A seismic tremor of 4 on the Richter scale shook Cyprus early in the morning. The earthquake's epicenter was located in mountainous Larnaca at a depth of 13 kilometers. Residents in various areas reported feeling the tremor, but it was of short duration. Initial reports pinpoint the epicenter between Eptagoneia, Ora, and Akapnou. No serious damage or injuries have been reported.
Today, the weather will be mostly clear, but there will be increased cloud cover locally with a chance of rain in mountainous and northern areas. Winds will be light to moderate, and the sea will be slightly choppy. From tomorrow, moderate rains and possible thunderstorms are expected in the mountainous regions. On Monday and Tuesday, rain intensity will increase, with a possibility of hail. The temperature will range from 20 to 35 degrees Celsius in different areas.
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis emphasized the need for Cyprus's unwavering support for the continuation of the Greece-Cyprus electric interconnection project. He expressed confidence that the project will proceed as planned despite any challenges. Gerapetritis asserted that Greece will not back down from geopolitical risks. He also highlighted the importance of adhering to international law and denouncing revisionism, stating that this stance is not only Greek but also European. The commitment to these principles is essential for protecting Greek interests.
Fashion designer Giorgio Armani has passed away at 91, leaving behind a successful business without direct heirs. He established a foundation to ensure the independence of his company after his death. Armani aimed to protect the brand from outside takeovers or fragmentation. New statutes he drafted will govern the management of his legacy. Despite challenges in the luxury sector, the company remains attractive.
Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, outlined the priorities for Cyprus's Presidency of the EU Council, which will begin in the first half of 2026. Cyprus will host 258 meetings, including an informal European Council in April. Key issues to discuss include security, defense, and affordable housing. There is also a need to manage over 330 legislative files inherited from previous presidencies. Preparations for this undertaking are proceeding as scheduled.
The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating former German Commissioner Günther Oettinger's relationship with EuroAsia Interconnector. Specifically, it's looking into whether he provided consulting services to the company after leaving the European Commission. The investigation relates to energy issues and the EU's funding of EuroAsia. Authorities are seeking testimonies and evidence to ascertain the truth of the claims. Oettinger has supported various organizations and taken on roles following his political career.
The first hydrogen production and refueling station in Cyprus has received the necessary permits and funding from the EU. The station, part of a €7.5 million project, will be located in Larnaca and is expected to produce 150 tons of hydrogen annually. While permits have been secured, further processes and agreements from the state are still required. There is an intention to promote hydrogen vehicles, potentially with subsidies for purchasing them. Hydrogen use is seen as a solution for energy challenges and pollution reduction in Cyprus.
The agreement between Cyprus and Greece for the electrical interconnection reveals that Cyprus commits to pay 125 million euros to ADMIE in five annual installments. These payments are not linked to the completion of bathymetric surveys or other conditions for disbursement. It was confirmed that the 25 million euros each year will be approved by RAEK. The specific payment date is unclear, leaving room for interpretation. The promotion of the project depends on ADMIE's commitments.
There is a shortage of school principals, as announced by the president of the Educational Service Commission, who stated that eight positions have been advertised. During the summer process, 34 applications were submitted for 31 positions, but ultimately only 27 became principals, leaving some positions unfilled. Many principals remain seconded to the Ministry of Education, raising concerns and complaints. This situation highlights the challenges facing education. Finding school leaders remains a critical issue.
The photoradar list is being reintroduced to facilitate the enforcement of fines against traffic violators captured by cameras. This will allow the police to check for outstanding fines when individuals are departing from airports and ports. The changes aim to reduce the thousands of unpaid fines. The list is awaiting approval from the Data Protection Commissioner and will only be accessible to certain individuals. This will also resolve issues with Turkish Cypriots at crossing points.
There has been a significant decrease in irregular migrant arrivals in Cyprus, attributed to a new policy implemented in April 2024. Arrivals dropped from 17,500 in 2022 to just 1,600 in 2023, while returns of undocumented immigrants have increased. This change includes enhanced maritime patrols and an intensified crackdown on human trafficking. The four main actions focus on border security, dismantling smuggling networks, and combating illegal employment. This situation underscores the importance of organized migration management.
The families of Neoklis Panagiotou and Evripidis Nourou, two fighters of EOKA, have filed a lawsuit against the Republic of Cyprus seeking moral reparation and damages, 64 years after their murder. The lawsuit was submitted without any response from the state to earlier requests made by the families. The case will be examined by the courts, and significant evidence and testimonies regarding that era are expected to emerge. The political violence that characterized that period will be a central theme in the trial. This case brings to light the names of important political figures from that time.
About 13,500 students received free breakfast during the 2024-2025 school year. The program targets socially vulnerable groups and is part of the co-funded program 'Th.Al.E.I.A.'. Students from various educational levels, from kindergartens to technical schools, benefit from it. The free breakfast provision will continue this year, with schools responsible for informing eligible students. Supplies will be sourced according to agreed menus for school canteens.
AKEL is preparing for its election campaign, starting in late September. Although the issue of exceptions to term limits was not discussed, there is cautious optimism after a recent poll indicating a positive outlook for the party. Supporters' votes are seen as 'hard,' and voter mobilization appears high. Despite some concerns, significant voter leakage to other parties is not observed. However, a segment of voters remains inactive, which AKEL aims to mobilize.
The daughter of the couple Philippidis expresses her anger and pain over the loss of her parents in the Limassol fire. She claims that her parents did not receive clear evacuation instructions and that the information about their deaths is contradictory. Maria criticizes public statements that placed blame on her parents and seeks the truth about what happened that night. She states that her parents were last to be informed and highlights the issues that arose during the evacuation. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain murky, and she desires answers.
The drug Captagon is now a serious threat to Cyprus, prompting the alert of the Drug Enforcement Agency (YKAN) and the Police. There are indications that this dangerous drug might be trafficked on the island. International agencies have informed authorities that Captagon is primarily produced in Syria and Lebanon. Its usage has increased, especially in Saudi Arabia, with the international market estimated at 10 billion dollars annually. Captagon is considered highly addictive and dangerous to users and society at large.
The discussion about the A.T.A. remains stagnant, with unions and employers showing no willingness to compromise. The Minister of Labor continues efforts to find a solution, but the upcoming general strike on Thursday may create new conditions. Employers have warned that there will be no joint meetings if strike actions continue. Nevertheless, the Minister plans to apply pressure and request clear positions from both sides. The situation remains complex, making an agreement seem difficult.