AMBULANCE TRANSFERS SURGE FROM 5,000 TO 45,000 IN CYPRUS WITH NO STAFF INCREASE

 KNews 15 February 2026

Ambulance Service chief says weak regulation has allowed private operators to function like a ''shadow state,'' with anyone able to enter the market. File photo AI

Officials warn the system is being overwhelmed as demand skyrockets without added resources.

Cyprus’ long-delayed plan to create a National Ambulance Authority returned to the spotlight on Thursday during a session of the Parliamentary Health Committee, where lawmakers examined a government bill aimed at regulating pre-hospital care and ambulance services across the country.

The discussion, attended by state bodies, health-sector organizations, and trade unions, centred on concerns that the absence of a unified legal framework has allowed ambulance operations, particularly in the private sector, to function with limited oversight for years.

CRIME ROUND UP

 Pafos Live 15 February 2026

As part of the actions and surveillance carried out by YKAN to identify and arrest members of criminal groups that traffic and trade large quantities of drugs, a coordinated operation was carried out today in which 27 members of YKAN (from various Units of the Service) took part, in Larnaca.

During the operation, nine people were arrested, houses, premises and vehicles were searched, while seized, among other things, about 400 grams of cocaine, about 150 grams of cannabis, precision scales, ten mobile phones, a pistol with a silencer, a firearm, the sum of 9.605 euros, as well as three vehicles.

JUSTICE MINISTER - ''WE ARE TARGETING THE HEADS OF CRIMINAL GANGS''

 Cyprus Mail 15 February 2026 - by Marko Ljubicic

Justice Minister Costas Fitiris has said authorities are focusing their efforts on dismantling the leadership of organised crime groups, stressing that law enforcement knows who they are and is applying sustained pressure.

“Our target is the heads of the gangs,” he said in an interview with Kathimerini.

“They know how to protect themselves, which is why they use others to do all the dirty work, leaving themselves out of the firing line. But we know who they are, we are exerting constant pressure and we are waiting for them.”

DAVEY WOODFORD - Phil's Bar & Grill - 18 & 25 February

 

DAVEY WOODFORD

Phil's Bar & Grill, Peyia

18 & 25 February - 7pm

CYPRUS GROUPS WARN EU-MERCOSUR DEAL COULD THREATEN FOOD SAFETY AND HURT FARMERS

 KNews 15 February 2026

Opponents cite pesticide risks, unfair competition, Halloumi exclusion and fears of deeper EU dependence on imports. Photo credit: @cygreens Facebook

Coalition delivers resolution to von der Leyen after protest outside the House of Europe in Nicosia.

A broad coalition of agricultural organizations, trade unions, environmental groups and consumer advocates staged a protest outside the House of Europe in Nicosia on Saturday, voicing strong opposition to the European Union’s planned trade agreement with the Mercosur bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay).

The demonstration served as the platform for delivering a formal resolution addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Organizers said the same resolution would also be submitted to President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides and to all parliamentary parties.

CYPRUS TO ATTEND BOARD OF PEACE MEETING AS OBSERVER

 Cyprus Mail 14 February 2026 - by Katy Turner

Cyprus will attend the meeting of US President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace as an observer, government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said on Saturday.

Speaking to the Cyrus News Agency, he confirmed the government has received an invitation to participate in the meeting on Gaza on Thursday in Washington.

ALEXIS CHARALAMBIDIS - MILK AS A BASIC COMMODITY SHOULD NOT BE MISSING FROM ANY HOME

 Filenews 15 February 2026

Interview of Alexis Charalambidis, Chairman of the Board of Directors Charalambidis Christis in Oikonomikos Phileleftheros on Sunday, 15/2/2026.

With consumers increasingly seeking new flavours and specialized nutritional solutions, the dairy industry is evolving, incorporating innovative options while keeping the value of traditional products unchanged.