Lefkara.
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🔊 Cyprus National Guard to eliminate paperwork: full digital conscription from next year
The Ministry of Defence has presented an upgraded electronic conscription system that, starting in 2026, will be used not only during enlistment but also across military units. The system provides real-time access to data and fully replaces paper-based personal files of National Guard personnel.

All documents for the ESSO 2026 intake will be stored exclusively in digital form, allowing the army to phase out thousands of paper and plastic folders each year. The platform was developed internally by the National Guard, saving the state several million euros, and forms part of Cyprus’s broader digital transformation and green transition.
Citizens with a gov.cy account can already apply online for military status certificates and exit permits — without any in-person visit, even while abroad.
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😳35‑year‑old jailed 13 years for importing 24.568 kg cannabis into Cyprus
35‑year‑old jailed 13 years by Larnaca Criminal Court after pleading guilty to possession and transport for supply. On Sept 10 customs and anti‑narcotics at Larnaca airport found 44 nylon packs with 24.568 kg of cannabis in his luggage. He, of Arab origin with a UK passport, said he flew UK→Thailand to collect a suitcase and arrived from Bahrain. He claimed he carried the drugs to clear a UK debt and refused to name those who gave him the case, citing fear for his family. Court cited rising serious drug cases and deterrence; mitigations: clean record, father of two, not ringleader.
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📝Cyprus to steer EU talks as budget for 2028–2034 hangs in balance
EU risks entering 2028 without an agreed Multiannual Financial Framework, jeopardising billions for farming, defence, innovation and support for Ukraine.
Dispute over national rebates versus EU-level revenues splits member states; Commission pushes to remove national deductions.
If no deal by end-2026, temporary funding measures would be needed, creating uncertainty for key programmes.
Cyprus presidency vows to present a balanced package and accelerate talks, prioritising Ukraine funding, security, migration and the Mediterranean.
Securing the MFF is vital for competitiveness, strategic autonomy and the green transition.
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🎤Health Minister Visits Hospital, Delivers Gifts to Children
Health Minister Neophytos Charalambides visited Archbishop Makarios III Hospital Wednesday, handed gifts and holiday wishes to children spending the festive season there. He said children and families are not alone, wished a speedy recovery, praised family resilience and welcomed new births. He thanked medical, nursing and support staff across Cyprus and noted this was his first hospital visit since taking office; he plans to visit all hospitals, starting with rural units. He flagged understaffing at a private hospital and scheduled a 13:00 meeting with private hospital representatives. Robertos Karachannas, General Financial Director of the State Health Services Organization, welcomed the minister and pledged support to improve services.
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💰CySEC fines Wonderinterest Trading Ltd €100,000
- Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission imposes total administrative fine €100,000 on Cyprus investment firm Wonderinterest Trading Ltd for violations in 2022–2024.
- €50,000 for breaching licence conditions: firm failed to implement adequate policies and procedures, did not define a target market per financial instrument and did not assess associated risks.
- €30,000 for not acting fairly, honestly and professionally to serve clients’ best interests.
- €20,000 for issuing information and advertising that was not accurate, clear and non‑misleading.
- Regulator states failures undermined investor protection and proper distribution to target markets.
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🧳Cyprus November tourism up 30%
November arrivals rose 30% year‑on‑year to 234,580, from 179,941.
UK remained top market with about 53,000 visitors; Poland ~31,000; Israel ~27,000; Germany and Greece follow.
Holidays accounted for 72% of visits, friends/relatives ~13%, business ~14%.
Jan–Nov totals exceed 4.37 million visitors, up 12% year‑to‑date.
Outbound trips by Cypriots grew 14% in November, ~137,000 returns; top destinations Greece, UK, Italy.
Late‑season demand supports tourism’s economic role.
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🏕Nicosia tourism upgrade discussed by Koumis and Prountzos
Meeting at Nicosia City Hall between Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis and Mayor Charalambos Prountzos. Plan to position Nicosia as a sustainable, alternative urban tourism destination. By 2027 tourist bed capacity expected to double with at least four new hotels. Focus on cultural identity, history, gastronomy and conference tourism. Recent culinary awards and improved air links boost prospects. Priorities: historic centre upgrade, new Archaeological Museum readiness, SOPAZ conference centre and a tourist service point near pedestrian streets. Public‑private cooperation to continue and regional visits will follow.
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🚓Terrorist Attack Response Exercise in Cyprus
Cyprus Police announce exercise Friday 19 Dec 2025, 10:00–13:00 at the Nicosia Conference Centre.
Organised with the Secretariat of the Cypriot Presidency ahead of Cyprus' EU Council presidency in H1 2026.
Participants: Police units, Ambulance Service, Fire Service and Presidency Secretariat teams.
Aim: test preparedness, response and interagency coordination; familiarise teams with conference centre premises.
Public: expect visible police mobilisation and blank ammunition shots inside venue; no public concern.
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😍Petrolina Backs Larnaca as European Capital of Culture 2030
Petrolina, strategic partner of Larnaca 2030, congratulates Dinos Lefkaritis and the team after the designation on 11 December. The company says it will continue supporting initiatives that strengthen culture, society and sustainable development. Georgia Lefkariti, Petrolina Executive Director, noted that culture shapes city identity and aligns with the company’s CSR; she called the award a major success for Larnaca and Cyprus. Petrolina pledges ongoing collaboration with the Municipality to boost the city’s cultural profile and long‑term progress.
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❄️Warm Christmas Nearby — Israeli Paper's Feature on Cyprus
Yedioth Ahronoth urges Israelis to spend Christmas in Cyprus. Maya Levin: 45‑minute flight from Ben Gurion brings festive markets, carols, sales, hotels and casinos. In four days she heard "Last Christmas" often, ate roasted chestnuts, drank sweet wine; missed snow with 34°C at noon. Cyprus celebrates until Jan 6; locals hospitable and friendly to Israelis. Limassol noted for Israeli businesses, restaurants, ice cream, luxury hotels, spas and casinos. Lefkara praised for crafts, embroidery, silver and baskets. Supermarkets offer cheap halloumi, feta, oregano, olive oil, nuts and walnut jam; she tried zivania.
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🔒Public blame before trial breaches presumption of innocence, say A. Dimitriou's lawyers
Lawyers for Athena Dimitriou describe recent reports of leaked Central Prisons documents as deliberate. They argue selective leaking, public incrimination before trial and circumvention of procedural safeguards constitute a direct attack on the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair trial and their client’s constitutional rights. The same documents were published by another source and were never given to the defense, making the allegations unfounded and procedurally problematic. The firm condemns the practice, affirms confidence in the judiciary and reserves the right to raise pretrial objections and pursue all legal remedies.
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📝Informal five‑way on Cyprus possible in Q1 2026
Greek diplomatic sources say an informal five‑way on Cyprus could be held in New York in the first quarter of 2026. The election of Tufan Erhürman as leader of the Turkish Cypriot community has given new momentum. There is readiness to continue confidence‑building measures and convene a new expanded conference. Cyprus remains an absolute priority of Greek foreign policy. On Greek‑Turkish ties, the Supreme Cooperation Council is expected in Q1 2026 and a Strategic Dialogue with the US, including a visit by Marco Rubio, is foreseen. On Libya, delimitation issues should be resolved under international law despite maximalist rhetoric.
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