EU Budget Fight: Cyprus’ EU presidency tabled a €1.73tn “negotiating box” for 2028-2034, proposing about a 2% cut versus the Commission draft, with reductions hitting competitiveness and external action while shielding agriculture and regional development—sparking pushback from “frugal” states like the Netherlands and Sweden. Police Digital Services: The police launched DigiPol, a new online portal on gov.cy letting the public request over 30 services (like criminal record certificates and lost ID declarations) without visiting stations. Energy Costs Shield: EU lawmakers agreed to strengthen the Market Stability Reserve for ETS2, aiming to curb carbon-price spikes that could raise household heating and fuel bills from 2028. Blue Flag Boost: Cyprus awarded 56 beaches and two marinas Blue Flags for 2026, citing top bathing-water quality. Cyprus-France Tensions: Turkey condemned the Cyprus-France SOFA defence deal, warning it could destabilise the Eastern Mediterranean and violate the 1960 accords. Courts & Crime: A Cyprus court ordered the seizure of fugitive Malaysian businessman Jho Low’s €6m Ayia Napa villa in an AML case. Security in the region: Greece ordered detention pending trial of a Palestinian accused in a Hamas-linked network, following arrests in Cyprus. Local Justice: Four suspects remanded in Larnaca over alleged extortion and fraud targeting a 77-year-old complainant. Church News: Archbishop Georgios consecrated the new Metropolitan of Paphos, amid protests outside the cathedral. Transport & Travel: easyGroup launched easyCourier in Cyprus, rebranding Svelta Courier as it moves into last-mile delivery across Europe.