Day: September 28, 2022

The average gross monthly earnings of employees increased by €100 in the second quarter of 2022, according to provisional data, published by Cyprus Statistical Service on Wednesday. In particular, they reached €2,081, compared to €1,982 in the same period of 2021, recording an increase of 5%.

 

The average gross monthly earnings of men during the second quarter of 2022 are estimated at €2,248 and for women at €1,879. Compared to the second quarter of 2021, the average gross monthly earnings of male and female employees recorded an increase of 4.8% and 5.3% respectively.

 

The average gross monthly earnings during the second quarter of 2022, seasonally adjusted, are estimated at €2,163 and compared to the first quarter of 2022 they are increased by 0.6%.

 

The Statistical Service notes that, during the first and second quarters of 2021, the Special Schemes of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance for dealing with the pandemic were in force, resulting in reduced average gross monthly earnings, since the amount taken into account is the earnings paid by the employer and does not include any amount paid as an allowance under the Schemes.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Today, the Commission adopted two proposals to adapt liability rules to the digital age, circular economy and the impact of global value chains. Firstly, it proposes to modernise the existing rules on the strict liability of manufacturers for defective products (from smart technology to pharmaceuticals). The revised rules will give businesses legal certainty so they can invest in new and innovative products and will ensure that victims can get fair compensation when defective products, including digital and refurbished products, cause harm. Secondly, the Commission proposes for the first time a targeted harmonisation of national liability rules for AI, making it easier for victims of AI-related damage to get compensation. In line with the objectives of the AI White Paper and with the Commission’s 2021 AI Act proposal, setting out a framework for excellence and trust in AI – the new rules will ensure that victims benefit from the same standards of protection when harmed by AI products or services, as they would if harm was caused under any other circumstances.

 

Revised Product Liability Directive, fit for the green and digital transition and global value chains

 

The revised Directive modernises and reinforces the current well-established rules, based on the strict liability of manufacturers, for the compensation of personal injury, damage to property or data loss caused by unsafe products, from garden chairs to advanced machinery. It ensures fair and predictable rules for businesses and consumers alike by:

 

• Modernising liability rules for circular economy business models: by ensuring that liability rules are clear and fair for companies that substantially modify products.

 

• Modernising liability rules for products in the digital age: allowing compensation for damage when products like robots, drones or smart-home systems are made unsafe by software updates, AI or digital services that are needed to operate the product, as well as when manufacturers fail to address cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

 

• Creating a more level playing field between EU and non-EU manufacturers: when consumers are injured by unsafe products imported from outside the EU, they will be able to turn to the importer or the manufacturer’s EU representative for compensation.

 

• Putting consumers on an equal footing with manufacturers: by requiring manufacturers to disclose evidence, by introducing more flexibility to the time restrictions to introduce claims, and by alleviating the burden of proof for victims in complex cases, such as those involving pharmaceuticals or AI.

 

Easier access to redress for victims AI Liability Directive

 

The purpose of the AI Liability Directive is to lay down uniform rules for access to information and alleviation of the burden of proof in relation to damages caused by AI systems, establishing broader protection for victims (be it individuals or businesses), and fostering the AI sector by increasing guarantees. It will harmonise certain rules for claims outside of the scope of the Product Liability Directive, in cases in which damage is caused due to wrongful behaviour. This covers, for example, breaches of privacy, or damages caused by safety issues. The new rules will, for instance, make it easier to obtain compensation if someone has been discriminated in a recruitment process involving AI technology.

 

The Directive simplifies the legal process for victims when it comes to proving that someone’s fault led to damage, by introducing two main features: first, in circumstances where a relevant fault has been established and a causal link to the AI performance seems reasonably likely, the so called ‘presumption of causality’ will address the difficulties experienced by victims in having to explain in detail how harm was caused by a specific fault or omission, which can be particularly hard when trying to understand and navigate complex AI systems. Second, victims will have more tools to seek legal reparation, by introducing a right of access to evidence from companies and suppliers, in cases in which high-risk AI is involved.

 

The new rules strike a balance between protecting consumers and fostering innovation, removing additional barriers for victims to access compensation, while laying down guarantees for the AI sector by introducing, per instance, the right to fight a liability claim based on a presumption of causality.

 

Members of the College said:

 

Vice-President for Values and Transparency, Věra Jourová said: “We want the AI technologies to thrive in the EU. For this to happen, people need to trust digital innovations. With today’s proposal on AI civil liability we give customers tools for remedies in case of damage caused by AI so that they have the same level of protection as with traditional technologies and we ensure legal certainty for our internal market.”

 

Commissioner for Internal Market, Thierry Breton, said: “The Product Liability Directive has been a cornerstone of the internal market for four decades. Today’s proposal will make it fit to respond to the challenges of the decades to come. The new rules will reflect global value chains, foster innovation and consumer trust, and provide stronger legal certainty for businesses involved in the green and digital transition.”

 

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “While considering the huge potential of new technologies, we must always ensure the safety of consumers. Proper standards of protection for EU citizens are the basis for consumer trust and therefore successful innovation. New technologies like drones or delivery services operated by AI can only work when consumers feel safe and protected. Today, we propose modern liability rules that will do just that. We make our legal framework fit for the realities of the digital transformation.”

 

Next steps

 

The Commission’s proposal will now need to be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council.

 

It is proposed that five years after the entry into force of the AI Liability Directive, the Commission will assess the need for no-fault liability rules for AI-related claims if necessary.

 

Background

 

The current EU rules on product liability, based on the strict liability of manufacturers, are almost 40 years old. Modern rules on liability are important for the green and digital transformation, specifically to adapt to new technologies, like Artificial Intelligence. This is about providing legal certainty for businesses and ensuring consumers are well protected in case something goes wrong.

 

In her Political Guidelines, President von der Leyen laid out a coordinated European approach on Artificial Intelligence. The Commission has undertaken to promote the uptake of AI and to holistically address the risks associated with its uses and potential damages.

 

In its White Paper on AI of 19 February 2020, the Commission undertook to promote the uptake of AI and to address the risks associated with some of its uses by fostering excellence and trust. In the Report on AI Liability accompanying the White Paper, the Commission identified the specific challenges posed by AI to existing liability rules.

 

The Commission adopted its proposal for the AI Act, which lays down horizontal rules on artificial intelligence, focusing on the prevention of damage, in April 2021. The AI Act is a flagship initiative for ensuring safety and trustworthiness of high-risk AI systems developed and used in the EU. It will guarantee the safety and fundamental rights of people and businesses, while strengthening AI uptake, investment and innovation. Today’s AI liability package complements the AI Act by facilitating fault-based civil liability claims for damages, laying down a new standard of trust in reparation.

 

The AI Liability Directive adapts private law to the new challenges brought by AI. Together with the revision of the Product Liability Directive, these initiatives complement the Commission’s effort to make liability rules fit for the green and digital transition.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

 

The remains of four resistance fighters killed during the 1974 coup in Cyprus were identified recently and will be returned to their families who were briefed on Wednesday by Commissioner Photis Photiou and his associate Xenophon Kallis.

 

Their remains, which were buried in a mass grave at Agios Nikolaos cemetery in Limassol, were exhumed in two phases in July and September 2022 and were identified by DNA method at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics.

 

The four heroes, who were included in a list of fallen soldiers and citizens of the resistance fighting, are Christakis Kombou from Tsiflikouthkia area in Limassol, siblings Anastasis and Charalambos Christophi from Phikardou village and Pantelakis Charalambous from Lazanias village.

 

In July 1974 during the coup, they all used Charalambous’ vehicle to get to Limassol. At first Kombou accompanied then President Archbishop Makarios from the Presidential Palace, when fighting broke out.

 

According to Kallis, who described the story of their capture to the press, Kombou then had to stay behind in the village of Klirou to assist a fellow policeman who got sick. Makarios was transported to Troodos.

 

After many obstacles, Kombou and the others managed to use Charalambous’ car and their plan was to reach Limassol.

 

They were arrested by EOKA B men, a paramilitary organisation, near Pareklissia. According to information gathered by authorities they were then transferred to Agios Tychonas landfill, where they were tortured and killed. They were then buried very carelessly but because of the smell, their remains were located days later and their families were notified.

 

The families buried their beloved at a mass grave in Agios Nikolaos cemetery and last July an exhumation procedure began and their remains were identified scientifically.

 

Their families were briefed today about the whole process, they will be given their remains and proper funerals will follow.

 

Presidential Commissioner Photis Photiou told the press that it is the duty of the state to put an end to all these tragic aspects of the 1974 coup and the Turkish invasion.

 

He said that following this exhumation, he can say with certainty that Cyprus’ exhumation programme of recent years has largely been implemented.

 

He recalled the exhumations that took place for the remains of the soldiers on board the Noratlas military aircraft, the excavations at mass graves in Saints Constantinos and Eleni cemetery in Nicosia and the excavations at Athalassa Psychiatric Hospital.

 

Photiou said that we have an obligation towards all these heroes and their families so that they can finally have closure.

 

He said that the funerals will now take place and maybe a monument will be erected to remind people of these heroes.

 

Turkish troops invaded Cyprus on July 20, 1974, five days after the legal government of the late Archbishop Makarios III was toppled by a military coup, engineered by the military junta then ruling Greece.

 

Cyprus remains divided since then. Numerous talks under the UN aegis failed to yield results. The latest round of talks took place in the summer of 2017 in the Swiss resort of Crans Montana.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

The milestone of the sixtieth anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Japan was highlighted during a meeting held by President of the House of Representatives Annita Demetriou in Tokyo, with her Japanese counterpart Hiroyuki Hosoda, to whom she conveyed the sincere condolences of herself, the Government of Cyprus and the House of Representatives on the unexpected death of former Prime Minister of Japan Shinzo Abe.

 

According to a parliament press release, particular reference was made to the common characteristics of the two countries as island states, despite their geographical distance, as well as to their shared commitment to common principles and values, in particular respect for international law. Both sides noted that the mutual opening of embassies has given a significant impetus to the deepening of bilateral relations at all levels.

 

Regarding the Cyprus issue, Demetriou underlined the firm commitment of the Greek Cypriot side to the objective of resuming talks towards a solution of a bizonal bicommunal federation, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions on Cyprus, which will reunite the country in conditions of peace, security and stability for the benefit of the entire Cypriot people.

 

In the context of the meeting, the press release says, the two Presidents exchanged views on the multi-level impact of the pandemic COVID-19 crisis on tourism and the economy of the two countries, as well as on the common challenges faced by the two countries as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In this regard, Hosoda highlighted the joint declaration adopted by the G7 Parliament Presidents with the President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola, which condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine in violation of international law and calls on Russia to end the war and withdraw its troops from the country.

 

Demetriou stressed that taking collective action in a spirit of solidarity and unity is a prerequisite for effectively addressing the multi-level impacts of the energy, climate and food crises.

 

Finally, the two Presidents reaffirmed their common will to further broaden and deepen cooperation between the Parliaments of the two countries and their respective Friendship Groups, as well as in areas of mutual interest, such as shipping, trade and tourism.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Asbestos is a highly dangerous, cancer-causing substance that is still present in many of our buildings and is responsible for many avoidable deaths in the EU. Today, the Commission presents a comprehensive approach to better protect people and the environment from asbestos and ensure an asbestos-free future.

 

The package includes:

 

A Communication on working towards an asbestos-free future, tackling asbestos in a comprehensive way, from improving diagnoses and treatment of diseases caused by asbestos, to identification and safe removal and waste treatment of asbestos; and

 

A proposal to amend the Asbestos at Work Directive to improve workers’ protection by significantly lowering the occupational exposure limit to asbestos.

 

Although all forms of asbestos are banned in the EU since 2005, asbestos remains present in older buildings. It poses a health threat, particularly when materials containing asbestos are disturbed and fibres are released and inhaled, for instance during renovations.

 

As much as 78% of occupational cancers recognised in the Member States are related to asbestos. When inhaled, airborne asbestos fibres can lead, for example, to mesothelioma and lung cancer, with an average lag of 30 years between exposure and the first signs of disease.

 

Therefore, addressing the health risks of exposure to asbestos is essential to protect people’s health and the environment, while ensuring decent living and working conditions. This is even more relevant in the context of the green transition and our EU ambition to increase the renovation rate of buildings. Renovations will improve the health and living conditions for residents, and reduce their energy bills. However, they will also increase the risks of exposure to asbestos, in particular for construction workers.

 

The actions put forward today are part of the prevention pillar of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, and will contribute to the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Zero-Pollution Action Plan and the European Pillar of Social Rights.

 

Working towards an asbestos-free future for all

 

To protect people from exposure to asbestos and prevent risks for future generations, the Commission sets out a comprehensive public health approach to:

 

Better support victims of asbestos-related diseases.

 

The Commission will consult the tripartite Advisory Committee on Safety and Health at Work on including additional asbestos-related diseases as occupational diseases; and

 

The Commission has proposed A new EU approach on cancer detection, which includes an update to the 2003 Council Recommendation on cancer screening

 

Better protect workers from asbestos. The Commission will:

 

propose today a revision of the Asbestos at Work Directive to significantly lower the occupational exposure limit value to asbestos;

 

update guidelines to support Member States, employers and workers in implementing the revised Directive; and

 

launch an awareness-raising campaign on the safe removal of asbestos.

 

Improve information on asbestos in buildings. The Commission will:

 

put forward a legislative proposal on the screening and registration of asbestos in buildings. Member States will be asked to develop national strategies for the removal of asbestos; and

 

propose a regulatory approach to introduce digital building logbooks for better sharing and use of building-related data, from design to construction and demolition.

 

Ensure safe disposal of asbestos and zero pollution. The Commission will:

 

revise the EU Construction and Demolition Waste Management Protocol, and the Guidelines for the waste audits before demolition and renovation works of buildings; and

 

launch a study to identify asbestos waste management practices and new treatment technologies.

 

Significant EU funding is available to support Member States in health prevention, treatment, renovations and safe asbestos removal through the Recovery and Resilience Facility, the European Social Fund Plus and the European Regional Development Fund.

 

The EU will also continue to play a leading role in the global fight against asbestos, for instance in the context of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention, the International Labour Organization, G7 and G20.

 

Protecting workers from exposure to asbestos

 

Workers are at greatest risk of being exposed to cancer-causing asbestos. To improve their protection, the Commission presents today a proposal to amend the Asbestos at Work Directive. This includes a reduction in the exposure limit of asbestos at work to 10 times lower than the current value (from 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre (f/cm³) to 0.01 f/cm³), based on the latest scientific and technological developments.

 

Together with awareness-raising and other improvements in health prevention and treatment, this proposal will bring us closer to our EU aim of beating cancer. It also creates a level playing field for businesses operating across the EU, while decreasing health care costs related to medical treatment.

 

Next steps

 

The Commission calls upon all EU institutions, Member States, social partners and other stakeholders to accelerate action to achieve an asbestos-free EU for current and future generations. The Commission’s proposal to amend the Asbestos at Work Directive will be discussed by the European Parliament and Member States, with the Commission calling for a swift approval. Once adopted, Member States will have two years to transpose the Directive into national law.

 

Members of the College said:

 

Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, said: “Last year we made a commitment before the European Parliament to address the important calls to action in its report on protecting workers from asbestos. One year later, the Commission is presenting a series of measures that will not only offer better protection to workers, but will take a huge step towards an asbestos-free Europe. 78% of occupational cancers recognised in the Member States are related to asbestos. The amending Directive we propose today will drastically reduce exposure levels for workers, and provide training and guidance to employers.”

 

Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, said: “Prevention is more effective than any treatment against cancer. With 40% if cancers being preventable, it is the most efficient long-term strategy. As part of the actions under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan, we aim to significantly contribute to cancer prevention by reducing the exposure to hazardous substances – asbestos is one of them. Today’s proposals are another important deliverable of our Cancer Plan and another step in our work to build a strong European Health Union.”

 

Background

 

The actions presented in today’s Communication follow up to the European Parliament’s resolution of 20 October 2021 on protecting workers from asbestos. This is in line with the commitment of President von der Leyen in her Political Guidelines to respond to resolutions under Article 225 TFEU appropriately, in full respect of proportionality, subsidiarity and better law making principles.

 

Effectively reducing exposure to carcinogenic substances such as asbestos is part of the Commission’s Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and Zero-Pollution Action Plan. In its 2022 Work Programme and in the EU strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027, the Commission announced a proposal to lower the existing occupational exposure limit to asbestos. EU citizens also highlighted the importance of a revision of the Asbestos at Work Directive in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe. Today’s proposal is the result of an extensive consultation process, taking into account a two-stage consultation of social partners, as well as close collaboration with scientists, representatives of workers, employers, and Member States.

 

Occupational cancer is the first cause of work-related deaths in the EU, with as much as 78% of recognised occupational cancers related to asbestos. In 2019 alone, more than 70,000 people in the EU died from past exposure to asbestos at work. It is estimated that 4.1 to 7.3 million workers are currently exposed to asbestos, with 97% working in construction and 2% in waste management. To eliminate the risks stemming from asbestos, EU has taken action over the past 40 years to limit and then ban all use of asbestos in 2005.

 

Nevertheless, given that over 220 million building units were built before the ban, it is likely that many still contain asbestos and pose a health threat. It is also still necessary to manage and dispose asbestos waste. The Renovation Wave Strategy, aiming to at least double the annual rate of building renovations by 2030, further underlines the importance of a comprehensive approach to tackling the asbestos. The proposal for a revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, presented in December 2021, also underlines that Member States should support energy performance upgrades of existing buildings to contribute to achieving a healthy indoor environment, including through the removal of hazardous substances like asbestos.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Today, the Commission calls on Member States to modernise their minimum income schemes as part of the ongoing pledge to reduce poverty and social exclusion in Europe. The proposed Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion sets out how Member States can modernise their minimum income schemes to make them more effective, lifting people out of poverty, while promoting the labour market integration of those who can work.

 

Minimum income is cash payments that help households who need it to bridge the gap to a certain income level to pay the bills and live a life in dignity. They are particularly important in times of economic downturns, helping to cushion drops in household income for people most in need, thereby contributing to sustainable and inclusive growth. They are generally complemented with in-kind benefits giving access to services and targeted incentives to access the labour market. In this way, minimum income schemes are not a passive tool but act as a springboard to improve inclusion and employment prospects. Well-designed minimum income schemes strike a balance between alleviating poverty, incentivising work and maintaining sustainable budgetary costs.

 

Minimum income and social safety nets must incorporate sufficient incentives and support for beneficiaries who can work to reintegrate in the labour market. Their design should therefore also help to fully realise the potential of the green and digital transitions by supporting labour market transitions and active participation of disadvantaged people.

 

The social and economic advantages of adequate and targeted social safety nets became even more important during the lockdowns linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adequate minimum income is highly relevant in the current context of rising energy prices and inflation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as income measures can be targeted to specifically benefit vulnerable groups.

 

The proposal will help achieve the EU’s 2030 social targets to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty of exclusion by at least 15 million people as set in the European Pillar of Social Rights Action Plan. It will also help Member States reach the goal that at least 78% of the population aged 20 to 64 should be in employment.

 

Executive Vice-President for an Economy that Works for People, Valdis Dombrovskis, said: “Social protection systems help to reduce social inequalities and differences. They ensure a dignified life for those who cannot work – and for those who can, encourage them back to a job. At a time when many people are struggling to make ends meet, it will be important this autumn for Member States to modernise their social safety nets with an active inclusion approach to help those most in need. This is how we can fight poverty and social exclusion, and help more people into work during this challenging period.”

 

Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, said: “Today, more than one in five people in the EU are at risk of poverty and social exclusion. Minimum income schemes exist in all Member States, but analysis shows that they are not always adequate, reach all those in need, or motivate people to return to the labour market. Against a backdrop of soaring living costs and uncertainty, we must ensure our safety nets are up to the task. We should pay particular attention to getting young people back into work also through income support, so they do not get trapped in a vicious cycle of exclusion.”

 

Well-designed social safety nets to help people in need

 

While minimum income exists in all Member States, their adequacy, reach, and effectiveness in supporting people vary significantly.

 

Today’s proposal for a Council Recommendation offers clear guidance to Member States on how to ensure that their minimum income schemes are effective in fighting poverty and promoting active inclusion in society and labour markets.

 

Member States are recommended to:

 

Improve the adequacy of income support:

 

Set the level of level of income support through a transparent and robust methodology.

 

While safeguarding incentives to work, ensure income support gradually reflects a range of adequacy criteria. Member States should achieve the adequate level of income support by the end of 2030 at the latest, while safeguarding the sustainability of public finances.

 

Annually review and adjust where necessary the level of income support.

 

Improve the coverage and take-up of minimum income:

 

Eligibility criteria should be transparent and non-discriminatory. For instance, to promote gender equality and economic independence, especially for women and young adults, Member States should facilitate the receipt of income support per person, instead of per household, without necessarily increasing the overall level of benefits per household. In addition, further measures are needed to ensure the take-up of minimum income by single-parent households, predominantly headed by women.

 

Application procedures should be accessible, simplified and accompanied by user-friendly information.

 

The decision on a minimum income application should be issued within 30 days from its submission, with the possibility of reviewing this decision.

 

Minimum income schemes should be responsive to socio-economic crises, for instance by introducing additional flexibility regarding eligibility.

 

Improve access to inclusive labour markets:

 

Activation measures should provide sufficient incentives to (re)enter the labour market, with particular attention to helping young adults.

 

Minimum income schemes should help people to find a job and keep it, for instance through inclusive education and training as well as (post)placement and mentoring support.

 

It should be possible to combine income support with earnings from work for shorter periods, for instance during probation or traineeships.

 

Improve access to enabling and essential services:

 

Beneficiaries should have effective access to quality enabling services, such as (health)care, training and education. Social inclusion services like counselling and coaching should be available to those in need.

 

In addition, beneficiaries should have continuous effective access to essential services, such as energy.

 

Promote individualised support:

 

Member States should carry-out an individual, multi-dimensional needs assessment to identify barriers that beneficiaries face for social inclusion and/or employment and the support needed to tackle them.

 

On this basis, no later than three months from accessing minimum income, beneficiaries should receive an inclusion plan defining joint objectives, a timeline and a tailored support package to reach this.

 

Increase the effectiveness of governance of social safety nets at EU, national, regional and local level, as well as monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

 

EU funding is available to support Member States in improving their minimum income schemes and social infrastructure through reforms and investments.

 

Better impact assessments for fair policies

 

Today, the Commission also presents a Communication on better assessing the distributional impact of Member States’ reforms. It offers guidance on how to better target policies in a transparent way, making sure that they contribute to addressing existing inequalities and taking into account the impact on different geographical areas and population groups, like women, children and low-income households. The Communication covers guidance on the policy areas, tools, indicators, timing, data and dissemination of the assessment. The guidance presented today is also relevant for Member States when designing their minimum income schemes.

 

Next steps

 

The Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on adequate minimum income ensuring active inclusion will be discussed by Member States with a view to adoption by the Council. Once adopted, Member States should report to the Commission every three years on their progress on implementation. The Commission will also monitor progress in implementing this Recommendation in the context of the European Semester. The proposed instrument – a Council Recommendation – gives Member States enough leeway to determine how to best achieve the objectives of this initiative, taking into account their specific circumstances.

 

Background

 

Over one in five persons – or 94.5 million people in total – were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in the EU in 2021. Social safety nets play a key role in supporting these people and helping them to (re)enter the labour market if they can. However, more effective social protection systems are needed, with around 20% of jobless people at risk of poverty not being eligible to receive any income support and estimates of around 30% to 50% of the eligible population not taking up minimum income support.

 

The European Pillar of Social Rights includes principle 14 on the right to adequate minimum income. To promote social inclusion and employment and ensure that no one is left behind, the Commission has presented many additional initiatives, which complement today’s proposal. This includes the proposal for a Directive on adequate minimum wages to ensure that work pays for a decent living; the European Child Guarantee to give children free and effective access to key services; and the European Care Strategy to improve the situation especially of women and people in the care sector. The Commission Recommendation for Effective Active Support to Employment (EASE) offers guidance on active labour market policies, including upskilling and reskilling. The Council Recommendation on ensuring a fair transition towards climate neutrality, sets out specific guidance to implement policies for a fair transition, with particular attention to vulnerable households. Finally, the Commission proposal for a Regulation on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices seeks to address the dramatic energy price increases by reducing consumption and sharing the exceptional profits of energy producers with those who need help the most.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Tomorrow, 29 September will be World Heart Day. On this occasion, the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stella Kyriakides, made the following statement:

 

“World Heart Day touches on one of the greatest health challenges of our time – cardiovascular disease. Each year, there are more than 6 million new such cases and over 1.8 million people die from heart disease in the EU. Even before the pandemic, cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of death both in the EU and globally. Today, on World Heart Day, we put this important health risk under the spotlight.

 

Chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer, are all important causes of death and as we have seen over the past years, they have also increased the risk of more serious COVID-19 illness. Many of the deaths from COVID-19 have occurred in older population groups with chronic conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases as well as diabetes.

 

We have all gone through tough times during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many diagnoses, screenings and treatments have been postponed or delayed. Disease prevention and promotion activities have been put on hold, and people’s mental health has suffered. In other words, an already serious situation has become even more challenging. If we want to prevent cardiovascular diseases, it is time we take care of ourselves better and bridge the health gap created by COVID.

 

Earlier this year, we took an important step to strengthen our work to tackle non-communicable diseases in a systematic and comprehensive way by launching our new ‘Healthier Together’ initiative. Through this initiative, we are supporting actions to improve citizens’ health and well-being, with over €150 million funding available under the EU4Health Programme to notably improve prevention of cardiovascular diseases, improve heart health, address diabetes and health determinants more generally.

 

Our work to address non-communicable diseases is a key complement to our actions under Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan and is contributing to building the foundations of a strong European Health Union.

 

But the most powerful tool of all is prevention by investing in our health every day and pay attention to habits that help us improve the health of our heart. On this World Heart Day my message to you is simple but crucial: listen to your heart.”

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency

Presidential Commissioner, Photis Photiou, presided over a meeting on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace, aiming to immediately meet the needs for the proper operation of schools in Turkish occupied Rizokarpaso, where Greek Cypriot enclaved children are studying.

 

According to a press release from the presidency, the meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, the headmasters of the schools, and representatives of the competent school board.

 

The meeting identified the current needs related to the proper operation of the schools both in teaching staff and equipment, and timetables were set in order for them to be met immediately.

 

Photiou, the press release adds, thanked the involved agencies for their immediate response and informed them about his intention to visit the schools in Rizokarpaso, to witness in person the current needs, with a view to support quality education at the historical schools of Rizokarpaso.

 

Moreover, he thanked the Rizokarpaso school board for its excellent cooperation and reiterated the continuous and uninterrupted interest of the government in all issues related to the Greek Cypriot enclaved and the quality education of the enclaved children.

 

Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkish troops invaded and occupied 37% of its territory and forcibly expelled about 180,000 Greek Cypriots from their homes. Another 20,000 Greek Cypriots, who had remained in the occupied areas, were also forced to eventually abandon their homes and seek refuge in the safety of the government-controlled areas. Today, a few hundred enclaved Greek Cypriots remain in the Turkish occupied areas.

 

Source: Cyprus News Agency