The EU Council has decided to impose a minimum fee of 3 euros for small packages entering from third countries starting from July 1st. The new rules aim to tackle unfair competition posed by non-taxed packages, mainly from China. Some regulations will be in effect until 2028, with the flat rate increasing to 6 euros for packages containing multiple different items. These customs duties are expected to boost the EU budget and the public finances of member states. Overall, the changes to customs regulations will help create a more competitive environment for European businesses.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has decided to canonize Hieromonk Tychon and Khadzhi-Georgy. Tychon, known as the spiritual father of Saint Paisios, was an important figure at Mount Athos, dedicated to prayer and asceticism. Khadzhi-Georgy, hailing from Cappadocia, also lived in Capsala and received his title from his pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Both saints are recognized for their spiritual legacy and devotion to Orthodox tradition. The announcement was made during the session of the Holy and Sacred Synod.
In Limassol, a mother gave sedatives to her seven-year-old child, resulting in both being taken to the hospital without consciousness. The father found them and alerted the authorities. Doctors successfully revived both of them. The mother was arrested and assessed by a government psychiatrist, who determined she required hospitalization. A court order has been issued regarding her situation.
Three members of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Youth Organization resigned due to serious internal issues. Personal conflicts among senior staff have created a toxic environment that hampers the organization's functioning. The Minister of Education is aware of the situation and decisions regarding the future of the organization are expected soon. Problems in the Board's meetings have led to suggestions for a complete reshuffle of the board. The margins for restoring normalcy are narrowing.
A serious case of illegal sale of Turkish Cypriot land is under investigation by authorities. A 66-year-old former community leader was arrested for allegedly promising to transfer land to a couple, having collected a total of €32,000. The land cannot be sold according to the law. The complaints suggest that the suspect received money without taking legal steps for the sale. Investigators are continuing to examine the case.
The National Betting Authority has not renewed the license of BookieCo due to the recent arrest of its owner following a shooting incident in Larnaca. The license for BookieCo has expired, and as of February 10, 2026, the company can no longer offer betting services in Cyprus. Representatives of the Authority emphasize that players can contact them for any issues or complaints related to the company. This decision comes at a time of significant developments regarding the safety and legality of betting services in the country.
The police in Limassol are investigating a fraud case in which a 66-year-old man is accused of defrauding a couple of €32,000 for a supposed purchase of agricultural land. The couple paid the man in 2020, but he failed to transfer the ownership of the land. The man was a tenant of the land, not the owner. He was arrested by the police and brought before the court, which ordered his detention for five days. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
The police are investigating a poaching case in Larnaca, where a 35-year-old man was caught attempting to capture wild birds trapped in nets. He was found near a field with two trapping nets and a device producing sounds that mimic birdsong. Members of the Anti-Poaching Unit stopped him and freed four wild birds believed to be finches. The man was taken to the local police station for further investigation. This case highlights the ongoing battle against poaching in the area.
Various reactions have emerged in Germany regarding the rumored relationship between 70-year-old billionaire Eric Schmidt and 27-year-old Gloria-Sophie Burkandt, the daughter of Bavaria's president. While reports suggest a romantic connection, a source close to Schmidt claims it's just a friendship. Burkandt is notable for her background as both a model and economist. Previously, she has shared personal experiences related to sexual harassment. Schmidt, a former CEO of Google, has been married for decades but has an open marriage.
The Secretary General of AKEL, Stefanos Stefanou, described the actions of Irini Charalambidou as insulting and announced the end of their cooperation. He revealed that efforts to maintain their partnership were unsuccessful, as Charalambidou did not provide clear responses. He emphasized that her absence from the 2023 presidential elections was disrespectful to the party. Stefanou underlined that changing parties two months before elections violates political ethics. He revealed that if Charalambidou joins the party Almas, it will affect future collaborations.
A 22-year-old Cypriot was arrested in Thessaloniki, wanted by authorities in Cyprus. He faces charges related to a criminal organization, arson, and illegal earnings. There is a European arrest warrant issued against him by the Nicosia District Court. He is currently being brought to the Thessaloniki Appeals Prosecutor's Office. The process for his extradition to Cyprus will begin soon.
Minister of Justice, Konstantinos Fytiris, announced developments regarding the allegations made by Joanna Fotio, known as Annie Alexui. He emphasized that authorities intend to collect information in an institutional manner and that this process is underway. He pointed out the necessity of testimonies and statements, as information from social media is insufficient. The minister mentioned that the Legal Service will decide who will conduct the investigation. He promised that updates on the case would be provided soon.
Delays in loan payments exceeding three months are decreasing in Cyprus, with the non-performing loan rate remaining steady at 2.1%. The decline in delayed loans indicates improvement, but issues persist. After three months of delay, borrowers face additional costs and higher interest rates. Banks, on their part, are required to classify these loans as non-performing, increasing their liabilities. Cyprus needs to implement targeted policies to further reduce these loans.
Catalan authorities are conducting a preliminary investigation into a sexual abuse allegation made by a young woman, reportedly occurring at the home of player Lamine Yamal. The woman claims she was sexually assaulted by Ansu Fati's brother after a night out. No official complaint has been filed yet, and authorities are gathering information regarding the incident. Fati's legal team denies the allegations, describing them as baseless. The investigation is ongoing with no official results as of now.
A serious traffic accident occurred in Paphos involving a 20-year-old motorcyclist who is currently hospitalized. The young man lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a tree. The impact caused the motorcycle to come to a stop in a nearby field. After being taken to the hospital, it was found that he has a cervical fracture and head injury. Fortunately, his health condition is described as out of danger.
Today, snow is expected in Troodos along with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures will reach around 19 degrees in the interior and 7 degrees in the mountains, with a possibility of frost at night. On Clean Thursday and Friday, dust is forecasted in the atmosphere, with continued rain, particularly in the western part of the island. Snow or sleet might fall at higher altitudes. On Saturday, isolated rain showers are expected, which will improve soon after.
The political partnership between AKEL and Eleni Charalambidou has come to a dramatic end. AKEL's announcement stresses the need to uphold the party's principles and values. Charalambidou appears determined not to give up her seat. Both sides are expected to face challenges as elections approach. Political developments will continue to evolve and affect their relationship.
The Government assures that the gas terminal in Vasilikos will be completed, but does not provide a clear timeline for its completion. Energy Minister Michalis Damianos avoids mentioning specific dates and does not disclose information about upcoming tenders. While the French company Technip has submitted a project analysis, there are pending issues that have not been made public. The situation appears challenging, and there may be delays in progress. The Government aims to move forward without repeating past mistakes.
The discussion about creating a National Ambulance Agency is back in focus due to a letter from the OAKY asking for a delay on the proposed bill. The Federation of Patient Associations of Cyprus opposes the retention of ambulances under the OAKY. Additionally, the case of a 38-year-old patient who could not be transported for a transplant highlights issues in pre-hospital care. The Health Minister is involved in discussions, as there is pressure for intervention in the situation. The need for an independent agency to coordinate ambulance services is urgent.
A legislative proposal is being discussed in the Parliament that criminalizes the responsibility of ministers and state officials for actions that harm the Republic. The proposal was submitted by MP Kyriakos Hadjigiannis to the Legal Affairs Committee. Its aim is to hold ministers and other officials criminally accountable for violations of the Constitution or laws. The proposal outlines prison sentences and fines for serious offenses. The discussion involves representatives from the Ministry of Justice and the Cyprus Bar Association.
A veterinary assistant in Cyprus lost his eye after being kicked by a colt during a microchip implantation procedure. The District Court awarded him €100,000 in damages for the injury and loss of income. The Cyprus Racing Authority contested the ruling, but the Court of Appeal upheld their liability. The incident took place while implanting microchips in young foals. The ruling emphasizes employers' duty to provide safe working conditions.
In Larnaca, two gunshots outside a fast-food restaurant on January 17 revealed the rivalry between two criminal factions over 'protection' control. Ten individuals are currently awaiting trial, and two businessmen are being prosecuted for attempting to interfere with the judicial process. The police have arrested people linked to various criminal activities. Investigations have shown that the defendants' assets do not match their reported incomes. Videos evidence their involvement in these criminal acts.
The former mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedonos, was accused of extortion related to a building permit. A resident claimed that Phaedonos demanded that he withdraw a previous complaint in order to receive the permit. The police announced that the case is closed, as the Attorney General decided to classify it as non-police related. The resident alleges that Phaedonos engaged in illegal actions against his property. His lawyer stated that the case remains of public interest.