Cyprus

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

Commitment to sustainable fishing practices and quota was reaffirmed at the 24th meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas held in Limassol; Cyprus "remains dedicated to promoting science-based fisheries management"

With rising violence towards migrant workers and recent assaults on foreign food delivery drivers in Limassol, the Alliance Against the Far Right, Fascism, and Racism has called for a response to ‘far-right incidents’ during an anti-racist event

A total of 1.550 people have left Lebanon via Cyprus since the start of assisted departures on 27 September and as of 8 October, foreign ministry spokesperson reported; the majority so far is represented by Australians, with 1.069 people among the total

The north’s Gecitkale, or Lefkoniko, air base “may be used” by the Turkish air force if tensions continue to rise in the Middle East and if Turkey gets involved in the tensions in the region, the north’s air traffic controllers’ trade union chairman said

'Front line country' where migration is concerned, Deputy Minister of Migration Ioannides said the EU should take into account Cyprus unique challenges when shaping its policy, as supporting island states is both fair burden sharing and a strategic move

Cyprus decided to ratify the International Labour Organisation’s convention on eliminating violence and harassment at work; the new framework provides for specific authorities and procedures for the state and employers, as well as penalties for offenders