By April 2025, all visitors who wish to travel to the UK without a visa will need an electronic travel authorization (ETA) and a passport. The ETA will be required initially from non-Europeans starting January 8, 2025, and then from Europeans in April 2025. The application process for the ETA can be done digitally, costing £10. The government's goal is to enhance border security through digitization.
The electrical interconnection project between Cyprus and Crete will experience some delays, as stated by Energy Minister George Papathanasiou. Its completion is expected by the end of 2029. The Minister mentioned that the companies involved are experienced and can manage the challenges. Contacts with Nexans are awaited for updates on the project's progress.
A Greek Cypriot was deported from the United Kingdom with only three days' notice, despite having an application for residency pending after Brexit. His employer called the situation shameful, emphasizing that the employee had complied with residency terms. His application for settled status had been rejected, and the review process could take up to two years. His lawyer plans to file a complaint against the UK Home Office.
Two medical boards ruled differently on a patient's ability to work, resulting in the loss of disability benefits. The Court found that the Director of Social Insurance Services did not consider the opinion of the first medical board. The Court upheld the applicant's case, highlighting the need for a more thorough examination of the medical opinions. This situation caused confusion in assessing the patient's capability.
The trial regarding the citizenship case of the Salem family has entered its final phase. Egyptian Mohamed Salem and his children are accused of obtaining Cypriot passports through property purchases. Today, the prosecution presented its arguments in court, outlining the procedures followed for citizenship acquisition. Defense attorneys are expected to submit their pleas on the 18th of this month.
The visit of President Christodoulides to Washington and his meeting with Joe Biden have resulted in satisfaction in Nicosia. The President of Cyprus believes that the announcement of the meeting on the anniversary of the Turkish Republic is not coincidental. Nicosia emphasizes US support for the form of a solution to the Cyprus issue, while noting that the reactions from Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot community reveal weaknesses in their positions.
In Limassol, a crew cut down 60 trees on private property without permission. The owner reported that the trees were cut illegally, without prior notification or consent. The deputy mayor stated that the trees were cut due to safety concerns as they exceeded the permissible height. Environmental organizations have labeled the act as vandalism.
A family is requesting the exhumation of their three-month-old infant who died at the Makarios Hospital for an autopsy. The parents suspect medical negligence and wish to determine the cause of their child's death. The baby was born prematurely and had serious health issues. They have filed a complaint with the police, hoping for an investigation by the relevant authorities.
Recent floods in eastern Spain have resulted in at least 205 fatalities, with Valencia being the most affected region. This tragedy marks the worst flooding disaster in modern Spanish history. The situation is critical as the death toll is the highest for a European country since 1970. Local authorities are making ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the disaster.
Government Spokesman Constantinos Letymbiotis provided a recap of the meeting between the President of Cyprus and U.S. President Joe Biden, describing it as a historic milestone. The U.S. recognizes Cyprus as a reliable partner in the region with a clear foreign policy. The meeting demonstrates the improvement of bilateral relations and the potential for deepening them. The government's determination has led to strong alliances that are no longer defined by external pressures.
According to data from the Children's House, there have been 330 reports of child sexual abuse in 2024 so far. In 2023, the reports were 469, raising concern. To raise awareness and prevent abuse, a campaign will be launched with various activities, including the Joy Festival. The need for strengthening child protection is urgent.
Local authorities and regional organizations are concerned about the amnesty plan announced by the Ministry of Interior, as there are 30,000 pending applications and the organizations lack the necessary resources. They believe the decision was made without the required consultations and that it will create more problems than it solves. The deadline for the amnesty by March is unlikely to resolve pending issues. There is widespread concern about the effective management of the licensing system.
The Ministry of Education is continuing its efforts to implement an alternative program for at-risk students despite initial backlash. The program is expected to start in the second semester in a new location. There are concerns about students who did not participate, with some having disengaged from the educational system. The Minister of Education stated that the planning is being intensified for better execution.
In Markopoulo, a 3-year-old child died after being shot in the head. Despite the doctors' efforts at the hospital, they were unable to save the child. The incident occurred when individuals in two cars, allegedly Roma, began shooting at each other, resulting in the child's injury. This tragic situation has ended in a devastating outcome.
In Markopoulo, Attica, a 3-year-old child was seriously injured in the head due to a gunshot. The incident occurred during a quarrel between passengers of two cars, where some of them, all Roma, started shooting. The child's condition is serious, and they were taken to the hospital. The reasons for the quarrel and the events leading up to it remain unclear.
A 76-year-old woman became a victim of an online scam, losing €145,000. She communicated with an unknown man via WhatsApp, who pretended to be a UN officer. Through their relationship, he pressured her to transfer money to various foreign bank accounts. The case is being investigated by the Limassol police.
The Ministry of Education is preparing a proposal to reform the teacher appointment system, as the abolishment of the list of appointed teachers approaches in 2027. Minister Athina Michailidou emphasizes the need for a modern and fair system to select the best educators. There is also mention of ensuring the rights of employees in education. The budget for the Ministry for 2025 amounts to €1.55 billion.
In Cyprus, significant police transfers are being made under the signature of Deputy Chief Panikos Stavrou, effective Monday. The transfers involve key officers of the force, with Christos Andreou taking on the role of deputy commander and other positions also shifting. These changes indicate a reorganization within the force.
The Supreme Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that the government has the right to expropriate private property. Importantly, the decision recognizes the possibility of issuing a new expropriation decree, even if previous decrees had been annulled. The Court of Appeal had reached an incorrect decision by adding an unproven condition. The ruling emphasizes that legality depends on the specifics of each case.
A state of alert has been issued at Greece's Anti-Terrorism Unit following a strong explosion in an apartment in Ambelokipi, resulting in the death of a man and serious injuries to a woman. Authorities found a gun and explosives, suggesting the possibility of a terrorist network. The situation raises concerns due to the absence of any remnants of the explosive device. Police are also searching for other women connected to the incident.
The US elections are approaching, scheduled for November 5, 2024. The presidential candidates are Kamala Harris from the Democrats and Donald Trump from the Republicans. The latest polls indicate a narrow margin between the two, creating a suspenseful atmosphere. The elections will also involve voting for representatives and senators, ensuring a separation of powers in American governance.
The weather forecast for the weekend includes rain and thunderstorms, breaking a prolonged dry spell. Local rains and isolated storms are expected on Saturday and Sunday, with a chance of hail. Temperatures will range around 27 degrees in coastal areas and 17 degrees in mountainous regions, gradually decreasing by Monday. Dust will intermittently be present in the atmosphere.
The Municipality of Larnaca announced an agreement with City Friends Club to initiate cleaning actions in the city. The non-profit organization will conduct monthly cleanup events, with the first one scheduled for November 23. The mayor invited residents to volunteer in these efforts, aiming to transform Larnaca into a cleaner and more sustainable city. Additionally, the organization plans new programs to enhance community participation.
Nikos Christodoulides and Kyriakos Mitsotakis exchanged views about Christodoulides' meeting with Biden in Washington. Cyprus and Greece perceive positive developments in the Greek-Turkish dialogue. Special emphasis is placed on the relations with the United States and the need for active diplomacy. Christodoulides highlighted the significance of Washington's approach to the Cyprus issue and its influences on Turkey.
The legal battle in the case of former Commissioner of Volunteerism Yiannis Giannakis has intensified. Prosecutor Polina Efthivoulou challenged the defense's claims, emphasizing that the case evidence came from the police without any involvement from former Auditor General Odysseas Michalidis. She labeled the defense's objections as 'premature and incoherent'. The case raises complex issues regarding the reliability of the evidence presented.
The Consumer Protection Service has filed applications for the issuance of prohibition orders against 50 land development companies and six banks due to abusive clauses in contracts. The companies are required to cease the use of these clauses, which burden consumers. In light of complaints regarding rising prices, investigations are ongoing. Additionally, market inspections have been conducted resulting in administrative fines for violations.
The meeting between President Christodoulides and President Biden has sparked strong reactions in Cyprus's political landscape. AKEL warns about the need for a practical evaluation of the meeting without exaggerations. DISY and DIKO describe it as a diplomatic success that enhances Cyprus's position internationally. There is a favorable climate for leveraging the results of the meeting.
In September, the average mortgage interest rate in Cyprus decreased slightly to 4.53%, but it remains the highest in four years. Despite this reduction, depositors are still experiencing low returns, although there was a slight increase in deposit rates. Compared to previous years, the current rate is higher than it was last year. Changes in bank policies are beginning to show results, but the effects of the ECB's interest rate hikes continue to impact existing loan agreements.