The leaders of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel agreed to enhance their military cooperation during the 10th Trilateral Summit held in Nicosia. In their joint declaration, they emphasize the importance of collaboration for security and resilience in the region, acknowledging that it is at a historical turning point. They envision an annual leaders' summit and more trilateral meetings at the ministerial level. They commit to working against terrorism and strengthening maritime security. They also welcome the establishment of the Maritime Cybersecurity Excellence Center in Cyprus, aiming to start operations in 2026.
The Parliament unanimously voted on a law proposal regarding seconded educators. This decision ensures that teachers who are promoted will return to their schools instead of remaining on secondment. The legislation applies to all educators in the Ministry of Education and other state agencies, with some exceptions. The proposal was supported with 45 affirmative votes. This means that teachers will take on their new responsibilities in schools after being promoted.
The administration of Vergina High School has reported the actions of students who appear to have formed a neo-Nazi organization. Five students admitted their involvement, and information is being investigated regarding trips to Greece for training by extremist groups. The deputy director of the Ministry of Education mentioned that the school is taking action and measures will be implemented. No incidents of violence or racism have been reported at the school. The school administration plans to educate the students to prevent such phenomena from occurring again.
A person from Tunisia married a Cypriot woman nine days after arriving in Cyprus, but her children were unaware of the marriage. State agencies found that the couple was living together as roommates instead of as spouses. Their marriage was deemed fictitious by the Department of Population and Migration Records after conducting checks. The parties involved filed an appeal, claiming that the circumstances surrounding their marriage were not adequately examined. The court agreed with the assessment that the marriage was fictitious.
A protest is taking place outside the Ministry of Culture regarding the works of George Gavriil, following an attack on his home. About 200 people are participating, while a counter-protest of around 10 individuals is demanding respect for faith, displaying flags of Christ and the Virgin Mary. George Gavriil himself is present at the scene. The situation remains tense.
The Parliament approved the new teacher evaluation system with 29 votes in favor and 18 against. The regulations of the program focus on improving the quality of education. This new mechanism is expected to bring positive changes to the education system. Further details regarding its implementation are awaited. This vote reflects the support of most parties for modernizing education.
A 25-year-old flight attendant was found dead in a five-star hotel in Dubai, having been stabbed 15 times. Her ex-husband, Albert Morgan, was arrested as a suspect in the murder. Police believe the motive was Morgan's jealousy. There were previous reports of violent altercations between the couple. Morgan had attempted to evade arrest by applying for military service in Russia.
Businessman Tony Antoniou passed away at the age of 70 after battling cancer. He was the former Chairman of the Board of Directors of Cyprus Airways and managed his own company, Micrologic Ltd. His funeral will be held on December 23, 2025, in Limassol. The family will receive condolences early that morning. Antoniou also held significant positions in various regional organizations.
The Cypriot Parliament approved a new tax regime after 23 years, aimed at supporting vulnerable groups and the middle class. Tax deductions are increased based on the number of children and income levels. The tax-free thresholds are raised and new tax brackets are introduced. Incentives for businesses are also provided, and some tax burdens are abolished. This reform also aims to combat tax evasion.
A 71-year-old woman, Sylvia Georgiou Jones, lost her life in a traffic accident on the highway near Skarinou. She had parked her vehicle and was trying to enter or exit when she was struck by a van. The 64-year-old driver of the van tested negative for alcohol and drug use. Despite the doctors' efforts, the 71-year-old did not survive and passed away at the hospital. The Larnaca Traffic Police are investigating the incident.
The Meteorological Service has issued a new yellow warning for storms and hail. The warning is in effect from 11 PM on December 22 until 9 AM on December 23. Strong storms are expected to initially affect the western and southern coasts of Cyprus. Localized rainfall may exceed 35 mm per hour. Temperatures will range from 9 to 19 degrees, with a chance of snow in mountainous areas.
Finance Minister Makis Keravnos confirmed that his position aligns completely with the Government's stance on the Cyprus-Greece interconnection (GSI). He emphasized the need to update certain economic and technical aspects of the project. Responding to comments about government contradictions, he stated that the Government acts uniformly. He also mentioned that the release of the €25 million will occur once the necessary conditions are met. Finally, the Minister noted that the viability of the project requires new studies due to changing geopolitical circumstances.
The Cyprus Consumer Association's research shows that the cost of the rich Christmas table remains stable compared to last year, while a 9% increase was noted for the economic table. The cost for 4 people at the rich table is €160, while for the lower-income table it is €33. There have also been price fluctuations in various products, with significant increases in tomatoes and cucumbers. However, a decrease in the price of lamb meat was observed due to promotions. Price differences among sales points were noted, but they were not deemed reliable for further comparison.
Australia has decided to remove Cyprus from its list of countries free from Foot and Mouth Disease, which impacts food exports from Cyprus. This decision was made in response to reports of an outbreak in the occupied areas. The restrictions mainly affect halloumi and other dairy products, with the total value of affected exports reaching €15 million. Dozens of products will be subject to strict controls or outright bans. Cypriot producers and importers involved in food are expected to be severely impacted.
A 27-year-old from Greece was sentenced to 13 years in prison by the Larnaca Criminal Court for transporting 23 kg of cannabis to Cyprus. He admitted to doing it to pay off gambling debts. His nervous behavior raised suspicions at the airport. Authorities found 44 packages of cannabis in his luggage. The court emphasized the need for strict penalties for such cases.
Cleanliness is a key factor in choosing a travel destination, impacting the lives of residents. The Environmental Performance Index (EPI) evaluates countries based on cleanliness and environmental health. In this ranking, Cyprus holds the 43rd position with a score of 53.9. The cleanest countries for 2025 include Estonia, Luxembourg, and Germany. Greece is ranked 11th with a score of 67.3, just missing the top ten.
Wage inequality in Cyprus has increased and is widespread, affecting various sectors of the economy. From 2021 to the present, average wages have risen by 21%, but this increase is not uniform. The 'Information Services Activities' sector experienced the highest wage increase at 97.1% over the last four years. Meanwhile, 40% of employment categories saw real wage decreases during the same period. This creates disparities and undermines social satisfaction despite positive economic performance.
In the early hours of Monday, a barber shop belonging to a 30-year-old wanted Lebanese man was attacked. Two individuals with covered faces threw stones, causing significant damage to the establishment. One of the attackers entered the barber shop. After the incident, the perpetrators fled the scene. The police have cordoned off the area for investigations.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has urged Jews to settle in Israel due to the rise of anti-Semitism in the West. This statement followed a recent attack during a Jewish holiday in Sydney. Saar emphasized that Jews have the right to live in safety and called on Jews in England, France, Australia, and elsewhere to return to their homeland. He also referenced the Israeli Law of Return, which allows any Jew to obtain Israeli citizenship. Notably, Israeli leadership criticizes Western governments for their failure to curb anti-Semitism.
Rain and thunderstorms continue, with local rains and possible thunderstorms expected mainly after noon. In the higher mountainous areas, snow or sleet is anticipated. Temperatures will range from 9 to 20 degrees, depending on the area. Winds will be moderate, and the sea will be slightly choppy. The forecast for the coming days shows similar weather conditions.
The 10th tripartite summit of Cyprus, Greece, and Israel is taking place today in Jerusalem. The leaders are expected to sign a joint declaration addressing key areas such as energy and defense. This meeting occurs amidst rising tensions with Turkey, and President Christodoulides emphasizes the importance of collaboration. The involvement of the U.S. in the '3+1' partnership adds a political dimension. The aim is to enhance security and explore cooperation opportunities in the region.
The discussion on the implementation of the new teacher evaluation system concludes today in the Parliament. After 15 months of dialogue and changes to the bill, amendments proposed by the Education Committee will be reviewed one last time. There is intense behind-the-scenes activity and potential new amendments ahead of the voting. The Ministry of Education and the educational organizations have differing views on the evaluation scale. The situation remains tense due to the strike measures taken by the teachers' organizations.
Three members of the governing board of SODAP have accused a former energy minister of illegal actions regarding the leasing of a €40 million property in Paphos. The complainants claim that the property was leased to a specific company without approvals and outside the public tender process. The case is under investigation by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority and further developments are expected. However, the allegations have not been dismissed, raising concerns about the transparency of the process. This agreement remains a topic of discussion and controversy.
Nikos Georgiou is seeking answers regarding the case of Iranian Behdad Jafari, who is accused of misappropriating Cypriot properties. A French court decided not to extradite him to the Republic of Cyprus. The MP has sent six questions to the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Justice, highlighting legal issues and the case's significance. He focuses on understanding the actions of the Cypriot authorities during the process. He requests measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Cypriot Police are investigating the assault on referee Konstantinos Theodorou by members of Carmiotas FC after a match. The referee does not wish to file a complaint, but the police will continue their investigation spontaneously. There are claims that the police officers present did not react during the attack. The referee has provided details about the incident, including medical certificates. The perspectives of those involved are completely opposite.