⛽The EU banned fuel VAT reductions, but Cyprus saved 8 cents per liter through excise duties
The European Commission confirmed that reducing fuel VAT is contrary to European law. Spain and Poland, which announced such plans, have already received warnings. Cyprus, however, used a permitted tool — reducing excise duty. 📜⚠️

What did Cyprus do?
From April 1 to the end of June, the tax on fuel consumption was reduced by 8.33 cents per liter. Moreover, the government refused to introduce "green taxes", which would have added another 9 cents to the price. ⛽📉

Different situation in the north of the island
In the occupied territories, where EU legislation does not apply, fuel VAT has been completely abolished, along with port fees, customs duties, and other taxes. 🚛💨

Prices won't return to normal even after the war
The European Commissioner for Energy warned that the conflict won't lead to a rapid drop in prices. Since the escalation began, gas in the EU has risen by 70%, and oil by 60%. The cost of importing fossil fuels has increased by €14 billion. 📈💸

What is the EU planning?
A package of support measures:
🔹 Decoupling electricity prices from gas costs
🔹 Reducing taxes on electricity
🔹 Possible tax on energy companies' superprofits
📌Countries are also advised to encourage remote work, reduce speed limits, and develop public transport.🫡
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🏊The Olympic swimming pool in Geroskipou will be opened after modernization by the end of September
The Geroskipou municipality announced that the large-scale renovation of the Olympic swimming pool will be completed in the third quarter of 2026 — the opening is scheduled for the end of September. 🏗️📅

Who is funding it?
The project is being implemented jointly with the Cyprus Sports Organization, which is fully covering the costs. The budget is €360,000. 💰

What will be done?
🔹 Demolition of old metal walls
🔹 Construction of new concrete structures
🔹 Replacement of the perimeter and flooring
🔹 Elimination of water stagnation
🔹 Renovation of engineering systems

The swimming pool was built in 2005 and is part of the Geroskipou Sport Center (3 km from the Paphos harbor). The complex includes a 50-meter outdoor swimming pool with 10 lanes, a gym, and other facilities. 🥇
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🚘Elderly drivers: Parliament backs referral on vehicle insurance law
House plenary unanimously approved the President’s referral of an amended motor third‑party insurance law, adopting Executive changes to bolster citizen protection and ensure correct application; vote 53‑0. Rules ban arbitrary refusals by insurers to issue contracts, notably for older drivers, and require documented justification for rejections; increase transparency and curb age discrimination. Referral fixes legal ambiguities; transitional measures apply to current policyholders, phased entry—some provisions in four months, others 1 Jan 2027. MP Alexandra Attalidou said the move strengthens the law and condemned cancellations of elderly policies.
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📄KEP/KEPO appointment site offline for two days
Scheduled maintenance by the Department of Public Administration and Personnel of the Finance Ministry. Online appointment system for Citizen Service Centres (KEP) and Citizen Centres (KEPO) will be unavailable from Friday 3 April at 17:00 until Saturday 4 April at 20:00. Citizens planning visits should rearrange appointments in advance; no online booking will be possible during the works. Maintenance will include system upgrades to improve reliability; urgent cases should be handled directly at local centres after the outage. The Department apologises for any inconvenience and asks for the public's understanding.
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🫡Special allowance raised for contracted soldiers; new SYOP posts to be announced in May
Cabinet approved raising the special allowance for all Contracted Soldiers (SYOP), Defence Minister Vasilis Palma said. Allowance rises from €100 to €150 for all SYOP and from €200 to €250 for those in Special Operations Forces, Raiders, Underwater Demolition Teams, demining/EOD units, nurses and newly added categories: military police motorcyclists, tank transporter drivers and engineer equipment operators. New SYOP vacancy announcement expected in May to fill vacant posts; Education Ministry to hold exams for permanent appointment of first 250 SYOP completing ten years’ service.
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💥High-power explosive device detonated outside Deryneia home
01:30 — Explosion struck outside the residence of a 49‑year‑old in Deryneia; damage reported to the garage door.
Police units and forensic teams attended the scene. On-site examinations established that an explosive mechanism composed of high‑power explosive material had been placed and detonated.
Physical evidence was collected and will be forwarded for scientific analysis.
The case is being investigated by the Ammochostos Criminal Investigation Department as attempted destruction of property.
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⛴️Deputy Shipping Ministry: Audit ignored Daleela replies
Deputy director Kyriakos Aliouris says the Audit Office ignored the ministry's 8‑page reply to the draft report on the Cyprus–Greece ferry. Ministry does monthly checks of logs, passenger/vehicle lists and revenues and calculates state subsidy.

Occupancy averages misleading—peaks in July–August show 250–280 passengers; ship approved for 350 and has single/double/quad cabins; many quads booked by 1–2 people.

Cancellation: full refund if 30+ days, else port taxes; company often refunds or rebooks. Complaints minimal. Cars: space for 350 but must be accompanied. Line resumed in 2022 and is popular.
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📉Claims of explosives and stone-throwing from Nicosia under investigation
Govt spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis: Allegations that stones and explosive charges were thrown from the free areas of Nicosia towards the occupied areas on April 1, 2026, are being investigated by the competent authorities.
Alleged incident reportedly took place near Markou Drakou street in Nicosia.
Authorities have asked the Peacekeeping Force to submit any evidence supporting its conclusions.
Inquiry covers events and possible witnesses; authorities will inform the public when probe concludes.
The Government condemns any action that causes disruption, tension or disturbance to public calm.
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🍿Missiles Above, Scandals Below
Night missiles over neighbours. At home Makarios Drousiotis claimed launches — he may mean fireworks; no evidence given to police beyond published messages. 'I don't trust the Cyprus Police,' he said. Drousiotis, author of The Gang, accuses ex‑President Nicos Anastasiades, who replied with The Slanderer. Conspiracy theories swirl; friend says evidence may have been planted. Central figure 'Sandy' disappeared; reported €850,000 paid for silence. Investigative journalist says case built over three years. Expect revelations through the election cycle, heading into 2028.
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