Cyprus’ fire service has refuted Eurostat’s figures showing firefighters make up around 0.4% of the workforce as it would translate into 1,622 personnel which is not the case.

Cyprus’ trade deficit increased by €1.12 billion during the first half of 2022, when compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, according to data released on Tuesday by the Cyprus Statistical Service.

The Association of Cyprus Tourist Enterprises (Stek) on Tuesday called on the state to intervene so that the issue of noise pollution in tourist areas is quelled, alleging that Cyprus’ tourist product is in immediate danger.

Cyprus has the second highest percentage of professional firefighters in the EU, according to a study published on Tuesday by Eurostat, covering data from 2021.

Cypriot authorities managed to return 3,500 irregular immigrants in the first half of 2022, placing Cyprus as the top EU country in migrant send backs compared to its population, said Interior Minister Nicos Nouris.

The digital security authority issued online safety advice to businesses on Monday, citing a Eurobarometer report that showed more small and medium sized (SMEs) establishments in Cyprus fell victim to different types of cybercrime than the EU average.

The government spent an additional €2 billion in the past two and a half years to support the economy struck by the coronavirus pandemic, which subsequently suffered blows from the Ukraine war and sanctions on Russia.

The Health Ministry announced that the operation of rapid test centers in malls and supermarkets will end.

An initiative is underway to find and rescue historical material on the island’s primary and secondary schools with a view to setting up an educational history archive at the Cyprus research centre.

The butchers’ association on Tuesday warned that a 30% increase in the wholesale cost of veal and beef announced by cattle breeders will impact retail sales, with knock-on negative implications for both consumers and butchers.