Latest news in Cyprus? September 3rd, 2026

Aftermath of the Kyrenia Ferry Tragedy Deep-sea search and recovery operations continue off the northern coast of Kyrenia following the capsizing of the high-speed passenger catamaran Filo Jet. Turkish specialist naval vessels equipped with deep-diving underwater drones are inspecting the wreckage at a depth of roughly 550 meters. The confirmed death toll has reached at least nine, with roughly 19 passengers still unaccounted for. In northern Cyprus, transport chief Erhan Arıklı was relieved of his duties amid public anger, while several crew members and company directors face court proceedings over alleged negligence. EasyJet founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou also announced an emergency financial relief fund of €260,000 to assist affected families. Anadolu Ajansı+ 3EU Minimum Corporate Tax Dilemma The Ministry of Finance and local business sectors are navigating complex negotiations over compliance with the EU’s Pillar Two minimum corporate tax directive (Qualified Domestic Minimum Top-up Tax / QDMTT). Business associations expressed concern that imposing the strict 15% minimum threshold could drive American multinationals and foreign capital to neighboring EU jurisdictions (such as Malta and the Baltic states) that secured multi-year transitional delays. Government officials, however, emphasized that Brussels leaves very little room for alteration if sanctions are to be avoided. In-Cyprus – Philenews+ 2Public Demonstrations and Social Issues Support staff from the Ministry of Education held a protest march to the Presidential Palace in Nicosia demanding improved contractual terms and workplace conditions. Concurrently, health authorities have stepped up door-to-door mosquito inspection controls across several municipalities in response to a rise in detected West Nile virus cases. Philenews+ 1Local Traffic Disruptions Traffic authorities in the south reported significant congestion along the Paphos–Limassol highway after a vehicular collision near the tunnel damaged primary water mains, flooding the roadway and prompting temporary lane closures. Philenews