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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 05:15 UTC photo
🇪🇺 Cyprus Calls Launch of EU Migration Pact a Major Milestone in European Migration Policy
The EU Pact on Migration and Asylum officially enters into force on 12 June, marking the most significant reform of the European migration system in recent years.

📍 The announcement was made by Cyprus Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides during a meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE) in Brussels.

According to Ioannides, the new Pact is designed to replace fragmented national approaches with a common framework of rules, procedures and responsibilities across the European Union.

🗣️ “After many years of negotiations and two years of intensive preparation, a new chapter in European migration policy is beginning,” he said.

🇨🇾 Cyprus has made the implementation of the Pact one of the central priorities of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union. A special ministerial conference dedicated to the new framework will take place on the island next week.

The main objectives of the reform include:

🔹 common asylum procedures across all EU member states;

🔹 a fairer distribution of responsibilities among member countries;

🔹 stronger solidarity mechanisms for frontline states, including Cyprus;

🔹 improved preparedness for migration crises;

🔹 the development of legal migration pathways alongside measures to combat irregular migration.

⚖️ The Pact also places particular emphasis on the protection of fundamental rights. It includes monitoring mechanisms to ensure respect for the rights of migrants and asylum seekers, as well as additional safeguards regarding legal assistance and due process.
📊 According to representatives of the European Commission, most member states have already completed the main stages of preparation for the new system, although full implementation will be introduced gradually over time.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 05:45 UTC photo
🚔 Wave of Arrests During Kataklysmos Night: Police Detain Seven People Across Cyprus
During the night of the Kataklysmos celebrations, Cyprus Police carried out extensive operations across the island. As a result, seven individuals were arrested on various charges, including drug possession, carrying prohibited items and immigration-related offences.

👮 During the operations, police officers:

▪ stopped and inspected 345 vehicles;

▪ checked 146 individuals;

▪ carried out inspections at 31 establishments;

▪ identified three offences involving minors.

🚗 Traffic enforcement operations also resulted in 170 fines for various road traffic violations.

These included:

71 speeding offences;

three drivers arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol;

one driver who tested positive in a preliminary drug screening.

🚘 In addition, police impounded six vehicles and are investigating seven further cases involving serious traffic violations.
Authorities emphasised that enhanced patrols and enforcement operations will continue throughout the holiday period as part of ongoing efforts to prevent crime and maintain public safety.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 06:15 UTC photo
👩‍⚖️ Women Hold Just One in Five Seats in Cyprus’ New Parliament
Despite an increase in the number of female candidates in the 2026 parliamentary elections, women’s representation in the House of Representatives of Cyprus remains relatively low.

📊 Following the elections, 11 women were elected out of 56 MPs, representing 19.6% of the new parliament.

While this is one of the highest levels of female representation in the country’s history, women still occupy fewer than one in five seats in the legislature.

Which parties achieved the best gender balance?

The strongest representation of women was recorded by ALMA:

▪️ ALMA — 2 women out of 4 MPs (50%);

▪️ Direct Democracy — 1 out of 4 (25%);

▪️ DISY — 4 out of 17 (23.5%);

▪️ AKEL — 3 out of 15 (20%);

▪️ DIKO — 1 out of 8 (12.5%);

▪️ ELAM once again failed to elect any female MPs.

⚠️ Commissioner for Gender Equality Josie Christodoulou stated that the current composition of parliament does not reflect Cypriot society, where women account for more than half of the population.

She has proposed:

🔹 introducing mandatory gender quotas in party candidate lists;

🔹 creating a political leadership academy for women;

🔹 expanding women’s participation within party structures;

🔹 improving conditions that allow politicians to balance public service and family life.

📈 According to data from the European Commission and the United Nations, women generally need to hold at least 30% of parliamentary seats to achieve meaningful influence in decision-making. Cyprus remains well below that benchmark.

Historical milestones

📜 Among the notable milestones in Cyprus’ political history:

▪️ the first female MP was Ayla Halit Kazım, a Turkish Cypriot elected in 1963;

▪️ the first Greek Cypriot woman elected to parliament was Rina Katselli in 1981;

▪️ today, one of the country’s most prominent female politicians is Annita Demetriou, the first woman to serve as Speaker of Parliament and leader of DISY.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 06:45 UTC photo
⚖️ New Details Emerge in High-Profile Case Against Metropolitan Athanasios as Monk’s Mother Testifies About Long-Running Family Conflict
Court proceedings continue in a high-profile case in which a monk’s mother accuses Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol and Archimandrite Epifanios of Machairas Monastery of allegedly encouraging her son to pursue monastic life while he was still a teenager.

📄 In her testimony, the woman described events dating back to the early 2000s and what she viewed as significant changes in her son’s behaviour.

According to her account, during a family discussion in September 2003, the boy’s father suggested that he should first complete his studies before making major decisions about his future. The mother claimed that her son reacted angrily, called his father “possessed,” and allegedly picked up a chair and moved toward him.

🗣️ She further testified that her son increasingly spoke about salvation, monastic life and claimed that important decisions in his life depended on guidance from Metropolitan Athanasios.

According to her testimony:

▪️ as a teenager, he replaced football posters in his room with icons and photographs of the Metropolitan;

▪️ he lost interest in previous hobbies and music;

▪️ he began reading religious literature;

▪️ he gradually became more withdrawn and limited his social circle.

💔 The mother also stated that after the deaths of two close friends in a traffic accident and an unsuccessful attempt to enter a military academy, her son’s condition deteriorated. She described signs of depression, existential concerns and an increased interest in themes related to death.

She further testified that her son later consulted a psychiatrist who, according to her account, noted what she described as an excessive idealisation of Metropolitan Athanasios.

✈️ After completing military service, the young man reportedly visited Mount Athos and later travelled to the United States. However, after nine months he returned to Cyprus and abandoned plans to attend university.

📌 In her testimony, the mother said she repeatedly approached Metropolitan Athanasios seeking help in understanding the situation and expressing concerns about her son’s psychological state.
The trial remains ongoing. At this stage, these statements represent the testimony of one party to the proceedings and will be assessed by the court alongside other evidence and witness testimony before any conclusions are reached.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 07:16 UTC photo
🗳 Debate Over Cyprus Electoral System Resurfaces After Parliamentary Elections
Following the 2026 parliamentary elections, a renewed debate has emerged in Cyprus over how parliamentary seats are allocated and whether the current electoral system produces fair outcomes.

The discussion was triggered by cases in which some candidates secured seats in Parliament with only a few hundred personal votes, while others who received several thousand votes failed to win election.

📌 Why does this happen?

In Cyprus, voters primarily vote for political parties rather than individual candidates.

Parliamentary seats are first distributed among parties based on their overall share of the vote. Only after that are seats allocated to individual candidates within each party according to the number of preference votes they receive.

As a result, a large number of personal votes does not necessarily guarantee election if a party fails to win enough seats.

⚖ Main criticisms of the system

Experts have pointed to concerns surrounding the so-called third allocation of seats.

During this stage, remaining seats are distributed using parties’ leftover votes. Critics argue that this process can effectively count some votes more than once, creating distortions in how additional seats are assigned.

According to legal experts, this may influence which electoral district ultimately receives an extra parliamentary seat.

💬 What reforms are being proposed?

Constitutional lawyer Achilleas Emilianides has suggested:

▪️ reviewing the third allocation mechanism;

▪️ changing the way unused votes are calculated;

▪️ considering a lower threshold for participation in the second stage of seat distribution.

⚡ A more ambitious proposal has been put forward by lawyer Simos Angelides.

He suggests creating a number of nationwide parliamentary seats that would be elected by voters across Cyprus regardless of electoral district.

Another proposal under discussion is horizontal voting, which would allow citizens to select individual candidates from different parties rather than being limited to a single party list.

Supporters argue that such reforms could help elect candidates with broader public support regardless of party structures and internal party dynamics.
🏛 No changes have been adopted so far, but electoral reform has once again become a major topic of political discussion following the 2026 elections.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 07:48 UTC photo
🦠 Ebola Outbreak in Africa Prompts Cyprus to Convene Emergency EU Health Ministers Meeting
Cyprus, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, has convened an emergency videoconference of EU health ministers on 5 June in response to the Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.

The EU’s Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) mechanism has also been activated in monitoring mode to facilitate coordination among member states during the evolving situation.

📌 What has happened?

The emergency consultations were triggered by Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Uganda.

According to figures available at the beginning of June:

▪️ the DRC has reported 282 confirmed cases;

▪️ 42 deaths have been recorded;

▪️ approximately 220 additional suspected cases remain under investigation;

▪️ Uganda has confirmed nine cases, including one death.

Health authorities are particularly concerned because the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment.

🇪🇺 What will the EU do?

On 5 June, health ministers will assess the preparedness of EU member states and discuss coordinated response measures in the event of further spread of the disease.

The issue will also be discussed:

▪️ on 16 June at the EU Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO);

▪️ on 18–19 June at the European Council summit.

The primary focus remains enhanced monitoring and information-sharing between member states.

✈️ Is there a risk to Europe?

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) currently assesses the risk to EU residents as very low.

At this stage, there are no discussions about border closures or quarantine measures. Instead, authorities are considering additional monitoring and screening procedures for travellers arriving from affected regions of Africa.
🇨🇾 For Cyprus, the situation represents the first major real-world crisis-management test during its Presidency of the Council of the EU, where preparedness for emergencies has been identified as a key priority.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 08:16 UTC photo
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Summer Camps in Cyprus Get More Expensive: Childcare Costs Reach €220 Per Week
As the summer holidays approach, thousands of parents across Cyprus once again face the annual challenge of arranging childcare during the nearly three-month school break.

In 2026, the cost of summer camps continues to rise, with expenses for two children easily exceeding €1,000 over the holiday period.

💶 How much do summer camps cost?

▪️ Basic programmes running until 1:00 p.m. typically cost between €65 and €95 per week.

▪️ Camps offering extended hours, meals and additional activities range from €120 to €220 per child per week.

Most programmes cater to children aged 5 to 15 years.

Activities commonly include:

🏊 swimming and sports;

🎨 arts and crafts;

🎭 theatre and music;

🔬 STEM activities;

🍳 cooking workshops;

🧘 children’s yoga;

🚌 excursions and recreational outings.

📈 Why are costs so high?

In addition to base fees, many camps charge separately for:

▪️ transportation;

▪️ meals;

▪️ extended supervision into the evening.

Even with sibling discounts and early-booking promotions, costs can add up quickly.

For a family with two children, participation in summer programmes can easily exceed €1,000 for the season.

💰 How significant is the financial burden?

For comparison:

▪️ the minimum wage in Cyprus as of January 2026 is €1,088 per month;

▪️ the average salary is around €2,450 per month;

▪️ more than one-third of workers earn less than €1,500 per month.

As a result, summer childcare for two children can cost almost the equivalent of an entire monthly minimum wage.

🏫 Are there free alternatives?

Public education in Cyprus is free, but during the summer holidays there are very few large-scale state-run childcare programmes available.

Many parents therefore describe summer camps as a practical necessity, particularly for families without relatives available to help during working hours.
At the same time, most families acknowledge that camps provide children with opportunities to stay active, socialise with their peers and spend the summer productively rather than in front of screens.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 08:59 UTC document
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🚗 Car crashes into petrol station shop in Limassol
An unusual road accident occurred during the day on May 30 in the Polemidia area of Limassol. A car driven by a woman crashed into the front window of a mini-market located at a petrol station.

📹 CCTV cameras captured the moment of the crash.

According to the footage, at around 16:43, the vehicle suddenly accelerated, crossed the pavement and smashed into the glass facade of the shop at speed.

😱 Luckily, no one was injured.

At the time of the incident, petrol station staff and customers were nearby. Several people were only a few metres away from the car and narrowly avoided possible injuries.

🏪 The impact damaged the shop window and part of the retail area. Broken glass and debris were left at the scene.

⛽ According to preliminary information, the driver had entered the petrol station to refuel the car, but for reasons still unclear, lost control of the vehicle.

👮 Police are investigating the circumstances of the incident.
The video quickly spread across social media and sparked discussion, with many users noting how serious the consequences could have been.
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🚨 ROAD REPORT CY
🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 10:40 UTC photo
🇪🇺 Cyprus Secures Agreement on New EU Rules for Migrant Returns
The Council of the European Union, under the Presidency of Cyprus, and the European Parliament have reached a provisional agreement on a new EU Return Regulation.

The legislation significantly strengthens procedures for individuals staying illegally in the European Union and forms a key component of the EU’s new Migration and Asylum Pact.

📌 What will change?

Under the proposed rules:

▪️ migrants without the legal right to remain in the EU will be required to cooperate with authorities during return procedures;

▪️ EU member states will be able to recognise and enforce deportation decisions issued by other member states more quickly;

▪️ filing an appeal will no longer automatically suspend a return decision, with courts deciding whether a suspension is justified;

▪️ refusal to cooperate may result in restrictions on social benefits and other sanctions under national legislation.

✈️ Return centres outside the EU

One of the most debated elements of the reform is the possibility of establishing return centres in third countries.

EU member states would be allowed to conclude agreements with non-EU countries to accommodate individuals who have received a final return decision.

Unaccompanied minors would be excluded from these arrangements.

Longer detention periods

The maximum period of detention prior to deportation would increase:

▪️ from 18 months to 24 months.

Additional measures, including extended entry bans, are foreseen for individuals considered a threat to public security.

⚖️ Why has the reform been controversial?

Human rights organisations and a number of Members of the European Parliament have criticised aspects of the proposal.

Their concerns focus on:

▪️ prolonged detention periods;

▪️ expanded powers for authorities during checks and enforcement procedures;

▪️ potential risks to the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits returning individuals to countries where they may face persecution or serious harm.

Supporters of the reform argue that the EU has long needed a more effective system for returning irregular migrants.

📊 According to EU data, only around 28% of return decisions are currently enforced, despite a significant decline in irregular border crossings during 2026.
🗓 Following final approval by the Council of the EU and the European Parliament, the new rules are expected to be introduced gradually over the course of the next year.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 11:02 UTC photo
🎓 Russian Ambassador to Cyprus: Russian International School Project Will Expand Educational Opportunities for Russian-Speaking Families
Russian Ambassador to Cyprus Murat Zyazikov has highlighted the importance of the Russian International School project currently being developed on the island.

According to the ambassador, the new educational initiative will provide Russian-speaking families in Cyprus with access to quality Russian education, preparation for the OGE and Unified State Exam (EGE), and broader opportunities for admission to both Russian and international universities.

💬 “The project opens new opportunities for Russian-speaking families in Cyprus by ensuring access to high-quality Russian education,” the ambassador said.

It was also noted that education received at Soviet and Russian universities continues to enjoy a strong reputation among many residents of Cyprus.

📚 The Cyprus Association of Graduates of Soviet and Russian Universities remains active on the island, with its members participating in cultural and public initiatives aimed at strengthening humanitarian ties between the two countries.
According to the diplomat, the long-standing relationship between Russia and Cyprus is based on shared historical, cultural and spiritual values, which continue to support the development of cooperation in the field of education.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 11:35 UTC photo
🚗 Cyprus Authorities Advise Learner Drivers to Book Driving Tests Immediately After Receiving Learner Permits
The Department of Road Transport has urged future drivers not to delay booking their practical driving test and to reserve an exam date as soon as they obtain their learner permit.

The recommendation comes amid high demand and a growing number of applications for driving examinations.

📌 What do the authorities recommend?

As soon as a learner permit is issued, applicants are encouraged to book a test through the Department of Road Transport’s online system.

Even if the applicant has not yet reached the minimum age required for the practical test, a booking can still be made in advance.

👨‍🎓 When can learner drivers apply?

In Cyprus:

▪️ learner permits are issued from the age of 17 years and 6 months;

▪️ the practical driving test for a full driving licence can be taken from the age of 18.

Candidates are allowed to reserve a test date before turning 18, although the examination itself can only take place after their birthday.

Why is early booking important?

According to the Department, booking early helps:

▪️ avoid long waiting times for available test dates;

▪️ reduce pressure on the examination system;

▪️ allow better planning of driving lessons and test preparation.
In recent years, lengthy waiting lists for practical driving tests have periodically become one of the main challenges facing new drivers on the island.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 12:03 UTC document
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🚛 Truck Overturns on Limassol–Paphos Motorway
A serious road accident occurred on the morning of 2 June on the Limassol–Paphos motorway near the village of Sotira.

A lorry overturned for reasons that have not yet been determined and came to rest on its side across the roadway.

📍 According to eyewitnesses, the vehicle ended up facing against the direction of traffic, with the passenger-side door touching the road surface.

🚔 Police officers and firefighters quickly arrived at the scene.

To allow emergency operations and ensure road safety, the left lane of the motorway was temporarily closed, causing traffic delays in the area.

✅ Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

According to police, the incident resulted only in material damage.

The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation.
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🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 16:46 UTC photo
🌊 Limassol: lifeguards pulled a 20-year-old man from the sea — he needed oxygen
Lifeguards in Limassol prevented a tragedy at Malindi Beach, near lifeguard station LEM 4.

The incident happened on Monday, during Kataklysmos, at around 13:00. A 20-year-old man found himself in danger in the sea and began to drown.

🚨 Lifeguards reacted immediately, pulled him out of the water and provided first aid. Before the ambulance arrived, they also gave him oxygen to help stabilize his condition.

The team from the nearby LEM 3 station also assisted in the rescue operation.

🚑 The young man was later taken to Limassol General Hospital for precautionary medical checks.

According to doctors, his condition is now good and there is no cause for concern.
🇨🇾 CYPRUS NEWS 🇬🇧 2026-06-02 17:21 UTC photo
Great deal on red trout caviar from DISAS 🥪🥪🥪

Only €79,00/kg (regular price €112,99/kg).

Delicate red trout caviar with firm pearls and a clean, mild taste — perfect for breakfast, appetizers, and festive tables.

🐟 Just caviar and salt
🐟No preservatives

These offers don’t come around often — it’s the perfect time to enjoy it now or stock up for later.🥞

Offer valid until June 10 or while stocks last.

Available at Berezka Store & Cuisine.
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