Total deposits in April 2019 recorded a net increase of €236,9 million, amounting to €47.7 billion, figures released by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) show.
 
In March 2019, total deposits marked a reduction of 327.7 million, CBC said.
 
The annual growth rate declined to 0,6%, compared with 5,1% in March 2019, because the increase of deposits was much lower than the respective increase in April last year.
 
In April 2018 total deposits increased by €2,4 billion, due to a €2,5 billion deposit billion by the Cyprus Government with the Cyprus Cooperative Bank.
 
Furthermore, total loans in April 2019 exhibited a net decrease of €206.4 million, compared with a net increase of €63,2 million in March 2018.
 
The annual growth rate stood at -2,3%, compared with -2,0% in March 2018.
 
The outstanding amount of total loans reached €38,0 billion in April 2019, CBC added.

Source: StockWatch

Chief Returning Officer Kypros Kyprianou announced the six newly-elected representatives of Cyprus at the European Parliament.

They are: Loukas Fourlas and Lefteris Christoforou of ruling right-wing Democratic Rally (DISY) party, Niyazi Kızılyürek and Giorgos Georgiou of left-wing AKEL party, Costas Mavrides of the Democratic Party (DIKO) and Demetris Papadakis of Socialist EDEK party.

Cyprus’ six newly-elected Members of the European Parliament pledged to work to promote the national problem and the issues facing the people on the island.

Europe is offering us a lot of weapons we can use on to improve the daily lives of Cypriot citizens, said  the Democratic Rally’s newly elected Member of the European Parliament, Loukas Fourlas.

A journalist by profession, he thanked those who voted him to represent their ideals.

Speaking to reporters before his official declaration at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia, Fourlas said that he is not a politician, nor will he become one. My sole purpose is to offer to society, to my country Cyprus”.

Lefteris Christoforou also of DISY, was re-elected MEP. He assured reporters that he will continue to challenge with determination, the rights of Cyprus.

He thanked all those who took part in this celebration of democracy for Europe, adding “Europe is our home and we ought to be there, participate and challenge”.
The first Turkish Cypriot elected to the European Parliament, Niyazi Kızılyürek of left-wing AKEL party said his election to the EP bears special significance not because he is the first Turkish Cypriot to be elected but because it was done through a Greek Cypriot-Turkish Cypriot partnership.

He told CNA that this by itself is special, adding he is very pleased with the results.

Newly elected MEP, Giorgos Georgiou, who is serving as deputy for AKEL, said amongst his priorities will be the Cyprus problem and Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone, adding that all MEPs together should point out the need to protect Cyprus’ sovereignty in its EEZ.

He also said absenteeism should not be dealt with on the surface but a deeper look into the issue is necessary to effectively address the problem.

Re-elected MEP for the Democratic Party, Costas Mavrides said that while the occupation of European territory, Cyprus continues, so will the fight for freedom continue.

He said that for this reason, all Cypriot MEPs should have the Cyprus problem at the top of their agenda.

Demetris Papadakis of Socialist EDEK, who was also re-elected MEP, said today was a victory for democracy.

Invited by CNA to say what message he wants to send, Papadakis replied “it was a very hard battle”.

CNA

We refer to people with mobility problems in particular, which, as a result of a recent accident we have come to understand.

We focus in this article on house design and facilities to be provided/are required. 

Usually, people who buy/build their own house are on average aged 30-40, an age with limited medical and other problems seemingly a long way away.

·         Ideally one should build a house on one level (ground) but then bearing in mind the small size of building plots that we have (±600 sqm) this takes up much more land, reducing the garden size etc.

·         You will notice however that even with single-storey units, architectural features come in, such as split level floors, sunk/elevated kitchen and guest bathroom, steps leading to bedrooms etc.  Yes, they add to the appearance but at an older age and/or with children, these steps become both problematic and dangerous. This problem escalates as age/living years is extended (expected life span in Cyprus for men is 80 years old and women 85 years), whereas young children require increased vigilance and the installation of various gadgets (e.g. gates, cameras).

·         As we come to know better and after the necessary installations of pools, we are now incorporating in the design private lifts.  Regarding the swimming pools and with special regard to children/disabled people, the pool should have a maximum depth of 1.50-1.80 metres at one level.  No diving board and provide steps access which are better than a ramp (it takes more space) with a handle (two ideal or at least one and steps).

·         Regarding access on upper/lower levels, make a provision (if not of immediate need) for a private lift (with wide doors opening to cater for a wheelchair).  Yes, it can be expensive (provision cost €10,000 and final cost €30,000), be it a lift of hydraulic design. Alternatively, and should you consider this as being expensive, opt for an electric chair which costs around €8,000, but make sure that the stairwell is wide enough for such equipment to be accommodated.

Of course, there are many other parameters that we should take into account depending on the requirements of the individual and care is required especially for buildings on uneven ground and the actual access to the house from the road.

As we have reported the majority of house builders/purchasers are at an age when these special facilities are not of priority, so it is reasonable that the resultant increased costs (inevitably) will not be compensated fully by a potential future buyer.

So, we become wiser as time passes, and we appreciate through experiences. 

On our part, we refuse to go/visit bathrooms on the first floor of a restaurant or in the basement  – not worth the hassle and better to opt for another place.

Source: Finacial Mirror

The Bank of Cyprus announced on Monday that it posted a €95 mn profit for the first quarter of 2019.
 
The Bank reported a “good capital position”, as at 31 March 2019 the CET1 ratio was 14.9% and the Total Capital ratio was 17.9%, both pro forma for Helix, “well in excess of our regulatory requirements”.
 
It added that its non performing exposures (NPEs) ratio stood at 35% and coverage at 48% pro forma for Helix.
 
In August 2018 the Group reached an agreement for the sale of a portfolio of loans with a gross book value of €2.8 bn, secured by real estate collateral, known as ‘Project Helix’.
 
The Bank said moreover that its “management is actively exploring strategies to further accelerate de-risking including further portfolio sales”.
 
“Our results this quarter reflect continuing progress against our core objective of balance sheet repair”, said the Bank’s CEO John Patrick Hourican.
 
“We have continued to make good progress towards completion of the sale of €2.7 bn non-performing loans in Project Helix, including obtaining the required regulatory approvals from the ECB for the Significant Risk Transfer benefit from the Transaction. We expect completion during the second quarter of 2019”, he added.
 
Hourican noted that “project Helix complements our on-going organic non-performing exposure (NPE) reduction, which amounted to €157 mn for the quarter, broadly in line with our organic target of €800 mn for 2019. This was the sixteenth consecutive quarter of organic reductions in NPEs”.
 
He added that since the peak in 2014, and pro forma for the sale of the Helix portfolio, the Bank has now reduced the stock of NPEs by 70% to €4.6 bn. This stock of delinquent loans is covered by 48% provisions.
 
He said that even though they have reduced NPEs by 70% since peak, there are still €4.6 bn of delinquent loans to be addressed, and for which they have plans in place.

“Spring is nature’s way of saying, let’s party,” say the organisers of the 2nd Spring Festival taking place in Limassol next weekend. All sorts of activities and magical fairylands will take over the National Forest Park in a celebration of Spring.

And they really mean it that the area will be turned into a fairyland as fairy houses will be decorated, a flower photobooth will be there to get everyone into the spring spirit, as well as horses and ponies for riding. Organised by Inspired Family Fun, the day will hold a lot of surprises including live parrot shows, trampoline bungee jumping and bumping boats.

Kids and adults will be entertained as the list of activities available is for all. Choose from paintball shooting and a laser tag warfield to pottery wheel throwing. And because it couldn’t be a spring event without Maypole dancing, a performance will also take place along with a storytelling session under the trees by Mikros Odysseas. What’s more, the entrance is free and any sums raised during the day will be donated to the Karaiskakion Foundation.

2nd Spring Festival
Festival with spring activities, games and fun for the whole family. May 18-19. National Forest Park, Limassol. 10am-8pm.

Source: CyprusMail

Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday that developments should be expected in the next few days, concerning the energy program of the Republic of Cyprus.
 
Speaking on Wednesday, on the sidelines of an event for Europe Day, in Nicosia, Christodoulides also referred to the Turkish activity in Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone and said that the President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades will have the chance to discuss with his counterparts the next steps concerning the response of the EU, at the informal European Council, in Romania.
 
Asked about an international arrest warrant against individuals taking part in Turkish activities off the coast of Cyprus, the Minister said that “we are in the last stage of issuing the first arrest warrants.” “After that, it will be a matter for Justice” he added, noting that all relevant information has been already provided. Christodoulides said he expected the arrest warrants to be issued soon.
 
On another question, the Minister said he expected supportive statements to continue, both from EU institutions, as well as from member states. At the same time, he added, Nicosia is in contact with neighbouring countries interested in these developments, as well as with countries that have particular interest in the energy developments in the Eastern Mediterranean.
 
He also referred to the contacts he had on Wednesday in Paris, noting that he had a good discussion with his French counterpart on all these issues. Asked about his contacts with representatives of the French energy giant Total, the Minister of Foreign Affairs said that in the next few days, announcements and developments should be expected concerning the country’s energy program.
 
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Ankara issued a navigational telex, announcing its intention to start drilling off Cyprus until September 3. The Turkish drill ship “Fatih”, accompanied by three service ships, is located almost 40 nautical miles west of the Akamas peninsula and 83 nautical miles from the Turkish coast. The area falls within the EEZ and continental shelf of the Republic of Cyprus.

European External Action Service (EEAS) and European Commission (EC) Spokesperson Maja Kocijiancic refrained today form speculating on the form the EU`s appropriate response could take, concering Turkey`s illegal activities in the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Cyprus, but stated that "diplomatic contacts and engagement will continue".

Maja Kocijiancic reiterated that the EU stands in full solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and recalled the European Council (March 2018) position against Turkey`s hostilities in the Eastern Mediteranean. "We have a very clear position of the European Council" she said, and repeated the official statement made by Federica Mogherini during the weekend. The HRVP expressed the EU`s  grave concern over the intentions of Turkey to carry such illegal activities in the EEZ of Cyprus, called Turkey to respect the EEZ and the sovereign rights of the Republic and warned with "appropriate response" in full solidarity with Cyprus.

Sourse: StockWatch

European Commission and European Environment Agency ranked Cyprus in the second place with a percentage of 97.3% on its beaches’ water excellence. Greece in the third highest place with a percentage of 95.9% and Malta first with 99% of excellent water.

In Cyprus, 113 beachfront sites were monitored, 991 samples were taken and according to the report presented on Tuesday at the EU headquarters, the percentage of good quality water is 98% and "excellent quality" at 97.3%. The report notes that about 9 samples were taken from each beach site under evaluation.

 Altogether, 111 beach locations were judged to have met the criteria set by the European Environment Agency. Generally, the report states that "85% of the bathing areas across Europe in 2018 met the highest and most rigorous EU standards of" excellent quality "for waters, mostly free of pollutants," providing "a good indication of the holiday resorts where holidaymakers can find the best quality bathing water this summer ".

Under evaluation, 21801 sites were located across Europe, of which 21509 in the EU-28 (95.9%) met the minimum quality requirements in line with EU rules. The three countries with the highest numbers of bathing areas with "poor quality" water were Italy (79 bathing areas or 1.4%), France (80 bathing areas or 2.4%) and Spain (38 areas or 1 , 7%).

Source: Philenews

Top-7 Latest Easter Decorating Trends For 2019 - Spring Home Decor Ideas

00:01 Trend 1. Natural style Easter table setting and tablescape ideas. (Easter painted egg, candles and flowers decor.)

02:34 Trend 2. Modern rustic Easter home decor with handmade crafts. (Basket with eggs, bouquet, and bunny, Easter egg nest table runner centerpiece, wooden crate with beautiful spring flowers, rustic easter arrangements.)

06:05 Trend 3. Simple minimalist Easter egg decor ideas (Glitter Easter eggs, gold leafed Easter eggs, feather black and white eggs.)

08:47 Trend 4. Farmhouse Easter wreath for outdoor decorating ( spring wreath using grapevine and burlap flowers, farmhouse bunny door wreath)

10:26 Trend 5. Easter centerpieces with fresh flowers ( Kitchen table vignette ideas with easter bunny, rustic centerpieces with greenery accent for coffee table )

12:23 Trend 6 . Easter decorating with pastel colors (Pastel egg decorations, easter mantel decor, pastel colors table decorating)

15:46 Trend 7. Scandinavian style Easter decor (Easter egg tree for beautiful spring home decor, minimalist living room decorating)