Unemployment in the first quarter reached 8.6% of the labour force, data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) show.

Monday marks International Blood Donor Volunteer Day and the Presidency congratulated all those who made it possible for Cyprus to rank first among EU countries for volunteer blood donations in proportion to its population.

The Cyprus Ministry of Health reiterated that benefits from Covid vaccinations are multiple leading to the improvement of the island’s epidemiological picture, but underline the need for accelerating vaccinations especially among younger persons as imperative.

Health Minister Constantinos Ioannou is calling on Covid survivors in the Republic of Cyprus to get vaccinated, saying vaccines offer protection.

The epidemiological picture of Cyprus is what concerns Moscow which has sent a questionnaire regarding the country’s coronavirus state of play before it gives the green light for chartered flights to begin.

The parliament’s first female speaker, 35-year-old Annita Demetriou, is a big victory for women but also for ruling Democratic Rally party which got most of the seats in May 31’s elections.

With demand on the rise in Cyprus and abroad for private jet travel, Zela is offering individual private jet flights to popular destinations.

Motor vehicle registrations declined by an annual 7.8% in May, although total sales rose by 9.8% in the first five months of 2021, reflecting the improved Covid pandemic outlook.

The funding opportunities arising from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan were presented during an online event entitled "Redefining the Future: Transition to a More Competitive and Green Economy" organised by EY Cyprus, with the support of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), on Tuesday, June 8th.

The elderly might need to get a third Covid-19 vaccine jab in the autumn as it remains unclear how long immunity lasts after vaccination, a government advisor said.