Cyprus

Sixteen archaeological sites and monuments across Cyprus will be open with free entry this weekend as part of the celebrations for the European Heritage Days

About 21.000 children up to the age of four will have their preschool fees and lunches paid by the state for the 2025–2026 school year, the finance ministry announced, saying it will budget €73 million, with €43.8 million funded by the EU

School bus fees and subsidies for the new academic year have been announced: monthly student fare is set at 5 euros with a subsidy of €17, annual fare at €30 with €190 subsidy, all children from large families in sec and tech education will be exempt

Website mindsincyprus.com has been launched with the aim of persuading Cypriots living abroad to return to the island; authorities say return and reintegration of talents is an integral part of broader plan for the development and future of the homeland

A Turkish Cypriot has been diagnosed with mad cow disease, prompting the north’s veterinarians’ association to demand urgent biosecurity measures, pointing out that in southern Cyprus, eradication and surveillance are implemented following EU regulations

MPs are preparing to vote on amendments to the pension reform law that appear to weaken its original provisions with more exemptions, including for state officials; revised proposal sparked criticism and doubts on wether a real reform is still possible

Rules regarding swimming pools serving multiple households have been relaxed: a special category clearly differentiates obligations of pools 'for private use serving up to five residential units', recreational/competition pools and hotel/resort pools

The ‘Youth Declaration: A Declaration of Unity. Empowering Youth Voices in Cyprus' has been published by the Youth Council and 24 civil society organisations; it outlines a common vision and asks to have a say in decision-making and efforts to build peace

The Aids Solidarity Movement announced the launch of Cyprus’ first information and empowerment centre for PrEP - pre-exposure prophylaxis -, a medication that significantly reduces the risk of HIV infection

The native bee population in Cyprus is estimated around 25% of the original number; bees imported from other countries - Italy, Turkey and Israel - is increasing at the expense of the Cypriot bee, which doesn't produce as much honey as the imported ones

Paphos fishermen complained of a lack of support and limitations to their work imposed on them by the municipality and the Ports Authority; they asked better infrastructure and the creation of a dedicated area to directly sell their catch to the public

Thousands of people in danger at sea have been rescued and the Cyprus government intends to continue to carry out its duties and responsibilities effectively in the search and rescue area of the Republic of Cyprus, deputy migration minister Ioannides said