Cyprus

An extra Easter allowance for low-income pensioners was approved by the council of ministers, amounting to €3,3 million; the allowance has increased by 30% from 2024, amounts to €250, and will reach over 11.000 beneficiaries

The Aphrodite Rally motor race will go ahead on routes that avoid the Paphos forest and Natura 2000 protected areas, the Cyprus automobile association confirmed following consultations with the agriculture ministry after complaints were voiced

Cypriots flocked to the countryside to celebrate Green Monday, a public holiday rooted in both religious and cultural traditions that marks the start of Lent with fasting foods and outdoor festivities, picnics, games and kite-flying

Union of municipalities has urged chief of police to withdraw the decision to charge Limassol €43.000 for policing carnival parade on Sunday; the move sparked widespread concern as it is the first time police have requested payment for security activity

Forestry college will reopen after nearly a decade with 20 forestry apprentice positions for the Higher Diploma in Forestry programme, a crucial investment to revive Cyprus’s forestry sector with trained personnel

A landmark building in Nicosia was demolished, sparking anger and sadness among locals and architecture enthusiasts; captured on video and shared on social media the demolition has drawn sharp criticism as many see it as a big loss for the city’s heritage

Citizens over the age of 18 will be able to apply for a new national electronic identity card as of 27 January; the issuance of the first 100.000 eIDs will be subsidised by the government: 30.000 of them given out for free and 70.000 available for €15

Hunters from all over Cyprus demonstrated outside the presidential palace demanding stricter measures against poaching, such as prison sentences and revoking firearm licence for life, and the removal of the head of the Game Fund, in the place for 24 years

In an optimistic New Year’s address, President Christodoulides said there are reasons for hope in 2025; meanwhile, the Cypriot economy showed remarkable resilience in 2024, with a +3,7% growth rate despite persistent geopolitical and internal challenges

The Cyprus Agricultural Payments Organisation has disbursed over €2 billion in subsidies since Cyprus joined the EU, reached through the efficient distribution of hectare subsidies and efforts to modernise agricultural practices

The Cipromed project was presented: with a total budget of €4,7 million, it closes the gap between science and practical application, enables consumers to source protein from microalgae and insects and helps producers cut costs and enhance competitiveness

With Cyprus ranking 15th globally for its coffee consumption, people are urged to use reusable cups when ordering, as at least 10.000 single-use caps go to waste every day, according to the Keep Our Sand and Sea Plastic Free initiative

State health services Okypy will be submitting a new proposal regarding the millions of euros in incentives, on top of salaries, overtime and allowances, that around 650 state hospital doctors are demanding