Recent developments in Cyprus: politics, economy, and healthcare

The Cypriot parliament is drafting legislation to regulate nicotine pouches, including taxes and a ban on sales to minors. Meanwhile, the EU has transferred €21.2 million to Cyprus under the NextGenerationEU recovery fund to support administrative and environmental reforms. In public health, the government approved the creation of a National Oncology Institute to coordinate cancer care and research. Political tensions have risen as Annita Demetriou, Speaker of the House, demanded the resignation of Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou due to the handling of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in the Larnaca district that has led to the culling of over 13,000 animals. Additionally, the European Commission has officially closed its infringement case regarding the former 'golden passport' investment scheme following the program's termination in 2020. The Department of Forestry is hosting free events from March 20 to 22 at Troodos and Cavo Greco centers to mark the International Day of Forests. Finally, authorities have banned private drone flights in occupied territories, and legal proceedings are underway regarding a rally held in a state forest.