In what is being seen as a giant step forward, Cyprus is set to be ‘remade’ in the coming years through €1 billion in grants – not loans – from the European Recovery Plan, according to documents seen exclusively by the Cyprus Mail.

Cyprus is ranked number seven on the list of EU member states when it comes to the number of pharmacists per inhabitant, Eurostat reported on Friday.

Hellenic Bank reported a lower first half net profit of EUR 17.7 million, impacted by the coronavirus pandemic, down from EUR 58.3 million in the same period last year.

Total deposits rose in the Cyprus banking sector in August with the outstanding amount reaching €47.9 billion, according to data released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Retail trade in Cyprus excluding motor vehicles showed signs of recovery reflecting the increase of economic recovery following the lifting of restrictions to combat the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Hoteliers Association sprinkled a message of hope on Cypriots and visitors to the island, promising to intensify efforts for a successful tourism year in 2021, as well as saving what’s left of this season.

The founding members of the East Mediterranean Gas Forum (EMGF): Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Israel, Italy, Jordan and the Palestinian Authority, signed the statute establishing the body as a regional intergovernmental forum based in Cairo, during an online ceremony on Tuesday 22 September 2020.

Minister of Health, Constantinos Ioannou, said on Thursday that the goal is not to impose strict measures but rather to make people understand that they must observe the health protocols issued to limit the spread of COVID-19.

A significant decline in building permits was recorded in the first six months due to the restrictive coronavirus measures but data for June shows signs of an economic upswing driven by demand in Nicosia.

Paphos has been included in Ryanair’s flight programme from Paris Beauvais Airport with two flights a week from December, which was on Thursday described as a particularly positive development by airport operator Hermes.