🔊 Eurobank Cyprus Launches Voluntary Exit Program for Up to 300 Employees
Eurobank Ltd has announced a voluntary departure scheme for its staff. The program may affect up to 300 employees working in the bank and its affiliated insurance company. The maximum compensation package can reach €200,000.

The offer is available to employees aged 35 and older with at least five years of service. Applications for participation will be accepted until March 23.

The initiative had previously been postponed due to regional tensions in the Middle East. Bank representatives say the decision is part of ongoing digital transformation and internal restructuring, including the consolidation of several departments. A similar workforce reduction program had earlier been implemented by Hellenic Bank.
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🔊 Cyprus to Acquire Greek “Centaur” Anti-Drone System
Cyprus’ National Guard is set to receive “Centaur” anti-drone systems developed by the Hellenic Aerospace Industry. The decision comes amid growing security concerns in the region.

The Centaur system is capable of detecting drones at distances of up to 150 km and neutralizing them within a range of about 25 km using electronic warfare. It disrupts the connection between the drone and its operator or interferes with its navigation systems. The platform is designed to counter large military UAVs, including models such as the Bayraktar.

In 2024, Centaur underwent combat testing in the Red Sea. Installed on a Greek naval frigate, the system reportedly shot down two Houthi drones and disabled two more. It is considered the first European anti-drone system with confirmed operational success in real combat conditions.
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🫣Somewhere far away… or maybe not so far 😂 — a very familiar Greek flag appears

It seems that even in distant places people recognize the well-known and familiar Greek flag that many of us know so well.
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🔊Europe Dramatically Increases Arms Imports: U.S. Becomes the Main Supplier
According to data from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, European countries more than tripled their arms purchases between 2021 and 2025. Europe accounted for 33% of global arms imports, surpassing the Middle East for the first time in 20 years.

The United States became the largest supplier, holding 48% of the European arms market. Germany and France follow among the main exporters. The top five largest importers include Ukraine, Poland, and the United Kingdom. Cyprus is also receiving military equipment, although the exact volumes have not been disclosed.

Meanwhile, Russia’s position has sharply declined. Its share of global arms exports fell from 21% to 6.8%, largely due to sanctions. Overall exports dropped by 64%, with the main remaining buyers being India, China, and Belarus.
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🔊Desalination covers 80% of Cyprus’ water needs — new plants planned
According to the Department of Water Development, desalinated water now provides about 80% of the island’s water supply. Five permanent and two mobile desalination plants currently produce around 245,000 cubic meters of water per day.

The facilities operate in Dhekelia, Larnaca, Vasilikos, Episkopi, Paphos, Kissonerga and Monagri.

Two additional mobile desalination units are expected to be launched soon in Garyllis and the Port of Limassol to help meet the higher demand during the summer season.

New contracts also include the use of renewable energy sources (RES) to reduce operational costs and minimize environmental impact.
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🔊Smuggling attempt of 200 cartons of cigarettes bound for the UK: two detained at Paphos and Larnaca airports
Customs officers intercepted a large shipment of illegal tobacco products at Paphos and Larnaca airports. Both suspects were preparing to fly to the United Kingdom.

On March 8 in Paphos, a 34-year-old Greek Cypriot was arrested after authorities found 50 cartons of cigarettes (10,000 cigarettes) and 10 kg of rolling tobacco in his luggage. The products lacked mandatory labeling, health warnings, and tracking codes. A court ordered a two-day detention, and he is expected to face charges on March 20.

On March 9 in Larnaca, a Turkish Cypriot man was caught with 148 cartons of cigarettes (nearly 30,000 cigarettes). He paid an €8,880 fine under an out-of-court settlement and was released.

All tobacco products were declared undeclared and non-duty paid and were confiscated by customs authorities.
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🔊 Suspected Hamas member arrested in Larnaca over alleged weapons transfer to Europe
A 25-year-old man, Kamel M., was arrested at Larnaca Airport on March 6 under a German arrest warrant. He was traveling in transit from Lebanon when authorities detained him.

According to German investigators, the suspect is allegedly linked to Hamas and is believed to have organized the transport of 300 rounds of ammunition in August 2025. The ammunition was reportedly intended for potential attacks on Israeli or Jewish targets in Europe.

Earlier in the investigation, three suspects were arrested in Berlin last autumn, followed by another arrest in January.

Kamel M. has not opposed extradition to Germany. Once transferred, he is expected to stand trial before the Federal Court in Karlsruhe.
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🔊 Police crack down on “Lambraja” bonfires in Limassol: over 10 arrests, parents also under investigation
Police in Limassol have intensified efforts to stop the dangerous Easter tradition of lighting massive “Lambraja” bonfires. Over the past ten days, more than ten young people have been arrested for setting fires.

Authorities are also targeting parents. Two parents are now under investigation for failing to properly supervise minors under the age of 16. Meanwhile, teenagers have already begun collecting wood across the city in preparation for the fires.

Tensions escalated on Sunday in Agios Nikolaos, where unknown individuals threw stones at firefighters who were trying to extinguish a bonfire near a church. A fire service vehicle was damaged, and the attackers fled the scene.

Trade unions are now calling for strict punishment for those responsible.
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