Tonight, a royal dinner was held at the Presidential Palace, where President Christodoulides welcomed King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima of the Netherlands. The historical significance of the visit was discussed, marking the first since Cyprus's independence in 1960, as well as the long-standing friendship and cooperation between the two countries. Their speeches highlighted the prospects for collaboration in areas such as the economy, education, and tourism. The King emphasized Cyprus's economic renewal and its role in the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The USA and Ukraine have signed an agreement regarding minerals. Donald Trump is set to inform Congress about it. The signing was delayed due to a previous meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky. Zelensky expressed his readiness to negotiate for a peaceful resolution.
The Cabinet is set to dissolve the Board of the English School and appoint a new one tomorrow. Parents and students are demanding immediate answers as the unrest within the school continues. The situation arose from pressures the headmaster faced regarding the enrollment of a child who did not pass the entrance exams. The school community is looking for a clear resolution.
The informal expanded conference in Geneva will take place on March 17 and 18, aiming to advance discussions on the Cyprus issue. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will host dinner on the first day. This will be followed by bilateral meetings and a joint gathering of all parties. President Christodoulides is intensively preparing for a positive outcome.
Turkey announced plans to build an 8.5-kilometer fence at its western border with Greece. Governor Yunus Sezer stated that additional security measures will be implemented with the support of the Interior and National Defense Ministries. This construction is part of a broader plan to enhance border roads and physical barriers. The fence is expected to be completed this year, with potential for future expansion.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres has sent invitations to the leaders for an informal conference in Geneva in March. President Christodoulides stated that he will participate with the aim of achieving a positive result. Nicosia is focusing on intensive preparation and avoiding provocative statements from the Turkish Cypriot side. Meetings for preparation are ongoing.
Vasilis Papageorgiou resigned from his position as Secretary General for Civil Protection in Greece to facilitate justice in the case of the Tempi train accident. He cited political responsibility due to a pending criminal charge against him and other officials. The timing of his resignation is linked to another government official's departure. He emphasized his commitment to proving that he holds no responsibility for any operational actions or omissions related to the accident.
Father Georgios Kourris from the Archangel Michael Church in Platanistasa appeared in court for the first time due to 20 charges related to unauthorized use of a bell and loudspeakers. His case has been postponed to April 8, as his lawyer had not received witness testimonies. The priest was required to sign a €2,000 bail to remain free. This issue appears to stem from disputes with local residents regarding the bell's operation.
This year's Limassol Carnival saw record participation, with over 35,000 revelers. However, 45 tons of waste were collected after the parade, highlighting a lack of cleanliness culture. The municipality's cleaning service worked diligently to restore the area. Although recycling was attempted, the overall situation remains concerning.
Former Auditor General Odysseas Michaelides criticized the government for playing communication games regarding the terminal project in Vasiliko. He pointed out that DEFA requested an additional €200 million for the project while contract signing processes haven't even begun. He also questioned the government's ties with the Norwegian company Wilhelmsen. Ultimately, citizens will have to bear the cost of this scandal.
In 2026, plans are in place to install systems for storing green energy in Cyprus. The Energy Minister stated that these systems will have a storage capacity of 2-3 hours during their implementation. Consumers are concerned about potential increases in electricity prices despite the overproduction of green energy. It is also emphasized that the need for storage has been delayed and is urgent.
The abduction of a minor in Limassol appears to be linked to debts for damage to a vehicle. Authorities have arrested three suspects, who are facing serious charges. The minor reports having been abducted and threatened over a failure to pay money. Investigations are ongoing to clarify the matter.
There is a growing frustration among mayors and deputy mayors regarding their responsibilities. Some deputy mayors complain that mayors do not delegate sufficient roles, while others are satisfied with the existing cooperation. This situation has led to proposals for legally defining the distribution of powers. However, reducing the number of deputy mayors does not seem to be an immediate priority for the state.
The royal couple of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, visited the House of Representatives in Nicosia. This is their first visit to Cyprus, and it is expected to strengthen cooperation between the Netherlands and Cyprus. They were welcomed by the President of the House, Annita Dimitriou. The two-day visit includes other significant activities.
DEFA requested an additional €200 million from the Ministry of Finance to complete the terminal project at Vasilikos. The Ministry is considering the request, with possibilities for state support through a loan or grant. The goal is to complete the project by the end of 2025. There are pending issues regarding the floating liquefaction unit and the infrastructure.
The Minister of Interior announced the extension of the fast-track licensing process for urban planning and building permits, now including medium-risk developments. The new permits will be issued within a maximum of 80 working days and will cover projects such as residential complexes and apartment buildings. This process aims to reduce bureaucracy and speed up services for citizens. Additionally, the introduction of the Building Inspectorate is meant to enhance transparency in the construction sector.
Organized patients are expressing strong concern over the delays of the Health Insurance Organization regarding the program for sending patients abroad. Criticism is aimed at General Director Christina Giannaki, raising questions about the state's ability to manage the program. The Cyprus Patients' Association (OSAK) demands transparency and immediate action from the OAY, emphasizing the need for effective administration. Patients are seeking answers to delays that jeopardize their lives.
63-year-old Cypriot Charlie Prodromou was murdered following a fight outside a pub in London. 42-year-old Paul Tallant was arrested after the incident and charged with murder. The attack occurred on the evening of March 1st, and despite medical efforts, Prodromou succumbed to his injuries. Tallant's next court appearance is scheduled for March 5th.
U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to halt military aid to Ukraine until the Ukrainians show commitment to negotiations. Equipment that has not yet arrived in Ukraine will remain in storage for the time being. This decision comes at a critical point in the conflict with Russia. Trump has criticized President Zelensky, calling for more appreciation for the support received from the U.S.
The EU Summit on Ukraine on March 6 could be crucial as European leaders are called to decide on support for Ukraine without U.S. assistance. There are concerns about the EU's capacity to provide military support, with countries like Hungary and Slovakia not agreeing on the direction to take for support. Communication with the U.S. could become a significant issue, with leaders such as Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni looking for bridge-building roles. These dynamics highlight the complex relationships and strategic challenges facing the EU.
The Ministry of Agricultural Development has announced a support package of €15.5 million for farmers who suffered losses due to drought and adverse weather conditions. Compensation will be provided to producers with production losses over 30%, with varying amounts for different categories of agricultural products. Additionally, support will also be given to producer organizations. The funds will come from the Agricultural Development Program.
Doctors are now required to comply with legal obligations for the management of clinical waste. They must secure agreements with authorized waste management facilities to avoid risks to the environment and public health. Failure to comply will result in strict penalties. This effort has been in progress for five years, and authorities expect full compliance by 2024.
Nicosia is intensively preparing for the informal conference in Geneva in 15 days, focusing on two main axes. President Christodoulides states that the aim is to restart talks and achieve a positive outcome. So far, the Greek Cypriot side is maintaining a low profile despite statements from the Turkish Cypriot side. Official invitations from the United Nations for the Geneva conference are expected soon.
The visit of the Dutch royal couple to Cyprus is historic, being the first since 1960. Tasoula Chatzitofigou, a cultural activist and writer, emphasizes the couple's importance in advocating for human rights. Cyprus can serve as an example of the integration of different cultures, with Christian churches and mosques situated side by side. The Netherlands actively supports human rights and religious freedoms.
In 2022, 20% of employees in Cyprus were low-paid, compared to 14.7% in the EU. Women and younger workers under 30 are more likely to be low-paid. Education level significantly impacts the likelihood of being low-paid, with less educated workers facing higher chances. Among EU countries, Bulgaria and Romania report higher percentages of low-paid workers.
Former municipalities and communities owe €34 million to the Water Development Department for the purchase of drinking water. These debts may lead to the deduction of state funding for the new municipalities. Only the Municipality of Ayia Napa is not adhering to the repayment agreement. The Ministry of Interior is reviewing the debts to proceed with offsetting actions.