 As the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Cyprus and the current President of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN), I welcome the decision of the six Finance Ministers participating in the E6 initiative to strengthen their efforts towards enhancing the European Union’s (EU) competitiveness, resilience and strategic autonomy through the mobilisation of private capital, the advancement of the Savings and Investments Union and the reduction of fragmentation within the EU.
It is emphasised that the strategic autonomy of the EU is a key objective of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU, which has consistently promoted this goal through intensive efforts over the past five months. The E6 initiative constitutes a useful additional contribution to the broader European efforts and discussions aimed at advancing the Savings and Investments Union, strengthening competitiveness and enhancing the strategic autonomy of the EU, within the framework of common European processes and with the objective of creating added value for the EU as a whole, as also noted in the E6 statement.
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 In the northeastern United States, residents of several states saw a bright fireball in the sky on the afternoon of May 29, followed by a loud roar. The phenomenon was caused by a meteor that disintegrated high in the atmosphere.
This is reported by Reuters . According to NASA, the event occurred at around 2:06 p.m. local time. The unusual phenomenon was seen by eyewitnesses in various areas of New England and was also recorded by NOAA's GOES-19 weather satellite. The space agency said the meteor entered the atmosphere and disintegrated at an altitude of approximately 40 miles (64 kilometers) over northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire. NASA estimates that the energy released during the collapse of the celestial body was equivalent to about 300 tons of TNT, which is what caused the loud sound reported by residents of the region. Experts explained that meteors travel at speeds exceeding the speed of sound. When they enter the atmosphere and break up, they create powerful pressure waves that can cause sonic booms that can be heard a considerable distance from the scene. There were no reports of any damage or injuries from the event. NASA continues to analyze satellite data and eyewitness accounts. antikor.ua "Maybe he smoked or got high somewhere": Lukashenko reacted rudely to Zelensky's statements1/6/2026  Lukashenko again responded to Zelensky's accusations of allegedly preparing an invasion of Ukraine from the territory of Belarus.
"Maybe he smoked somewhere, got an injection somewhere — and now he's making similar statements," Lukashenko said.  The Department of Antiquities of the Deputy Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Cyprus announces that 35 years after the completion of the excavations at the Tombs of the Kings, the first volume of the final publication for the period 1977–1981 is now released.
The volume, ISBN 978-9963-36483-1, is A4 in size, consists of 329 pages plus XXIII additional pages. It includes a general history of the site, a detailed description of the tombs featuring a peristyle atrium and an in-depth presentation of the systematic excavations conducted by the Department. The presentation of the first volume will be held on Wednesday, 3 June 2026, at 19:30, at A. G. Leventis Gallery. Significant attention is given to the unique burial complex of Tomb 8, which has generated considerable scholarly debate over its potential use as the burial site of the last king of Cyprus, Ptolemy, due to its distinctive architecture. Additionally, the volume proposes a comprehensive restoration study in line with recommendations from Professor Charalambos Bouras, who approved the initial partial restoration study. The volume features two chapters specifically dedicated to the architecture of Tomb 8, with the final chapter focusing on the proposed restoration of its built portico, which is topped by a pediment. The Tombs of the Kings Excavations undertaken by the Department of Antiquities under the author’s direction between 1977 and 1990 at the north necropolis of Pafos have opened a window into the hitherto unknown history of Hellenistic Pafos. The excavations were supplemented by investigations of the city walls, particularly the North West (NW) gate, to establish the connection between the city and the necropolis. Several sites within the city walls also became the focus of investigation regarding the implementation of the Master Plan to create the Pafos Archaeological Park. As a result of 14 seasons of excavation, a significant part of the necropolis, including five monumental hypogea with peristyle atria and one tumulus, was investigated and some have been partially restored. The impressive funerary monuments assigned to the Ptolemies are mostly found in Alexandria and Macedonia; in fact, they represent a blend of the two regions. The study of its architectural complexity and the variety of finds enrich the history of Pafos. The urban development of Pafos, the interaction of the necropolis with the city and its role in the history of Cypriot architecture in general are considered in this publication. The impressive architecture recovered at the site became the object of speculative interpretations, leaving the excavator no choice but to respond to those unsupported conclusions. A Monument of Exceptional Architecture Tomb 8 was first excavated in 1979 and immediately stood out for its monumental scale and distinctive design. Carved directly into the bedrock, the complex is organised around an open courtyard with four symmetrical wings and a prominent central rock-cut cube. Access to the tomb is provided through a monumental, stepped dromos, emphasising the monument’s grandeur and ceremonial character. Excavations revealed 18 burials, along with multiple chambers, loculi and pit graves. Many of the finds were exceptionally well preserved, offering valuable evidence of funerary practices, including the use of unguentaria, gold myrtle leaves and amphorae from Rhodes, which help date the phases of use and illustrate the trade networks of the time. One particularly notable discovery was a lead ash urn, indicating cremation – a practice rare in Cypriot contexts but well attested in the Macedonian world. This finding suggests cultural connections extending beyond the island and reflects the diverse influences present in Hellenistic Cyprus. Multicultural Influences and Ritual Practices The architecture of Tomb 8 combines Greek, Egyptian and Macedonian elements, reflecting the multicultural character of the Hellenistic Mediterranean. The central cube housed an elaborately constructed burial chamber distinguished by a Doric façade, strongly indicating that it was intended for an individual of high social or political status. An unusual and significant feature of the monument is the presence of a well in the design of the central structure. Accessed through a stepped alcove and equipped with a lighting shaft, the well may have been associated with ritual purification practices, similar to those documented in Alexandrian funerary monuments. Evidence from the burials indicates that the tomb remained in use over a long period, possibly across several generations. The diversity of burial methods – including the burial of an infant within a terracotta pipe – illustrates the variety of funerary customs practiced in the necropolis and the evolving nature of ritual traditions. Possible Royal Associations Among the most compelling elements supporting the significance of Tomb 8 is the discovery of two sculpted limestone falcons flanking the principal burial chambers. The falcon was closely associated with the Egyptian god Horus and symbolised royal authority, suggesting a possible connection between the tomb and the Ptolemaic administration or even members of the royal household. Cyprus played a crucial strategic and political role within the Ptolemaic kingdom, particularly during the late Hellenistic period. The island’s last Ptolemaic ruler, Ptolemy of Cyprus, was deposed by the Romans in 58 BC, marking a turning point in the island’s history. The author proposes that Tomb 8 may have been designed for a person of comparable rank or for the last king, Ptolemy of Cyprus (80–56 BC). An Enduring Landmark of Cypriot Heritage Today, Tomb 8 is regarded as one of the most significant archaeological monuments in Cyprus. Its unique architecture, potential royal connections and rich archaeological record provide invaluable insights into burial practices, cultural interaction and the broader history of the Hellenistic Mediterranean. PIO  The Chief Returning Officer of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Elikkos A. Elia, announces that the election results for the Maronite Religious Group Representative are as follows:
Registered voters: 4,624 Voted: 3,186 (68.90%) Abstention: 1,438 (31.10%) Valid: 3,125 (98.09%) Invalid: 34 (1.07%) Blank: 27 (0.84%) Distribution: MAVRIDES Marios: 1,519 (48,61%) NACOUZI Petros: 1,606 (51,39%) Based on the above results, Mr NACOUZI Petros has been elected as the Representative for the Maronite Religious Group of the House of Representatives; his election will be officially proclaimed on Monday, 25 May 2026, at 12:00, at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre.  The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, met today, 22 May 2026, with the Prime Minister of the Republic of India, Mr Narendra Modi, in New Delhi, in the framework of the President’s state visit to India.
 It is a distinct pleasure to be here today at the National Stock Exchange (NSE) of India, and to be here also at a time when Cyprus–India relations have gained a new momentum and increasing strategic depth.
That is precisely the reason that my day in Mumbai has been dedicated to discussions and very fruitful engagements aimed at seizing this momentum and strengthening the economic and business ties between Cyprus and India. And in this context, it is particularly fitting that I am visiting one of the world’s leading financial and market institutions, reflecting India’s strength, innovation and growing global economic role. Cyprus is a member of the European Union (EU) and the eurozone, with a modern and growing European economy. The country that currently holds the Presidency of the Council of the EU and in this capacity, we have placed strengthening EU–India relations at the forefront. In fact, the Free Trade Agreement was reached in the first month of the Cyprus Presidency. In essence, Cyprus combines European credibility and regulatory certainty with agility, connectivity and openness to global partnerships. Cyprus has also consistently acted as a trusted partner in a rapidly evolving region. In this regard, Cyprus serves as a natural gateway between India, Europe and the wider Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, combining political and economic stability with ambition, innovation and a future-focused outlook. I am very honoured to say that the Cyprus–India partnership is valuable to us. Building on the longstanding excellent relations between our countries, and following the historic visit of Prime Minister Modi to Cyprus last year and my own state visit today, the way forward is crystal clear: to enhance the excellent political relationship between Cyprus and India into even deeper business, investment and financial cooperation. To build stronger links between our business communities, encourage greater two-way investment and create new partnerships in areas such as financial services, technology, innovation, shipping, connectivity and energy. Cyprus is ready to play this role as a reliable European gateway for Indian businesses looking towards Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean region and the greater Middle East. This is precisely why initiatives such as the cooperation between the Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) and NSE International Exchange are so important. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between CSE and NSE International Exchange at GIFT City last year, during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Cyprus, marked an important milestone in strengthening the financial and investment ties between our two countries. More importantly, it reflects a shared ambition to create stronger links between the Indian and European financial ecosystems, opening new pathways for investment, capital markets cooperation and financial connectivity. Institutions such as the NSE of India can also play a very important role in shaping this new era of connectivity and facilitating the growing strategic partnership between the EU and India – creating significant opportunities for our economies, businesses and markets. Cyprus is uniquely positioned to help connect the two through a reliable, business-friendly and internationally connected environment, and ready to act as a gateway to the European market of more than 450 million consumers. As a partner that understands both the European framework and the global outlook of economies such as India. As a country that combines stability, credibility and openness to opportunity. India is one of the most dynamic economies in the world. Europe remains one of the world’s largest and most stable markets. The world’s two largest democracies – a combined market of two billion people. The two together translate into infinite opportunity. We look forward to realising these opportunities together  The mutual will for further enhancing the relations between Cyprus and Montenegro, both on a bilateral and a European level, was expressed today, during the remarks to the press by the President of the Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of Montenegro, Mr Jakov Milatović, who is paying a working visit to Cyprus.
 The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office officially dismissed claims about an alleged investigation into Olena Zelenska, the wife of the President of Ukraine. The anti-corruption agencies emphasized that this information is yet another example of the spread of Russian disinformation.
This is reported by Kyiv24 Anti-Corruption Agencies Refute Russian ClaimsIn their official comments, NABU and SAP stressed that they are not conducting any investigative or procedural actions regarding Olena Zelenska. The agencies emphasized that such statements are untrue and are part of a large-scale information campaign by the aggressor state aimed at undermining trust in Ukrainian institutions and destabilizing the situation in the country.  Two perpetrators of the murder of Chernivtsi criminal authority Yevhen Borshan, nicknamed "Pacha" - 41-year-old Bukovina native Vitaliy Hryhorkiv, nicknamed "Slipyy" and 48-year-old Frankivsk region native Oleh Mukha, were released from prison and are serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The information became public during the consideration of an appeal against the sentence of 44-year-old criminal authority Andriy Grek ("Grek"), who, as previously reported on the pages of Detective-Info , was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in prison for organizing the liquidation of a respected opponent of "Pachi". The case materials show that "Greek"'s defense vainly sought to overturn the verdict, citing, among other things, the "illegal refusal of the court of first instance" to grant the motion to question "Slipy" and Mukha as witnesses. According to the court registry, back in August 2024, the Rivne District Palace of Themis granted the request for parole from the state institution "Horodishche Correctional Colony No. 96" of the killer Mukha . At the end of October 2024, according to a similar procedure under the UDZ, Vitaliy Hryhorkiv was released from the state institution "Sokyryanska Correctional Colony No. 67" from serving a sentence for military service under a contract . In the fall of 2025, "Slipy" was "stopped" by law enforcement officers in Vinnytsia Region with claims of being behind the wheel while intoxicated. As a result of the incident, the deserving person was issued a fine and deprived of the right to drive vehicles for a year. Recall that Hryhorkiv and Mukha were once again taken into custody in the spring of 2020 as a result of the investigation into the audacious murder of Bukovina criminal authority Yevhen Borshan . "Pachu", as already noted on the pages of Detective-Info , "triggered" near the parking lot of the residential complex "Vodogray" on Vorobkevycha Street in Chernivtsi, in the afternoon of April 4, 2020. The investigation sees the authority "Grek" as the ideological inspirer of the "bloody vendetta" against his opponent, with whom Borshan had a tough conflict shortly before his death. In February 2021, the court determined the punishment for the "packaged" executors of the "thieves' liquidation". As already noted in the publications of Detective-Info , the killer Oleg Mukha received thirteen, and "Slipy" - twelve and a half years of imprisonment with confiscation of property. After Hryhorkiv was transferred to a penal colony, the already high-profile story continued. In particular, the thief in law Tengiz Charaya/Kukhilava ("Tengo Galsky"/"Tengo Pitersky") decided to join the "dissemination of the flights" surrounding the murder of "Pachi". According to the investigation , on the instructions of a representative of the highest caste of the criminal world, on the last day of July 2021, the then supervisor of the Sokyrianskaya VK, Dmytro Taran, arranged the beating of "Slipy". As a result of these events, "Tengo Pitersky" was suspected in absentia and put on the wanted list . As for the "watcher" Dmytro Taran, as previously reported on the pages of Detective-Info , in May 2024, the worthy person was sentenced to 9 years in prison for spreading criminal influence (Part 2 of Article 255-1 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine) and participating in a "prison meeting" (Part 1 of Article 255-2 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine). However, in the late autumn of the year before last, the appeals court overturned this sentence, and the proceedings were "lowered" to the court of first instance. antikor.ua  The Multinational Civil Military Cooperation Exercise (CIMIC) “ARGONAUT 2026” was successfully concluded today. The exercise was conducted across the maritime, aerial, and land domains of the Republic of Cyprus. It was carried out with the cooperation of the Ministries of Defence and Foreign Affairs, under the overall coordination of the National Guard, and with the participation of numerous government agencies, as well as aeronautical and naval assets from the Republic of Cyprus and foreign countries.
The exercise, which unfolded in three phases, involved the implementation and evaluation of the Special National Plans “ESTIA” and “TEFKROS,” which pertain to the reception of non-combatants from neighbouring conflict zones and the management of Mass Search and Rescue (SAR) incidents within the area of responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus. The first phase, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus and the National Guard, consisted of a tabletop simulation and the implementation of the “ESTIA” plan, which involved a scenario of evacuating and receiving non-combatants from a crisis area. A total of 16 governmental services of the Republic of Cyprus participated, alongside representatives from 29 countries and two international organisations participating in the Non-combatant Evacuation Operations Coordination Group (NEOCG). The second phase, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, involved a tabletop implementation of the “ESTIA” plan, focusing on the reception and management of mass arrivals of foreign nationals by the relevant Cypriot authorities. The third phase, part of which constituted the Distinguished Visitors Day (DV Day), was conducted on 13 and 14 May 2026 and focused on Search and Rescue operations under the coordination of the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) Larnaka. The scenarios included the management of naval and aircraft accidents in both the land and maritime domains of the Republic of Cyprus, with the implementation of the “TEFKROS” plan for handling mass rescue incidents. A total of 850 personnel and 28 aeronautical and naval assets from Cyprus, Egypt, France, Greece, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the State of Israel, Italy, and Spain participated in the exercise, along with representatives from private companies and a research and innovation institute. The SAR phase of the exercise was observed from the “ZENON” Coordination Centre by the Minister of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, the Minister of Justice and Public Order of the Republic of Cyprus, the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus, the Chief of the National Guard, Ambassadors and representatives of participating countries, as well as 140 observers from 31 nations and two international organisations. The testing of the Special National Plans provided a valuable opportunity to implement and further improve the response capabilities, coordination mechanisms, and interoperability among all participating entities, as well as to evaluate the operational procedures of the competent services in managing scenarios involving mass reception of non-combatants. The successful execution of the exercise, with the participation of a large number of personnel and assets from foreign countries, once again highlighted the key role of the Republic of Cyprus as an international hub for supporting humanitarian operations and a pillar of stability and cooperation during crises in the wider Middle East region.  The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU celebrated Europe Day by honouring students from primary, secondary, technical and special schools who participated in school competitions and by announcing scholarships offered by universities, on the occasion of the Republic of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026.
The event took place at the Presidential Palace, in Lefkosia, under the title “Youth at the Heart of an Autonomous Union”. The main speaker was the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and in attendance were the Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Athena Michaelidou, and the Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna. Approximately 250 students from primary, secondary, technical and special schools participated. The distinguished students, who participated in art and creative competitions held in schools, were announced during thew event. These competitions were organised in schools through the cooperation of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus and the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. The aim of the competitions was to raise awareness among young people of the EU and the significance of Cyprus holding the Presidency of the Council of the EU, as well as of the benefits for young people arising from the country’s status as a member state of the EU. “Through art, design and creativity, you showcased your imagination, sensitivity, your visions and your European identity, proving that the younger generation does not simply observe developments but, as it should, shapes them with thought and creativity.” Nikos Christodoulides President of the Republic of Cyprus The winners of the competition entitled “I Create the Children’s Logo of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026” were announced and their creations were used for the creation of the Presidency’s 2026 calendar. The distinguished students of the Fine Arts and Applied Arts competition entitled “Europe in Cyprus” were also announced, as well as the students who created special commemorative gifts for the Cyprus Presidency: bookmarks, desk creations, and packages for the handmade preparation of the traditional Cypriot delicacy “pastellaki.” Both the Presidency calendars and the commemorative gifts were offered to the Ministers of the member states who participated in informal ministerial meetings held in Cyprus within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency. At the same time, an exhibition of 25 student works from the Fine Arts competition was presented during the informal Council of Education ministers. “We felt deeply moved because, through your actions, you conveyed in the best possible way the vision, aspirations and goals of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. We felt proud of the gifts prepared by the Special Schools with great care and sensitivity, proving that inclusion is not simply a slogan. It is an act.” Dr Athena Michaelidou Minister of Education, Sport and Youth of the Republic of Cyprus In addition, the students and schools distinguished for the creation of Green Living Sculptures were announced. Their creations are exhibited in areas of the Presidential Palace and the Filoxenia Conference Centre. An important part of the event was the announcement of the offer of 93 scholarships for the academic year 2026-2027 by university institutions in Cyprus, on the occasion of the Cyprus Presidency. The scholarships were offered by the University of Cyprus, University of Nicosia, Frederick University, University of Limassol, Neapolis University Pafos, and UCLan Cyprus, within the framework of strengthening the Presidency’s priority in the field of education and supporting the younger generation. “Europe is, above all, a project that works when it moves forward, toward the future, just like you, who always look ahead. It is no coincidence that, as a Government, we choose every year to celebrate Europe Day together with you.” Marilena Raouna Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus The event took place on Europe Day as a strong symbol of the special importance of the EU in the lives of young people, since the younger generation constitutes the driving force for the future of Europe. EU offers young people significant opportunities in education, mobility, employment and participation in public affairs, strengthening their knowledge, skills and European awareness. These are values in which the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU is investing.  We, Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein, King of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Nikos Christodoulides, President of the Republic of Cyprus, and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, met in Amman on 6 May 2026 for the 5th Trilateral Summit within the trilateral mechanism framework, to review the course of our partnership and assess the progress achieved since the Summit held in Nicosia in November 2024.
 Telecommunication and Digital Policy ministers convened in Lefkosia, for the informal telecommunications meeting held on 29-30 April in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU).
The meeting focused on three key areas that remain among the most pressing and persistent priorities of Europe’s digital agenda. While recognising the significant progress that has been achieved so far, ministers emphasised the need for further political guidance and practical steps to advance collective implementation. The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, stated that the objective of today’s meeting was to focus more specifically on implementing policy decisions and ensuring that policy frameworks are operational. “Europe does not lack strategy, comprehensive frameworks or political drive. We must now deliver at scale. Ultimately, this is what matters for Europe’s future: for our competitiveness, our resilience and our strategic autonomy.” Nicodemos Damianou Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus The first item on the agenda addressed accelerating the uptake of artificial intelligence across the EU. Ministers acknowledged that strong foundations are already in place and welcomed the progress achieved to date. Discussions emphasised the importance of focusing on the practical application of AI, alongside continued investment in capacity, infrastructure and skills, as a key strategic direction for Europe’s leadership in the field. The second session focused on the protection of minors online, an issue of growing concern and particular importance across all member states and within the European Commission. Ministers stressed the need for greater coherence, coordination and strategic alignment, while acknowledging the robust regulatory framework already in place. Discussions also explored a harmonised EU-level approach on issues such as the digital age of majority, which could enhance legal certainty and ensure a consistent level of protection across the Digital Single Market. Ministers also took note of the recent progress on age verification solutions at EU level, referring to the EU Age verification blueprint as an important step forward. Discussions highlighted the need to focus on scale, consistency and effective deployment, to ensure effective implementation by digital platforms. Discussions concluded with a working lunch dedicated to the protection of Europe’s critical infrastructures and the strengthening of collective resilience. Ministers highlighted the growing interdependence across critical sectors, including digital, energy, transport and health, where disruptions can rapidly cascade across borders. Strengthening coordination between member states was identified as essential for ensuring coherent preparedness and response. Reflecting on the discussions, Dr Nicodemos Damianou highlighted the strong engagement of all the participants, noting that “Europe has set the direction – now we must accelerate delivery”. Overall, the exchanges reaffirmed the commitment of the EU member states and institutions to deepening cooperation, reinforcing mutual trust and driving innovation at scale, firmly anchored in the EU’s fundamental values and objectives. See the relevant photos on the Cyprus Presidency’s Flickr account.  The Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, representing the Council of the European Union (EU), delivered a statement during the Plenary debate, on Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, at the European Parliament, on 28 April 2026, in Strasbourg. The full text of her statement is as follows:
“Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine over the past four years, has led to immense suffering for the civilian population in Ukraine. Reports from international bodies, human rights organisations and various governments indicate that Russia has systematically violated international humanitarian law during its ongoing aggression in Ukraine, targeting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including facilities producing energy and heat. In fact, last winter, cold weather was purposely weaponised in Ukraine. Honourable Members, Our continued firm and unwavering support for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity remains essential. For the Cyprus Presidency, supporting Ukraine on all fronts and delivering on key files in this regard, has been a key priority. Cyprus has a first-hand understanding of the devastating consequences of invasion and occupation on civilians. The EU aims for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based firmly on international law, on the United Nations (UN) Charter, and the core principle that borders cannot change by force. Any peace deal must also provide robust security guarantees to prevent future conflicts. Full accountability for all international crimes and other violations of international law committed in connection with Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, must also be ensured. We welcome in this regard that over the past months important progress has been made, notably in relation to the International Claims Commission and the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine. We are confident that both initiatives will be ready ahead of the Chisinau Ministerial Meeting of the Council of Europe on the 14th and 15th of May. As co-legislators, we have paved the way to provide Ukraine with a support loan of €90 billion for this year and next year. The Cyprus Presidency worked intensively and diligently to translate the political decision into a concrete deliverable. This was secured ahead of the Informal European Council last week in Cyprus. The Ukraine Support Loan will ensure that Ukraine can meet its urgent budgetary and defence needs and enable Ukraine to remain resilient in the face of ongoing and increased Russian attacks. It is now important to ensure the swift implementation of the loan. Also last week, the Council adopted the 20th sanctions package. These sanctions aim to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, constrain its banking system, curb shadow fleets and include the element of anti-circumvention. And finally, let us not forget the Ukrainian children that Russia has unlawfully deported and forcibly transferred to Russia and the occupied territories. Many of the estimated 20,000 children have been forced to change their identity and placed for adoption. International efforts have led to around 2,100 of them being returned to Ukraine. We cannot cease in our efforts in this regard. We look to the High-Level Meeting of the International Coalition for the Return of Ukrainian Children in May that the EU co-hosts together with Canada and Ukraine, to advance concrete actions to secure the safe return of these children. Thank you very much for your attention.” The Deputy Minister for European Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, Ms Marilena Raouna, representing the Council of the European Union (EU), delivered a statement during the Plenary debate, on the discharge to the Commission for the implementation of the budget for the year 2024, at the European Parliament, on 28 April 2026 in Strasbourg. The full text of her statement is as follows:
“It is an honour to represent the Council of the EU in this important debate today and present our recommendation on the discharge to the Commission for the implementation of the budget for the year 2024. The Council shares the great importance attached by the European Parliament to the discharge exercise. It is key to accountability that EU funds are used in accordance with the applicable rules, and that expenditure respects the principles of sound financial management. In this regard, on 17 February, the Council adopted its recommendation to grant discharge to the Commission, while acknowledging areas that require improvement, some of which are also identified by the European Parliament. In particular, the Council is concerned that for the sixth year running, the Court of Auditors’ opinion on expenditure is unfavourable, and the overall error rate continues to be above the materiality threshold. At the same time, an improvement from previous years is noted. I would like to highlight two elements of the Council’s recommendation. Firstly, the Council welcomes the fact that in 2024, the error rate has decreased by two percentage points. The Council considers that it would be appropriate to grant discharge to the Commission in respect of the implementation of the budget for the financial year 2024, recognising the efforts of the management and control authorities, both at Commission and member state level. Clearly, efforts are necessary by all stakeholders to continue working together towards bringing the error rate further down. In this regard, the Council aligns with the European Parliament in stressing that in order to achieve a decrease in the error rate and ensure the effective and correct management of EU funds, simpler, more transparent and more predictable legislation and implementing measures should remain a top priority. At the same time, this should not mean lowering the standards needed for accountability. Regarding transparency, the Council regrets the difficulties encountered by the Court in getting access to documents from some international organisations, which consequently impact the Court’s capability to carry out their audit. My second point relates to the chapter dedicated to the Resilience and Recovery Facility in the Court’s report, which was thoroughly examined by the Council. The Council took good note of the findings. Here as well, simplification and clarification of the regulations on the performance model, coupled with application of the principle of proportionality in the performance of controls, can foster improvements and reduce administrative burden. The instrument comes to its end in the coming months and the lessons learned will hopefully benefit future work. Finally, I would like to point out that the Council underlines the importance of the performance of the EU budget and its assessment, since it represents a measure of the value delivered by the EU. Therefore, the Council systematically calls for an increase of focus on result-based performance indicators that can be directly linked to the EU actions, with the aim of simplification and reducing administrative burden. Thank you very much for your attention.”  Opening Address by the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy of the Republic of Cyprus, Dr Nicodemos Damianou, at the 12th International Conference on Remote Sensing and Geoinformation of the Environment
 From Lefkosia, Europe’s last divided capital, EU leaders called for a stronger and more coordinated European response to the current challenging geopolitical environment.
At the press conference following the informal meeting of the members of the European Council held in Cyprus on 23-24 April 2026, the President of the European Council, Mr António Costa, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, and the President of the European Commission, Ms Ursula von der Leyen, outlined the discussions and presented the main conclusions from two-day meeting. “Our meeting in Cyprus, in the current context, carries an important symbolism. It demonstrates the EU’s firm and unequivocal support to member states most affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” António Costa President of the European Council The meeting highlighted Europe’s role as an active geopolitical player, working to contain regional instability, support peace efforts and protect its economic and security interests through coordinated action. “We know very well that we cannot fund the security and prosperity of the future with the tools of the past. To give true substance to our sovereignty, we must have the financial backbone to support it.” Nikos Christodoulides President of the Republic of Cyprus “Signing the ‘One Europe, One Market’ roadmap is not the end, but the beginning of some better, more and hard work to deliver.” Ursula von der Leyen President of the European Commission For the Statements by the President of the Republic of Cyprus following the Informal Meeting of Heads of State or Government, click here. See photos from the meeting on the Cyprus Presidency’s Flickr account.  How does the apartment of Dmytro Vasylchenkov, who carried out a mass shooting in Kyiv yesterday and was himself killed by the police, look like? As a reminder, he also set fire to his apartment. antikor.ua "This is the path to religious war": Tucker Carlson criticized Trump for mocking Islam and Allah8/4/2026  American journalist Tucker Carlson warned that Trump's mockery of Allah could provoke a religious war.
"Who do you think you are? You're posting a tweet with swear words on Easter morning? 'You're going to hell. You'll see. Praise be to Allah' (the approximate text of Trump's statement (on Sunday - Ed.). It's clear that you're mocking Iran's religion. If you want a religious war, that's a great idea," Carlson noted. In his opinion, with such words, Trump also insults Christianity, undermining "the very essence of faith." "The basic idea of any religion generally echoes the biblical message: you are not God. Only someone who considers themselves God can speak like that. This is a mockery of me and all Christians. This is evil," the former Trump supporter emphasized antikor.ua  Five months ago, Switzerland stopped providing shelter to Ukrainians from seven regions in the west of the country. Since then, 104 refugees have received deportation orders and about 150 people have left the country on their own.
This was reported by the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation . It is noted that in total, Switzerland has provided temporary asylum to about 70 thousand Ukrainian citizens. What is happening to refugees in Switzerland? New migration rules have been in effect in Switzerland since November 1, 2025. During this time, almost 400 Ukrainian citizens have been denied S status, including: 270 – new applicants; 303 – individuals who submitted their applications by November 1. They all came to this country from the following regions: Volyn; Rivne; Lviv; Ternopil; Transcarpathian; Ivano-Frankivsk; Chernivtsi. Thus, as of the end of February: 104 deportation orders were issued; 29 of them have become legally binding; more than 20 are awaiting a decision from the Federal Administrative Court; 84 applications were withdrawn; 145 people voluntarily left the country; 20 applicants received a positive decision. In general, after the change in Switzerland's migration policy, the number of asylum applications from residents of western regions began to decline. In particular, the number of asylum applications from Ukrainians from Transcarpathia fell by 50%. Deportation decisions are made on an individual basis. The State Secretariat for Migration (SEM), which is responsible for deciding whether to grant S status or not, says that the review of the evidence provided has become more time-consuming due to the new circumstances. Each case of refusal is considered individually to determine whether deportation to Ukraine is justified. In addition, the state agency assures that the lists of regions that are not eligible for S status are constantly reviewed and updated as necessary. However, since the Swiss Federal Council decided to rewrite the migration rules on October 8, this list has remained unchanged. antikor.ua  Greek tourism remained resilient, as Greece’s National Tourism Organization (GNTO) said overall demand for the country as a travel destination remains solid, despite rising energy costs and airfare prices weighing on European household budgets.
GNTO Secretary-General Andreas Fiorentinos convened a videoconference with the heads of the organization’s 14 overseas offices to assess the impact of the Middle East conflict on tourism trends and outline strategies for further developing Greece’s international appeal. Officials said the principal concern across nearly all markets is the rising cost of air travel, which is directly affecting consumers’ ability to plan holidays. Inflationary pressures have made the average European family more cautious about vacation spending, the briefing found. Despite those headwinds, GNTO said Greece’s overall image remains positive, with growing interest in lesser-known destinations. Chalkidiki and the Ionian Islands were singled out as areas of particular momentum. From June 6, five additional weekly flights to Crete will be added, with new routes to Kefalonia and the Peloponnese also in the pipeline. Market-by-Market Snapshot Arrivals from the Americas rose 37% in January 2026, with airlines reporting higher load factors on direct flights. The United Kingdom market remains positive, with major carriers expanding their Greece schedules, though concerns persist over the war’s impact on disposable income. German travelers are increasingly redirecting from long-haul destinations to Europe, with Greece seen as a safe option for family holidays, and a clear shift is being recorded from war-affected regions toward Greece. Italian travelers are adopting a wait-and-see posture ahead of potential economic fallout, though island Greece remains a top summer choice. France shows a positive outlook with stepped-up promotional activity. Scandinavian operators are redirecting capacity toward Greece with new flights, and Australia’s market shows positive sentiment, with transit connections through the Middle East cited as the main concern. China reports no significant issues beyond ticket price increases. Source: tovima.com  For years Artificial Intelligence has been quietly operating in the background, improving the efficiency of different systems or performing complex calculations. For us humans, it has simply been residing in our pockets without us realizing its true capabilities.
From voice assistants to spell checkers, AI has mostly been used for everyday tasks. Nowadays, this technology has leapt into research laboratories, space agencies and even the military transforming the Aerospace sector in every possible way. It has provided new solutions to long-term problems and has shortened operating times by several orders of magnitude. Science: Going where humans cannot In December 2025, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory handed over the control of the Mars Perseverance Rover to an AI. Specifically, Anthropic’s AI model was tasked with creating possible routes for the Rover to explore Mars’ Jezero Crater. The AI tool used was Claude, the same model that millions of people use to answer everyday questions, create PowerPoint presentations or even find new recipes. Claude was given satellite images of the Martian surface and asked to construct a 400-meter drive-path through the rocky surface of the red planet. Only minor adjustments were made, and the plan was sent millions of kilometers away. According to NASA, the AI model managed to cut planning time by half, meaning that more time and workforce could be spent on the Science and Discovery part of the mission itself. Defense: A pilot that never blinks In air-to-air combat, the numbers are unforgiving. A human pilot can react in about 200 milliseconds – approximately the time it takes for one to blink. An AI model, however, can reduce this time to just microseconds – a thousand times faster. DARPA, the US Department tasked with creating new technologies for National Security, used this opportunity and in September 2023 ran a live test of an AI controlled fighter jet. The X-62A VISTA, a remodeled F-16 fighter jet, engaged a human pilot in an aerial combat situation, known as a dogfight, and managed to perform complicated aerodynamic maneuvers at a combined speed of 1200 mph. The machine first flew defensively, then offensively and not once did it require the safety pilot’s intervention to take back control. Commercial Aviation: Behind the scenes of every take-off Aviation, an industry obsessed with safety and efficiency, has taken both to the next level using Artificial Intelligence. Rolls-Royce, in cooperation with Microsoft, has managed to create a system that monitors 10,000+ parameters per aircraft engine in real time. As such they have succeeded in preventing a large number of unplanned maintenance events, saving millions in repairs while also saving precious time. Alaska Airlines on the other hand managed to save 1.2 million gallons of fuel using an AI model by Flyways AI. This model associated with flight planning and route optimization, reduced Alaska Airlines’ CO2 emissions by 11,958 megatons, helping the airline get closer to their goal of being the most fuel-efficient airline in the US. Greece: The Aegean needs smarter skies Greece has been moving quietly in aerospace, but faster than many realize. In 2023 the Hellenic Aerospace Industry (HAI) unveiled ARCHYTAS II – an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), domestically produced, as an answer to Turkey’s Bayraktar TB2 drone. Although the program faced serious setbacks and was almost cancelled, it was redesigned to meet the evolving needs of modern battlefields and remains of interest to the Hellenic Airforce. This is just one of the example measures Greece has taken to develop and modernize its aerospace defense sector. Others include making a mobile 3D-Printing production line for drones or signing a deal for French built patrol and surveillance drones. However, there is a gap between building and acquiring drones, and making them smarter. Nations that thrive in the field are not the ones that just expand their arsenal of vehicles, they are the ones that invest in integrating Artificial Intelligence into them. Greece has the universities, the research capabilities and the operational conditions to develop and integrate AI driven aerospace systems. It just has to take the first step. * By George Lazarakos, who is an IB student at Athens College, with a strong interest in aerospace engineering.  Greece celebrates its Independence Day on March 25, a date long associated with the start of the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule in 1821. However, historians note that the revolution actually began weeks earlier, in mid-February, and unfolded across multiple regions in a series of uprisings rather than a single event.
On February 22, 1821, Alexander Ypsilantis, leader of the secret revolutionary organization Philiki Eteria, launched the first military actions in the Danubian Principalities, though these initial efforts did not succeed. Around the same time, early revolts were beginning in Greece itself. Key moments in the Peloponnese included the first shots fired in Kalavryta on March 21 and the blessing of arms by Patriarch Germanos of Patras on March 22. By March 23, revolutionary forces led by Theodoros Kolokotronis and Maniates had liberated the city of Kalamata. In the Mani region, pivotal coordination efforts took place on March 17. Papaflessas (Grigorios Dikaios), acting on behalf of Ypsilantis, persuaded local leaders, including Petrobey Mavromichalis, to join the uprising. Oaths of commitment to “faith and homeland” were sworn, famously including the motto “Victory or Death.” So why March 25? While the revolution began earlier, March 25 was symbolically significant. It coincided with the Greek Orthodox celebration of the Annunciation and was also the day that independence was officially proclaimed in 1822. The date was formalized as the national holiday in 1838, following a royal decree, and has since been observed as Greece’s official Independence Day. Historical accounts describe public celebrations in Athens, including a notable moment when an elderly woman insisted on leading the dance in honor of her sons’ sacrifices for freedom. Source: tovima.com  Google has signed new agreements with five U.S. power companies to manage electricity consumption at its data centers during periods of peak demand, the company announced Thursday. The deals span states from Arkansas to Minnesota and aim to secure reliable energy for Google’s rapidly expanding, energy-intensive operations.
As artificial intelligence technologies drive growing demand for computing power, energy access has become a major hurdle for tech companies. Data centers, where vast server warehouses operate around the clock, require massive electricity loads—especially during peak grid periods on extremely hot or cold days. Demand response agreements Under the new “demand response” arrangements, Google will temporarily reduce power usage at select data centers when the electrical grid is under stress. Michael Terrell, head of Google’s advanced energy division, described the agreements as “a critical tool to meet future energy demand.” Utilities and grid operators maintain additional reserves and often enter long-term contracts with large energy consumers—ranging from manufacturers to cryptocurrency miners—to limit power use during high-demand periods. Expanding utility partnerships The latest contracts include Entergy Arkansas, Minnesota Power, and DTE Energy, complementing prior agreements with Indiana Michigan Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority. Collectively, these arrangements give Google up to one gigawatt of controllable data center electricity during peak periods—a capacity sufficient to power roughly 750,000 households. This strategy reflects the increasing importance of energy management for tech companies, as new power infrastructure often takes years to build. By partnering with utilities for peak-demand reductions, Google seeks to maintain uninterrupted operations while contributing to grid stability. Source: tovima.com |
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