THE ADVANCE OF ROBOTS ON THE UKRAINIAN FRONT - PRISONERS SURRENDER TO THEM

Filenews 29 January 2026 

 By David Hambling

Three Russian soldiers, one covered in blood, come out of a building and surrender to an armed ground robot. This is not the first time something like this has happened, but it seems that it is the first time that a similar incident has been recorded on video. Armed robots are increasingly appearing on the Ukrainian front, and according to a recent report by the Jamestown Foundation, Ukraine is the world's leading power in their manufacture and use.

Robots are essential for both refuelling the front line and removing casualties from the battlefields. This year they will be used as a support force in the Artillery, taking part in battles with heavy machine guns and other weapons.

THE GOVERNMENT CHARGES PARLIAMENT WITH BILLS FOR ACCESS TO ESAP

 Filenews 29 January 2026 - by Eleftheria Paizanou

The Parliament is once again faced with dilemmas and suffocating timetables, which is called upon to summarily approve eleven bills that will harmonize Cypriot law with the European Directive on the establishment of the European single access point ESAP.

It is a central data space, to be implemented by the European Securities and Markets Authority, which will provide easy and digital access to comprehensive information on European Union businesses.

CYPRUS PRESIDENCY WITH GERMANY AND FRANCE PULLING THE OAR FOR A TWO-SPEED EU

 Filenews 29 January 2026

It has taken a long time for Cyprus to take over the presidency of the European Council of the EU! From the first days of the presidency, the Cypriot government was faced with a very serious and multi-level crisis in the Union's relations with the United States of America, which is predicted to have new episodes in the coming period, despite the partial de-escalation recorded after the presence of Donald Trump in Davos.

As of yesterday, the Cyprus presidency has to manage the formalization of Germany's effort, in cooperation with France, to set up a "directorate" of six major EU economies and promote the old idea of a two-speed Europe. That is, an EU for the big and powerful (there may be six, maybe more), which will decide without the hoarseness of the potential veto from 27 countries and an EU of 19-20-21 countries, which will either implement the decisions of the "big ones", or will try to institutionally operate the slow-moving Union with smaller forces, less money and limited influence.

FURTHER ECONOMIC THREAT TO FARMERS AND THOSE USING IRRIGATION SOURCES - RETROACTIVE PAYMENTS REQUESTED

Filenews 29 January 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou

Hundreds of farmers, agricultural businesses and citizens who have irrigation sources are facing an unprecedented economic threat, as the Department of Water Development (WDD) has started sending letters demanding the retroactive payment of environmental and resource fees for the use of water from private boreholes and other sources outside Government Water Projects.

This move has provoked a strong reaction from agricultural organizations, which in a joint letter to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou, ask for the immediate revocation of the decision, talking about exterminating charges in a period of prolonged crisis.

€30,000 FINE FOR A PRIVATE HOSPITAL OF GESY - DID NOT REGISTER REQUESTS TO THE HIO ON TIME

 Filenews 29 January 2026 - by Marilena Panayi

A fine of €30,000 is required to be paid to the Health Insurance Organization by a private hospital of the General Health System.

In fact, the reason for which it was decided to impose this administrative fine is of particular interest as, although it is not the first time it has been recorded by the competent Department of the HIO, it could in no way be described as expected.

WAR IN THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE - NEW STRATEGY FOR THE PROJECTS IN AKAMAS

 Filenews 29 January 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou

The parliamentary Committee on the Environment once again focused on the much-discussed issue of the management of the protected areas of the Natura 2000 network, with the implementation of the projects in Akamas causing intense discussions, mutual blame and a clear warning from the Audit Office about the regime of lawlessness that seems to be consolidating.

PRIVATE KINDERGARTENS ARE SENDING A DANGER SIGNAL - DUE TO A CHANGE IN LEGISLATION

Filenews 28 January 2026 - by Angelia Sizopoulou

One step before the suspension of their operation or even their closure are some private kindergartens, which are unable to cope with their obligations as they are not viable, as a result of changes in the legislation that were made last year and which also concern the limit of compulsory education of children.

The Education Committee of the Parliament discussed this issue today, agreeing that support incentives should also be given to private kindergartens, as given in the corresponding cases of private schools and universities, in an effort not to lead these small and medium-sized enterprises, which employ many people, to closure.