Moody’s says war is weakening Israel’s economy

Moody’s Ratings has cut its forecast for Israel’s economic growth in 2026, warning that fragile ceasefires and continued geopolitical uncertainty are weighing on the country’s recovery and public finances.  In its latest assessment, the agency said Israel’s economy is now expected to grow by 3.7 per cent this year, down sharply from the 5 per cent forecast issued in […]

Court to decide whether Phedonos case will be heard behind closed doors

The Paphos criminal court will on Thursday decide whether the trial of suspended Paphos mayor Phedonas Phedonos, who stands accused of rape and domestic abuse, will be heard behind closed doors. Phedonos pleaded not guilty to all charges last month, having been charged with five counts of rape, indecent assault, actual bodily harm, and administering […]

More than 500 feared dead after boats carrying refugees sink off Myanmar, UN says

Two boats carrying more than 500 people may have capsized off Myanmar’s coast in recent days, UN agencies said on Thursday, as refugees from the war-torn country make perilous maritime journeys in search of safety and better lives. The two vessels left Myanmar’s Rakhine State in late June carrying mostly ethnic minority Rohingya passengers, reportedly […]

Guterres to visit Cyprus

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is to visit Cyprus before the end of this month, the Cyprus Mail understands. Competent sources have informed the Cyprus Mail that Guterres will make a two-day visit to the island on July 27 and July 28 alongside his undersecretary-general for peacebuilding Rosemary DiCarlo and his undersecretary-general for peace operations […]

Today’s weather: Hot and sunny again

Thursday’s weather will be mostly hot and sunny across most of the island, with temperatures set to rise to 40 degrees Celsius inland, 32 degrees Celsius on the southwest and west coasts, 34 degrees Celsius on the rest of the coasts, and 30 degrees Celsius in the mountains. That sunny weather may be somewhat tempered […]

High-demand Protaras holiday homes, just minutes from the beach, from €168K + VAT

Home to some of Europe’s most spectacular beaches, Protaras has long been one of Cyprus’ most sought-after destinations for those dreaming of owning a holiday home by the sea. In recent years, the area has evolved into a thriving investment destination, driven by major infrastructure projects, contemporary residential developments and a transformation that continues to […]

England’s long wait to win the World Cup—or even reach another final—will continue after holders Argentina came from behind to beat the Three Lions 2-1 in Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta. England appeared on course to end a drought stretching back to their only World Cup triumph in 1966 when Anthony Gordon fired Thomas Tuchel’s side […]

US launches multiple strikes on Iran, which retaliates against US targets in region

The U.S. launched two waves of attacks on Iran’s coastal defenses and missile sites on Wednesday after reimposing a naval blockade of its ports, while Iran struck back by targeting U.S. military sites in neighboring countries in what it called an “existential war” with America. The latest escalation comes days after a fragile truce collapsed, […]

AI platform aims to streamline marketing workflows for businesses in Cyprus

It often starts with something simple. A flyer that needs to go out, a brochure that has been sitting in a folder, a presentation that must look sharper, or a month of social media posts that nobody in the team has time to design. For many businesses, especially smaller ones, the problem is not the […]

Cyprus Business Now: start up, tourism, shipping, CTC, CySEC, electricity

The association of Cyprus tourist enterprises (Stek) on Wednesday said a recent Audit Office report has confirmed its long-standing concerns over short-term holiday rentals, renewing calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the legislation governing the sector. The association said the Audit Office’s findings demonstrate that weaknesses in the supervision and enforcement of online short-term rental platforms pose significant […]

Netflix under pressure to prove growth strategy in second-quarter results

Netflix is under pressure to reassure investors about its growth strategy when it reports second-quarter results later on Thursday, as its ​user engagement has faltered amid growing competition from traditional media ‌players, YouTube and mobile viewing. The streaming giant has shed over a fifth of its value this year due to doubts about its growth […]

What’s on this weekend

Nicosia district The 27th Constantia Summer Film Marathon has returned for its 2026 edition and until mid-September it will host outdoor film screenings from Wednesday to Sunday. On Friday, the Greek film Kapodistrias will be screened, followed by the awarded Indian film Girls Will Be Girls on Saturday and the historical drama The Cut on […]

Lionsgate Studios explores potential sale amid renewed takeover interest

Lionsgate Studios (LION.N), the entertainment company behind the “Hunger Games” and “John Wick” franchises, is exploring a sale and has attracted takeover interest from France’s Bollore Group (BOLL.PA), as consolidation accelerates across the media industry, three people familiar with the matter said. The company, which has ​a market value of about $3.8 billion, has been […]

UK banks face cybersecurity risks amid restricted access to Anthropic’s Mythos

UK banks’ inability to access Anthropic’s ​powerful AI model Mythos emphasises the urgent need for Britain to build its own AI capabilities and adopt a more strategic ‌approach to the technology, a government-appointed banking sector adviser said. Harriet Rees, the Starling Bank chief information officer who was appointed “AI champion” by the finance ministry in […]

Police back restrictions on Waze app over road safety concerns

Police have reiterated their opposition to navigation apps that alert motorists to the location of speed cameras and police checkpoints, although officials say they have received no formal notification of any European move to restrict such services. The comments came on Wednesday following recent reports about a European Court of Justice ruling permitting member states […]

Our View: Half a century too late to cosy up to the West

For the last half-century, every year, on July 15 we hear and read the same narratives about the Greek Junta-inspired coup against President Makarios, which gave Turkey the pretext to invade Cyprus five days later. Apart from the obligatory outrage, justifiably, expressed by Akel about the right-wing governments honouring the Greek Cypriot commandos who fell […]

England stunned by late Argentina comeback

Holders Argentina beat England 2-1 on Wednesday to reach the World Cup final where they will face Spain after coming from behind to snatch victory with a stoppage-time goal from substitute Lautaro Martinez in a highly-charged encounter. Lionel Messi again proved the talisman for Argentina as he provided the pass for Enzo Fernandez to strike […]

Akel’s Stefanou says bizonal federation remains only path to reunification

Akel secretary-general Stefanos Stefanou said on Wednesday that a bizonal, bicommunal federation (BBF) remains the only realistic framework for ending the Turkish occupation and reunifying Cyprus, warning that abandoning the agreed basis for a settlement would lead to the permanent partition of the island. Speaking at an event in Idalion marking the anniversaries of the […]

Fire near Polis Chrysochous brought under control

A wildfire that broke out on Wednesday afternoon in a reed bed near Polis Chrysochous in the Paphos district has been brought under control after burning around eight decares of land, the fire service said. Fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis said five fire engines from the Polis Chrysochous, Stroumbi and Peyia stations were deployed to […]

Cyprus, UK to upgrade strategic dialogue following London talks

Cyprus and the United Kingdom have agreed to upgrade their strategic dialogue, strengthen cooperation on developments in the Middle East and advance discussions on issues concerning the British bases, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said on Wednesday following an official visit to London. During the visit, Kombos held meetings with the UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper […]

EU opens nine infringement procedures against Cyprus over delayed directives

The European Commission opened nine new infringement procedures against Cyprus on Wednesday over the country’s failure to fully and promptly transpose a series of EU directives into national law. The cases cover labour migration, environmental protection, the transport of dangerous goods, capital markets, financial services, hazardous substances in electronic equipment, agriculture, equality bodies and the […]

Trump says ICE won’t halt traffic stops after recent fatal shootings

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday said federal immigration agents won’t end vehicle stops, one day after officials announced a temporary pause in such stops after agents fatally shot two men in Texas and Maine. “We must be strong, tough, and smart, and we CANNOT give up one of I.C.E.’s most important and effective Crime […]

Three day cinema extravaganza in Cyprus village

Think that the cultural calendar is only lively in the city? Think again. Devoted cultural lovers are busy organising summer events in every corner of the island and the Peristerona Youth Council bring three days of cinema this summer. The 4th Summer Cinema of Peristerona is about to kick off, filling the summer nights with […]

US launches new strikes against Iran as escalation threatens shipping

The U.S. conducted a new wave of strikes against Iran’s coastal defence systems and missile sites on Wednesday after reimposing a naval blockade of Iranian ports, while Iran threatened to shut off more regional energy exports. The daytime strikes mark the latest escalation of attacks and counterattacks launched by the two sides as they vie […]