Cyprus is struggling to tap into the EU Recovery Fund, with only 40% of its planned payment requests submitted and a mere 8% of allocated funds disbursed, far behind the EU average. The European Court of Auditors warns that this slow progress, with just 5% of milestones completed, threatens the nation’s ability to fully utilize economic recovery opportunities before the 2026 deadline.
The ‘golden passports’ scandal in Cyprus has ensnared former Transport Minister Marios Demetriades in a storm of corruption and bribery allegations linked to the controversial naturalization of foreign investors. As he prepares to face over fifty charges in court on October 30, 2024, the scandal unfolds a complex web involving family, law firms, and international ties, revealing a troubling exchange of citizenship for lucrative investments.
Vladimiros Tziortzis showcased his racing talent at the Autodrom Most in the Czech Republic, finishing in the top ten during the EURONASCAR PRO event, despite facing a penalty in another race. With the upcoming semifinals in Germany and finals in Belgium, anticipation builds for Tziortzis as he aims for a strong finish in the championship standings.
On September 28, 2024, the stunning Curium Amphitheatre in Cyprus will transform into a magical concert venue as Yury Revich, the celebrated violinist, performs classical masterpieces on his historic 1747 Guarneri violin. Attendees can expect a captivating blend of enchanting music, candlelight, and the rich history of this ancient site, creating an unforgettable night under the stars.
In a dramatic drug bust in Limassol, police seized a staggering 10 kg of cannabis, 60 kg of king gummies, and 150 grams of cocaine, among other drugs, leading to the arrest of three suspects, including one captured at Paphos Airport. The YKAN remains on the case, determined to crack down on drug trafficking and protect community safety.
Saudi Arabia and Cyprus are forging stronger ties in transport, with Saudi Transport Minister Saleh Bin Nasser AlJasser exploring port and cruise service collaborations during a recent visit to Cyprus. Amidst a booming economy that saw a 3.6% growth in the second quarter of 2024, Cyprus is enhancing its energy sector with major investments in the Aphrodite gas field, signaling a bright future for both nations.
Cyprus and Greece have reached a groundbreaking agreement on the Great Sea Interconnector (GSI), a project set to link the electrical grids of Cyprus and Crete while enhancing energy security and integrating renewable sources. With a funding plan that utilizes a €25 million annual emissions penalty fund from 2025 to 2030, this innovative solution ensures that the costs will not burden consumers, marking a significant step towards a greener energy future in the region.
On Tuesday, expect a sunny morning with temperatures soaring to 34°C inland and 3133°C along the coast, but brace for a shift as the afternoon brings clouds, rain, thunderstorms, and even hail, especially in the mountains. As night falls, the winds will calm and temperatures will drop to 20°C inland and 22°C along the coast, setting the stage for a week filled with unsettled weather.
Digital IDs, aimed at streamlining access to essential documents like IDs and driver’s licenses, will be launched within the next year according to Deputy Minister for Innovation, Nikodemos Damianou. This initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance digital services and could position Greece as a leader in the EU’s digital landscape, paving the way for a unified digital wallet for all citizens.
Cyprus is stepping into the future with plans to introduce digital IDs that will include virtual versions of IDs, driver’s licenses, and certificates, all streamlined through a Digital Citizen mobile app set to launch in 2024. In collaboration with Greece, this initiative aims to create a secure “digital wallet” for citizens, enhancing convenience and access to services across Europe.
