☀️**TODAY MONDAY
27 APRIL 2026
👋KALIMERA, CYPRUS!**

🍹Today in Cyprus will be mostly clear, with patchy cloud in places. Light winds, no rain expected. Temperatures continue to please — in Larnaca the air will warm up to +26°C, in Nicosia to +25°C. A great day for the beach, walks, and outdoor activities. Don’t forget your hat and water! 😃

☀️Today’s weather:

🌡️Nicosia: +25°C
🌡️Limassol: +23°C
🌡️Larnaca: +26°C
🌡️Paphos: +23°C
🌡️Ayia Napa: +22°C
🌡️Troodos: +18°C
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📚 School violence in Cyprus: POED research — teachers at breaking point, 28% consider leaving the profession
The primary school teachers' union POED conducted a survey among 1,017 educators. The results are alarming: school violence is rising, teachers feel insecure, and many are thinking of leaving.

👊 Violence among pupils (according to teachers)

· Verbal abuse — 63% (often / very often)
· Physical violence — 59%
· Vandalism — 31%
· Cyberbullying — 13%

👩‍🏫 Violence against teachers (often / very often)

· Inappropriate behaviour towards a teacher — 29%
· Threats of physical violence — 12%
· Physical violence — 9%

😟 How teachers assess the situation

· 95% believe that incidents of school violence and crime have increased
· 55% do not always feel safe in their workplace
· 53% do not always consider school a safe space for children

📉 Impact on the learning process

· 65% encounter behaviour that seriously disrupts learning
· Managing incidents takes 6–10 minutes of lesson time for 26% of teachers, and more than 10 minutes for 28%
· 26.6% spend almost a whole lesson (or more) per day solely dealing with such cases

🤝 Support that teachers receive (satisfied)

· From school administration — 62%
· From colleagues — 58%
· From the Ministry of Education — 17%
· From parents — 14%
· From the Wellbeing Office — 8%

🔥 Factors exacerbating school violence (according to teachers)

· Lack of adequate family support — 83%
· Uncontrolled use of gadgets at home — 78%
· Inability to take necessary measures — 76%
· Family financial problems — 75%
· Decline in the prestige of education and lack of respect — 73%
· Social media and the internet — 69%
· Shortage of qualified specialists (psychologists, social workers) — 54%

😔 Burnout and thoughts of leaving

Despite 58% often / very often finding satisfaction in their work and 64% believing they have a positive impact on pupils' lives:

· 65% often / very often feel burned out
· 60% feel that they will not make it to retirement
· 28% often / very often think about leaving the profession because of school violence and crime

🛠️ POED demands a comprehensive approach (eight pillars)

1. Updating the school environment and nutrition
2. Developing social and emotional skills
3. Targeted support for vulnerable pupils
4. Modernising legislation
5. Strengthening structural supports
6. Multi‑level partnership mechanisms
7. Professional development and empowerment of teachers
8. Protecting and enhancing the prestige of teachers

📢 Awareness decade

POED is launching a decade of action (activities in schools, districts and across Cyprus):

· "The Courtyard Says NO TO VIOLENCE"
· "Human Chain: Circle of Protection"
· Information points in towns
· Football matches under the motto "Red Card to School Violence"
· Walks: "We Walk Together: Violence Off the Trail"
📌 Teachers are at their limit. Children are not always safe. The system does not receive enough support, and violence is only increasing. The union is not calling for piecemeal measures but for systemic change — from kindergarten to graduation. Without this, school will cease to be a place where people want to work and learn. 🧸❌💔
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🇪🇺Informal EU Summit in Cyprus: how a small island made a geopolitical breakthrough
On 23–24 April, the informal European Council was held in Ayia Napa and Nicosia. Cyprus not only hosted EU leaders — it used the summit to strengthen its position in Europe and the Middle East.

Results of the meeting

· Steps were agreed to activate Article 42.7 of the EU Treaty (mutual defence)
· Energy risks resulting from the situation in the Strait of Hormuz were discussed
· A dialogue on completing the Single Market was launched

🛡️ Cyprus's main achievement — defence partnership with France

President Christodoulides and Emmanuel Macron announced the preparation of a SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement). The document will define the terms under which French military personnel may temporarily be present in Cyprus to conduct humanitarian operations in the region. Signing is expected in June 2026. This follows the strategic partnership concluded in December 2025.

🌍 Cyprus as a bridge between the EU and the Middle East

On the second day of the summit, EU leaders sat down with representatives of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, and the Gulf states.

· The European Commission will begin negotiations on a strategic partnership with Lebanon (an initiative of Nicosia)
· Cyprus and Egypt signed a declaration on energy, gas fields and cooperation with Israel

Cyprus is becoming a link between Europe and a region rich in energy resources.

🇪🇺 Cyprus's Presidency of the EU Council

The summit took place during the Cypriot presidency (January–June 2026). Its motto is "A Self‑Sufficient Union, Open to the World". Cyprus is promoting European strategic autonomy, strengthening defence, energy independence and partnerships with neighbouring countries.

🗣️ President Christodoulides:
"The meeting has strengthened Cyprus's international standing. We will continue to act as a bridge between the European Union and our neighbouring regions."

📅 What next

· June 2026: signing of the SOFA agreement with France
· Negotiations with Lebanon on a strategic partnership
· Deepening energy cooperation with Egypt
· Detailed elaboration of Article 42.7
📌 An island divided since 1974 has managed to host a summit at the highest level and gain recognition for its role in European security and regional diplomacy. Cyprus has proven that even a small state can influence big politics. Now it is time to deliver on the agreements. 🤝🇨🇾
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🏅President of Cyprus awards gold medal to Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos: "Titanic and multifaceted work"
On Sunday evening, President Nikos Christodoulides attended the ceremony awarding Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos and Tillyria the Gold Medal of the Order of Apostle Barnabas – the highest ecclesiastical honour in Cyprus. The President described the Metropolitan's work as "titanic and multifaceted".

🙏 What the President said

— Metropolitan Nikiforos has led the Kykkos Monastery since 1984. Under his leadership, the monastery has carried out enormous charitable, educational and social work.
— No one can calculate the amount spent over the years on helping the needy, widows, orphans, charitable associations and foundations.
— The monastery has built and equipped countless schools and granted scholarships to hundreds of children in Cyprus and abroad.
— Programmes are under way to combat drug addiction, support families and young people, address homelessness, and provide help for the disabled and the elderly.
— The "Archangel" Cultural Foundation has gained international recognition.

🌍 International activity

Christodoulides highlighted the Metropolitan's missionary work around the world – from Alexandria to Baghdad, Damascus and the Caucasus – as well as his efforts at international forums to liberate Cyprus from Turkish occupation. "The courage, persistence and method with which His Eminence denounces the crimes of occupying Turkey deserve the highest recognition," the President stressed.
📌 Metropolitan Nikiforos of Kykkos is one of the most influential figures in the Orthodox Church of Cyprus. Kykkos Monastery is one of the wealthiest and most venerated on the island. The award of the Gold Medal is a sign not only of ecclesiastical but also of state respect. 🤝🇨🇾
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🔥Nicosia: fire at poultry farm — workshop catches fire, vehicles and equipment damaged
Today around 3:06 PM, a fire broke out in a metal workshop building on the premises of a poultry farm between Kokkinotrimithia and Mammari (Nicosia district).

🚒 Firefighting response
Firefighters deployed four engines from Nicosia stations. The blaze was brought under control at 4:23 PM. Four cylinders containing inert gas (carbon dioxide) were cooled by rescue crews.

🔥 Damage
Two vehicles that were inside the workshop, along with workshop equipment, were damaged.

🕵️‍♂️ Cause
The cause is being investigated together with the relevant authorities.

📌 No injuries have been reported. The poultry farm itself was not affected — only the workshop burned. 🚒🐔
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⛪️Archbishopric urges calm after brawl between Metropolitan Tychikos and priest in Paphos
A spokesman for the Cypriot Archbishopric, Christakis Evstathiou, commented on the altercation between former Paphos Metropolitan Tychikos and a priest at the Church of Apostle Paul in Paphos.

🕊️ What the spokesman said

— Such incidents only cause sorrow. Tension does not align with the spirit of the Church, which prescribes peace, reasoned behaviour and inner calm.
— The Church's space must remain a field of tranquillity and spiritual serenity. He indirectly called for sobriety and the avoidance of further tension.
— The overall climate of tension has recently intensified phenomena of fanaticism, which have no place in the bosom of the Church.

⚖️ Will the Synod consider the case?

There is no intention to do so for now, as the matter is at the stage of a police investigation. It could also be settled by the parties involved themselves.

📌 As a reminder, at the Church of Apostle Paul in Paphos, Tychikos and a priest argued and fought. The priest ended up in hospital. Each side has its own version of events. The Church is not intervening yet, is awaiting the police, and is calling for peace. 🙏
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🏃‍♀️ "Christoula" run on the British bases raises €16,000 for cancer care
On Saturday, the annual "Christoula" (Christodoulas) charity run took place, organised by the British Bases Police with the participation of Cyprus's Deputy Minister of Shipping. More than €16,000 was raised and donated to the Cyprus Anti‑Cancer Association.

🎗️ About the run

This year marked the 21st edition of the event. It covered the Eastern and Western Sovereign Base Areas, attracting hundreds of participants from 47 local communities.

In Limassol, the route started at the Cape police station and finished in the village square of Kourion. The programme included performances by the Kourion municipality's philharmonic orchestra and choir, as well as local bands and clubs.

🗣️ What the organisers said

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis:
"This run is a powerful symbol of solidarity and compassion. The government of Nikos Christodoulides actively supports initiatives that help those in need, strengthen communities and ensure that no one is left without care, dignity or opportunity."

Base Police Officer Melina Papagrigoriou:
"The run became a strong human chain of hope, generosity and compassion. Thank you to all the communities and groups — your presence was not merely symbolic, but meaningful and moving. We are sending a clear message: no one is alone."

Chris Petridis (Cyprus Anti‑Cancer Association):
"Every step we take has meaning. Every participation matters. Let us join forces for care and hope."

🫶 Additional help

Last week, a number of charitable events were also held on the bases in support of a Cypriot worker who is currently undergoing a second course of cancer treatment (chemotherapy and immunotherapy). All proceeds will go to Cancer Research UK and the Cyprus Anti‑Cancer Association.

📌 Context:
The "Christoula" run is named after a woman who 51 years ago could not have imagined that this event would unite thousands of people. Each year it reminds us that together we can do more. 💪🎗️🇨🇾
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📰Cyprus Authors' Union: enough insulting and devaluing journalists
The Cyprus Authors' Union (PES) has issued a statement expressing alarm at the growing wave of insults and ridicule directed at journalists.

😞 What is happening

Recently, on social media (both from anonymous and well-known accounts), humiliating, offensive and mocking attacks against the entire profession of journalism have been increasing. The Union calls this a "levelling wave of muck".

🛡️ What PES says

· Journalists carry out work that is indisputably useful to the democratic life of the country and the rule of law.
· They cannot be cancelled, stained or blackened lightly and irresponsibly.
· Journalists, like any other professional group, have the right to their own opinion and to express it.
· They should not be called "bought off", "wavy little parrots", "captives", "authorised persons" or any other insult simply because someone disagrees with their point of view.
· Those who are the first to defend freedom of speech cannot deny it to themselves.

🤝 Appeal to colleagues

The Union calls on journalists to endure calumnies, insults and threats with fortitude. This is not just a matter of self‑respect and dignity — it is about democracy. Devaluing journalists harms society and all active citizens who want to receive full, objective and professional information.
📌 The main point:
Journalists can and should be criticised, but insulting and devaluing the entire profession is a path to an information desert. Without a professional press, there is no healthy democracy. 🗞️⚖️
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🏦National Bank of Cyprus and University of Cyprus launch joint startup support programme
On 27 April in Nicosia, National Bank of Cyprus CEO Yorgos Agioutantis and University of Cyprus Rector Tasos Christofidis signed a memorandum of cooperation. The main goal is to help students and graduates turn their ideas into real business projects.

💡 Focus on the NBG Business Seeds programme

This is a long‑term programme of the National Bank (operating in both Greece and Cyprus), which in 2026 is running its 16th innovation and technology competition. Winners receive cash prizes (up to €20,000), mentoring, training, help with fundraising and promotion.

Priority areas: FinTech, ESG, RegTech, artificial intelligence, green technologies, financial literacy. Cypriot startups have already been finalists and winners several times.

🤝 What the new agreement will bring

· Transfer of university research into business projects
· Support for student and graduate startups
· Internships at the bank
· Joint educational courses and micro‑credential programmes (short modules tailored to real market needs)

🗣️ Quotes

Yorgos Agioutantis (National Bank of Cyprus):
"We are combining the academic knowledge of the University of Cyprus with the bank's financial instruments and international network. This helps turn knowledge into real benefits for the economy."

Tasos Christofidis (University of Cyprus):
"This partnership strengthens the link between research and the economy. We are creating the conditions for Cyprus to become a regional hub for innovation."
📌 The essence:
Young scientists and future entrepreneurs receive real support at the start: from idea to finished product. Cyprus is betting on the knowledge economy. 🚀
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🚌Larnaca builds new bus station for €6.4 million: 8 platforms, parking and direct airport link
Larnaca has begun construction of a modern central bus station. The project will cost €6,387,000 + VAT. Work will start in May 2026 on a state-owned plot near the marina.

🏗️ What will be built

Contractor: Iacovou Brothers Constructions Ltd (design and build).

· Widening of a section of Phalerou Street (~108 m) to allow easy bus access
· Passenger terminal of approximately 3,100 m² under a metal canopy on a 9,750 m² site
· 8 boarding platforms and 9 bus parking bays
· Parking for staff, taxis and passengers with reduced mobility
· Waiting areas, ticket offices, information displays, a café
· Staff rest rooms and a maintenance area

🚍 Why it is needed

Currently, buses in Larnaca stop at various points in the centre — inconvenient for both tourists and locals. The new station will bring together urban, intercity and regional routes, including direct services to the airport.

This is part of Larnaca's Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP).

🚲 Other transport projects in Larnaca (2026)

In total, around €50 million has been allocated for transport improvements in 2026.

Main projects:

· 30 km of cycle paths
· 11 km of dedicated bus lanes on main streets
· Discussions on the redevelopment of the port and marina
· Development of the old airport as a service centre for airlines

The goal is to reduce dependence on private cars, ease congestion in the centre and make Larnaca more comfortable for living and tourism.

📅 When will it be finished

Construction will begin in mid‑May 2026. Exact completion dates have not been announced. Funding comes from the European "THALEIA 2021‑2027" programme.
📌 Bottom line:
For residents and tourists — convenient transfers, modern service and less chaos in the centre. Larnaca is preparing for a transport revolution. 🚏🚍
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📣Why are lawyers silent? — Fear of public condemnation pushes victims away from justice
Citizens are asking: do lawyers who have been involved in one way or another in the high‑profile "Santi" case not realise that this is not just a serious incident capable of shaking the entire country? It points to a deeper problem.

Because victims often face public condemnation and harassment after turning to the courts, many prefer not to file complaints — whether about rape or other scandals. They are afraid not so much of the trial itself as of the publicity and the social discomfort.
📌 The legal system cannot work to its full potential if people are afraid to entrust their troubles to it. And as long as lawyers remain silent and society continues to "judge" the victims, justice remains out of reach. ⚖️😔
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🔋19 years of AFIS Cyprus: how batteries are recycled on the island and where they go
AFIS Cyprus (the first and only licensed collection and recycling system for portable batteries and accumulators in Cyprus) is celebrating 19 years of operation. Every year, it collects and sends tens of tonnes of hazardous waste for recycling.

📊 Growth over 19 years

· 2009–2010: 31,563 kg collected
· 2025: 91,111 kg collected
· Total since foundation: more than 1,000,000 kg (1,021,719 kg) of batteries
· Collection points (containers): 1,179 in 2010, now 6,135
· System members: 67 in 2010, now 350

🌍 How recycling works

1. Collection — a specially licensed vehicle collects full containers.
2. Temporary storage — batteries are weighed, sorted and cleaned of foreign materials.
3. Export — when about 20 tonnes of batteries accumulate, they are loaded into specialised containers and shipped to a plant in Europe.
4. Final processing — Cypriot batteries go to the POLYECO plant in Greece, where they are separated and recycled in accordance with EU law.

🧠 Recycling culture: what has changed

In the early years (2007–2010), Cypriots knew little about the need to recycle batteries, distrusted the process or did not know where to take them. Now information has become more accessible and environmental awareness has grown. However, the habit of throwing batteries into general waste remains — this is the main barrier.

👩‍🏫 How awareness is being raised

· A network of 6,135 collection containers has been created in supermarkets, shopping centres, kiosks, schools and health centres
· Information campaigns on social media
· Educational programmes and interactive games for children (based on the principle that environmental awareness should be nurtured from an early age)
· Direct actions in public places

♻️ Why this matters

Batteries are among the most hazardous types of waste. They should not be thrown into the general rubbish. Recycling protects the soil and water from heavy metals, and protects health from toxins.
📌 Batteries need to be recycled. Containers are available all over the island. Cyprus collects more every year. The habit of throwing them in the general rubbish is dangerous and outdated. Every battery counts. Just take it to the yellow container. 🔋♻️
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⚓️A link across time: Cyprus National Guard tows replica of ancient Greek ship "Kyrenia II" along the coast of Ayia Napa
On 23 April, the National Guard patrol boat "Kereneia" towed a full‑size replica of the ancient vessel "Kyrenia II" along the coast of the free Famagusta area. The operation was symbolic — underlining the connection between two eras of Cypriot history.

🏺 The original "Kyrenia" ship

The ancient Greek merchant vessel from the 4th century BC was discovered by local diver Andreas Kariolou in 1965 off the coast of Kyrenia. The ship sank around 280 BC near the harbour. On board were amphorae of wine, millstones and almonds. The crew consisted of four people.

Today, the original is exhibited in Kyrenia Castle (in the occupied territory).

⛵️ The replica "Kyrenia II"

An exact full‑size copy was built in the 1980s for experimental archaeology purposes. The ship successfully sailed under its own sail and took part in supporting the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.

🗓️ Other maritime finds

· 2007, Mazotos – a large 4th‑century BC ship with hundreds of amphorae of Chian wine
· 2019, Protaras – an undisturbed Roman ship with amphorae from Syria and Cilicia
· Dreamers Bay (Akrotiri) – a 6th‑7th century AD ship with amphorae and a granite column

These discoveries confirm that Cyprus was an important centre of Mediterranean trade for thousands of years.

📌 Symbolism

The operation (whose name can be translated as "Today – from yesterday to tomorrow") passed off smoothly. It was part of events related to Cyprus's Presidency of the EU Council and aimed to promote cultural heritage. The organisers stressed that it was a reminder of the island's thousand‑year maritime history and its role as a bridge between East and West.

A video of the tow was released by the Cyprus Ministry of Defence. 🎥⚓️
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💰Salaries in Cyprus: average €2,605, but half of workers earn less than €1,968
The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has published data for 2025. The average gross monthly salary rose to €2,605. However, the more honest indicator — the median salary — was only €1,968. This means that exactly half of the island's workers earn less than that amount. The high incomes of top managers, IT professionals and financiers pull the average figure up significantly.

📈 Quarterly data (Q4 2025)

· Average salary: €2,932 (+4.4% compared to Q4 2024, +1.1% compared to Q3 2025)
· Men: €3,102
· Women: €2,718 (+4.5% growth — faster than men's, partly due to efforts to close the gender gap)

📊 Annual growth

· 2025: +4.9%
· 2024: +5.1%

👥 How income is distributed

· 42.8% of workers earn €1,500 – €2,999
· Among foreigners, 47.7% earn less than €1,500
· In the "over €6,000" category, the share of foreigners (7.8%) is higher than that of Cypriots (5.2%)

💡 What is included in the calculations

Basic salary, Cost of Living Allowance (CoLA), overtime, bonuses, 13th and 14th salaries.

📌 Why the median matters more

The average salary is easily distorted by a small number of very high incomes. The median (€1,968) shows the real standard of living of the "typical" worker: half of the population earns more, half earns less.
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🏠Nicosia residents oppose new hotel: "It doesn't fit our historic neighbourhood"
In the Agioi Omologites district of Nicosia, a conflict is brewing. Local residents are outraged by the "Riverside Stories" hotel project. They say developers and authorities are distorting the facts, and their real concerns are simply being ignored. 😤

📍 The hotel is being built in the historic centre
Developers insist the site is outside the historic core. Residents disagree: according to official documents, this is precisely the historic centre. Permission for a third floor was granted as an exception — which means the project initially did not comply with the regulations.

🏠 What worries people — and what does not
Residents are not bothered by "luxury" or "swimming pools". Their concern is the building's size and the third floor. Neighbouring houses lose light, sun and ventilation. 😞

🚗 Parking won't save the situation
The streets in the area are narrow and dead‑ended; they are already overloaded with cars.
🚛 Garbage trucks cannot get through.
🚑 An ambulance once failed to reach a seriously ill patient.
Claims that the hotel will "not burden the area" are simply insulting after such experiences.

🌳 Tree felling without explanation
Developers promised not to touch the trees. Yet more than 12 trees, including eucalyptus, have been uprooted. They claim the trees were dry and dangerous. But no reports or assessments were shown to residents. It is suspected the trees were removed to make construction easier. 😢

🛑 Work was suspended due to danger
The Labour Inspection Department halted construction, declaring the site conditions very dangerous. This proves that residents are not alarmists — their fears were real. ✅

📄 They demand the truth
Residents ask the authorities and developers to publish all the studies and reports on the basis of which the permits were issued. Until that happens, their assurances are worthless.
🤝The main point
Residents are not against development. They are against opacity, irresponsibility and disrespect for their safety, quality of life and the historic character of the neighbourhood.

They need not empty promises, but honest answers and real action. 💬🕊️
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🐄Farmers prepare new protests: President refuses to meet
Cypriot livestock farmers are taking to the streets again. The cause is the mass culling of animals due to foot‑and‑mouth disease. There are now 104 outbreaks on the island — the largest outbreak in recent years.

🚜 What happened?

On Friday, farmers blocked the road at Rizoleia near Larnaca, appearing with a coffin and funeral wreaths. They demanded an end to the cull and a meeting with the President. They received no response — the administration made it clear that a meeting would not happen.

Now farmers are preparing new, tougher actions. The form of protest will be decided in the coming days. If the cull is not stopped, escalation after 2 May is possible.

⚖️ Why such a harsh approach?

Under EU rules, when foot‑and‑mouth disease is detected, all animals in the outbreak zone must be culled immediately. Vaccination is allowed only as an exception — otherwise Cyprus would lose its "FMD‑free without vaccination" status. That would mean the end of exports.

🧀 What are the farmers proposing?

Alternative methods have been discussed since the early days of the outbreak (starting in February 2025), but the European Commission rejected them. Farmers have submitted new proposals and are waiting for an answer. If it is negative or delayed, protests will intensify.

🌍 A sore point — the north of the island

Turkish Cypriot livestock farmers receive €12 million from the EU to fight zoonoses, but there is no real supervision there. EU protocols are not followed. Infected animals from the north can cross into the buffer zone, nullifying all the efforts of the southern veterinary services.

🔒 Farmers demand:

· suspension of the mass cull
· a meeting with the President
· tighter controls on the border with the buffer zone
📌 Context:
The cull is an EU rule, not a whim of the authorities. But for farmers, it means the ruin of their livelihoods. No compromise has been found yet. Time is running out. ⏳
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📉Cyprus economy slows, inflation accelerates — Economic Research Centre forecast
The Economic Research Centre of the University of Cyprus has updated its forecasts. Geopolitics and domestic factors are to blame.

📊 GDP

· 2026: growth will slow (downward revision of 0.6 p.p. compared to the January forecast)
· 2027: downward revision of 0.3 p.p.

Main causes:

· Escalation in the Middle East (pressure on external demand)
· Increased uncertainty among businesses and consumers
· Foot‑and‑mouth disease epidemic (hit to agriculture)

📈 Inflation

· 2025: 0.1%
· 2026: 2.7% (upward revision of 1.9 p.p.!)
· 2027: 1.8% (upward revision of 0.4 p.p.)

Inflation is being driven up by:

· Rising global oil prices due to the Middle East conflict
· A sharp increase in food prices in the first quarter of 2026

Mitigating factors

· High growth in the fourth quarter of 2025
· Strong public finances
· Low unemployment

⚠️ Risks
Geopolitical tensions make the forecasts particularly uncertain. The main threats: even lower growth and even higher inflation.
📌 Cyprus is a small open economy heavily dependent on tourism and external demand. The Middle East conflict is hitting both fronts. Foot‑and‑mouth disease is adding to the problems in agriculture. Fasten your seatbelts — turbulence continues. 🌍⚡
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🏖️Protaras: massage parlour without a permit on state land — Interior Ministry orders demolition, corruption investigation launched
In Protaras (Famagusta district), a massage parlour has been operating illegally for three years on a state-owned seaside plot. The land (3,715 m²) was granted to Paralimni municipality in 2014 solely for a car park. Instead, a businessman erected a wooden canopy (massage room), a kiosk and a storeroom. Electricity is supplied by a generator.

💰 Profits go into a private pocket
The business is actively advertised on social media. The owner earns thousands of euros a year on land for which the municipality pays the state a symbolic €5,000 annually. The contract provides for neither permanent structures nor subletting.

⚖️ Violations

· The plot lies in a coastal protection zone. Construction there requires a permit from the Council of Ministers — which has not been granted.
· A Land Registry inspection (29 August 2024) recorded the violations.
· On 9 February 2026, the Interior Ministry demanded that the mayor rectify them.
· The municipality passed responsibility to the District Development Authority (EOA).

🕵️ Corruption investigation
The Attorney General of Cyprus has ordered the police to investigate not only the illegal occupation of state land but also possible corruption among officials who failed to act on the violations for three years. Under scrutiny: Paralimni municipality, Famagusta police, the district administration and the Interior Ministry.

🔨 What the Interior Ministry has decided
Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou ordered the immediate demolition of the structures — removal is to begin within the next 24 hours. The Ministry will also circulate a directive on the uniform application of demolition powers for illegal constructions.

🏝️ This is not an isolated case
Since 2013, illegal works — from earthworks to rock removal — have been recorded on Paralimni's beaches (Soutari, Cavo Maris, Konnos, Kappari and others). Criminal prosecutions have rarely followed.

📌 A tourist paradise, yet behind the scenes — corruption and illegal buildings that went unnoticed for years. Now the Interior Ministry promises to restore order. Whether demolition and penalties will actually happen remains to be seen. 🏗️⚖️
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📆 1 May in Cyprus — a public holiday: history, traditions and what is open

1 May is an official non‑working day in Cyprus. The holiday has its roots in 1937 (Labour Day) and coincides with an even more significant date — 1 May 2004, when Cyprus joined the European Union.

🏛️ What is closed
· Government offices
· Banks
· Municipal services
· Schools and universities
🛒 What is open
Some shops may operate on reduced hours. Check in advance.
📌 Meaning of the holiday
1 May combines three themes:
· Labour Day
· Spring Day
· EU Accession Day
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🚁Nicosia: drone drops phones into prison yard — new anti‑drone system intercepts payload (but not the drone itself)
The anti‑drone system at Nicosia Central Prison activated just two days after being brought online. A drone approached the prison at high altitude and dropped three mobile phones and three chargers into the yard. The items were recovered and handed over to the police.

🛡️ How the system works

The system automatically:

· detects the drone
· records its trajectory and flight parameters
· identifies targets via three channels: radio frequency (signal between drone and controller), radar and optics
· uses the radio channel to estimate the launch point (to within tens of metres)

❌ But the drone was not stopped

Active countermeasures (jamming, GPS spoofing) are prohibited for private security companies and civilians under Cypriot telecoms law. They may only be used by state agencies or the military with permission from the Department of Electronic Communications.

📜 Background

· The anti‑drone system is part of a Cyprus‑wide programme (from 2024) covering the presidential palace, police headquarters and the airports of Larnaca and Paphos.
· The prison component was prompted by repeated attempts to smuggle contraband to inmates via drones.
· The contract was delayed (the contractor cited the Middle East conflict and a subcontractor's bankruptcy).
· In 2017, the prison was already fitted with 132 IP cameras incorporating video analytics and laser scanners. The new system protects the airspace.

🕵️‍♂️ What next

Police are analysing the recorded data (trajectory, control parameters) to locate the launch site. Smuggling prohibited items into the prison is a criminal offence carrying a prison sentence.
📌 The system worked (the payload did not get through), but the drone escaped. Cypriot authorities need to address active suppression — otherwise the next package could be more dangerous than mobile phones. 🛸🔐
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⛽️Cyprus 94% dependent on oil from Israel. Crisis has not arrived, but authorities are preparing for disruptions
Cyprus is not experiencing a fuel shortage, but the government is preparing for possible disruptions amid the global oil crisis. The statement was made by Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades.

📊 Figures and vulnerability

· 96% of Cyprus's energy imports are oil and petroleum products (the highest share in the EU)
· 94% of that volume comes from Israel
· Cyprus has no oil refineries (the last closed in 2004)
· There are no land connections to the continent — only sea links

"Cyprus is in a less favourable position compared to Central Europe," Vafeades said.

🌍 What is happening on the global market

· The conflict involving Iran, the US and Israel has reduced supply by 12 million barrels per day
· Prices have exceeded $90/barrel (forecast: $100 and higher)
· The Strait of Hormuz is closed (20% of global oil supply)
· Kuwait has halted shipments, Qatar has halted LNG deliveries

📦 Cyprus's reserves

Under EU rules: strategic reserves must cover at least 90 days of net imports or 61 days of domestic consumption.
Cyprus's stockpile (managed by KODAP, stored at Vasilikos) for 2025–2026 is 536,000 metric tonnes (about 3.9 million barrels).
For comparison: France has 120 million barrels, Germany 110 million, Italy 76 million.

🇪🇺 What Brussels is proposing

The AccelerateEU package (presented on 22 April):

· Coordination of transport fuel distribution across the EU (starting with aviation kerosene)
· Revision of strategic reserve rules

Since the escalation began, the EU has spent an additional €24 billion on energy imports due to price rises.

📌 Context
Cyprus is taking part in formulating the measures. On 21 April, Vafeades told an EU transport ministers’ video conference: "The price rise is putting pressure on transport operators; many are already working on narrow margins." The package was also discussed at the informal EU summit in Cyprus (23–24 April).

There is no shortage for now, but in a prolonged crisis (Oxford Economics forecasts a shortfall of up to 13 million barrels per day by the sixth month), the situation could change sharply. ⏳
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👩‍💼 First Lady of Cyprus returns to Foreign Ministry 4 months after resignation — now an ambassador
The wife of President Nikos Christodoulides, Philippa Karsera, has been appointed a permanent ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The decision takes effect on 15 May. She is one of four diplomats to receive a promotion.

📋 Who else has been appointed permanent ambassador

· Thessalia Siampou (political director of the Foreign Ministry)
· Maria Michail (Cyprus's permanent representative to the UN)
· Charis Moritsis (former ambassador in Tokyo)

💰 Ambassadors' salaries
Salaries follow the civil service A15 pay scale. Starting salary is around €74,000 per year, rising to €95,000 at the top step (excluding allowances and indexation).

📜 Career of Philippa Karsera

· Diplomat since 1999; a lawyer with a master's degree in war studies (King's College London)
· Served in Cypriot embassies in London, Athens and Brussels
· 2018–2022: adviser to President Anastasiades on EU affairs, Deputy Secretary General of the Foreign Ministry for European affairs, head of the Crisis Management Department
· From September 2024: Director for Consular Affairs and the Schengen Area

⚠️ Previous post and scandal

From March 2023, Karsera headed the Independent Social Support Agency (AFKS).

In January 2026, a video surfaced (as part of an OCCRP investigation) in which high‑ranking politicians were heard discussing ways to circumvent campaign spending limits using cash. Also featured on the recording was the head of construction firm Cyfield, who claimed that his donations to AFKS had secured him "close and easy access" to the president.

Karsera announced her resignation, describing the situation as a "relentless attack" on her family and stating that no one on the foundation's board had benefited personally. On the same day, the president's chief of staff, Charalambos Charalambous, also resigned. The Attorney General's office launched an investigation. According to the auditor, donations to AFKS increased fivefold in 2023 (to €2.3 million). President Christodoulides said he was considering winding up the foundation.
📌Karsera's appointment went through a competitive process (written exams plus interview). It has drawn attention because of the circumstances surrounding her departure from her previous post.
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