Category: Cyprus News Agency

EU steps up humanitarian aid for Myanmar by pound 10.5 million as conflict claims more than 100,000 lives

The European Union is providing an additional pound 10.5 million in humanitarian aid for people affected by the conflict in Myanmar. This brings EU humanitarian support for the country to pound 49.1 million in 2026. More than 100,000 lives have now been lost since the military coup in February 2021.

EU humanitarian partners will, thanks to the new funding, provide life-saving assistance for people affected by conflict, displacement and disasters, including recent flash floods in several locations across the country. The assistance consists of emergency healthcare, food, protection, shelters, as well as water and sanitation equipment.

The deadly conflict in Myanmar remains one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Landmine contamination is a major issue as Myanmar tops the global list for casualties of landmine and explosive remnants of war.

‘The scale of Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis has changed beyond recognition in over the past five years. What was a crisis affecting around one million people, has now become one of the world’s largest humanitarian emergencies, with 16.2 million people in need of assistance. Civilians live in daily fear for their lives, their coping capacities stretched to breaking point amid an economy in freefall, a collapsed health system, and one of the world’s worst hunger crises. We cannot allow this crisis to fade from international attention while millions continue to bear its human cost,’ said European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib.

As other donors retreat and humanitarian law faces unprecedented strain, the EU maintains its commitment: principled aid that reaches people in need, wherever they are.

Commission seeks views on new EU Strategy on victims’ rights

Today, the European Commission launched an open public consultation to gather feedback for its new EU Strategy on victims’ rights. To further strengthen victims’ rights, the Commission is inviting contributions from victims of crime, citizens as well as all relevant actors in the field, including victims’ rights experts and support services, law enforcement authorities, judicial bodies, civil society organisations, and academia.

In June this year, the EU adopted a revised Victims’ Rights Directive, which provides stronger protection and support for victims of crime, and makes it easier for them to access justice. The new Strategy will support the implementation of the revised Directive and build on the achievements of the previous Strategy on victims’ rights. This includes the creation of the Victims’ Rights Platform, a forum gathering all relevant actors working on victims’ rights, and the ‘Keep your Eyes Open’ campaign.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, said: ‘Crime is a trauma for millions of victims every year. They require full support and protection from public authorities. In the digital realm, cybercrimes operate on a large-scale across borders and can affect multiple victims simultaneously. We need everyone’s input to ensure that we increase the support to all victims of crime across the EU.’

Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, said: ‘No one expects to become the victim of a crime. That is why we, as public authorities, have a responsibility to ensure victims are protected and supported when they need it most. With the revised Victims’ Rights Directive, we have strengthened Europe’s rules. Now, we must ensure that those rights are a reality across the EU. That is what the new Strategy will deliver. We invite everyone to contribute because crime can affect anyone, and defending the rights of victims is a matter for all.’

The public consultation will run for 12 weeks. More information is available online.

Commission approves Maltese State aid for fishing companies facing increased fuel prices

The European Commission has approved a pound 700,000 Maltese State aid scheme to support companies active in primary production of fishery products facing increased fuel prices due to the Middle East crisis. The scheme was approved under the Middle East Crisis Temporary State Aid Framework (METSAF) adopted by the Commission on 29 April 2026.

The scheme aims to mitigate the impact of the increase in fuel prices resulting from the Middle East crisis. The aid will take the form of direct grants, based on the volume of fuel purchased between 1 March 2026 and 31 December 2026 and the monthly price difference with the pre-crisis benchmark of February 2026. The aid covers 70% of the additional costs. The scheme will run until 31 December 2026.

The Commission assessed the scheme under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, which enables Member States to support the development of certain economic activities subject to certain conditions, as well as Sections 1 and 2.1 of the METSAF.

The Commission found that the scheme is in line with the conditions set out in the METSAF. In particular, aid will be granted based on a scheme with a clear estimated budget and will be provided to temporarily support the development of companies active in primary production of fishery products. The Commission concluded that the scheme is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of an economic activity and does not adversely affect trading conditions to an extent contrary to the common interest. On this basis, the Commission approved the Maltese scheme under EU State aid rules.

More information on the METSAF can be found online. The non-confidential version of today’s decision will be made available under case number SA.124035, in the State aid register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Luuk de Klein – Tel.: +32 2 299 47 74)

Commission clears acquisition of Ionchi by Mercedes, BMW and Seres

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Beijing IONCHI New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (‘Ionchi’) by Mercedes-Benz Group China Ltd. (‘Mercedes’), BMW Brilliance Automotive Ltd. (‘BMW’) and Seres Group Co., Ltd. (‘Seres’), all of China. Ionchi is currently jointly controlled by Mercedes and BMW.

The transaction relates primarily to the operation of public high-power charging infrastructure and charging service networks for electric vehicles in China.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the limited impact on the European Economic Area. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12510.

Commission clears acquisition of Everllence by Volkswagen and Bain Capital

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Everllence SE by Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft (‘Volkswagen’), both of Germany, and Bain Capital Investors, LLC (‘Bain Capital’) of the US.

The transaction relates primarily to propulsion, decarbonisation and efficiency solutions for the marine, energy and industrial sectors.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12527.

Commission clears acquisition of Connexion and BLDNG by Verdane

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Telenor Connexion AB (‘Connexion’) of Sweden by Verdane IoT TopCo AS (‘Verdane’) of Sweden and Telenor ASA of Norway, and the acquisition of sole control of BLDNG.ai AS (‘BLDNG’) of Norway by Verdane. These acquisitions are part of a wider transaction and constitute a single concentration under the EU Merger Regulation.

The transaction relates primarily to the provision of internet-of-things (IoT) connectivity and related data analytics services.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given the companies’ limited market positions resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12476.

During the period of January-March 2026, the total weight of products transported by road within Cyprus showed an increase of 2.3% compared to the corresponding period of 2025, while the weight of cargo transported by road to and from Cyprus recorded an increase of 9.3%, according to data released on Wednesday by the Statistical Service.

Specifically, during the period of January-March 2026, road freight transport within Cyprus amounted to 11,130.5 thousand tonnes, while in the corresponding period of 2025 it amounted to 10,882.1 thousand tonnes.

The road freight transport to and from Cyprus reached 11 thousand tonnes during the period of January-March 2026, compared to 10.1 thousand tonnes in the corresponding period of 2025.

Furthermore, according to the Statistical Service, road freight transport within Cyprus was 259.3 million tonne-kilometres during the period of January-March 2026, while in the corresponding period of 2025 it amounted to 270.8 million tonne-kilometres, marking a decrease of 4.2%.

Road freight transport to and from Cyprus reached 7.8 million tonne-kilometres during the period of January-March 2026, while in the corresponding period of 2025 it amounted to 10.3 million tonne-kilometres, marking a decrease of 24.3%.

Last-minute bookings have helped strengthen hotel occupancy in Limassol, Paphos and Famagusta this August, bringing performance close to or in line with last year’s levels in some districts, while Larnaca continues to record lower occupancy despite signs of improvement, local hotel association representatives have told CNA.

Last-minute bookings have helped strengthen hotel occupancy in Limassol and Paphos this August, bringing performance close to or in line with last year’s levels, while Larnaca continues to record lower occupancy despite signs of improvement, local hotel association representatives told CNA.

President of the Limassol Hoteliers Association (PASYXE), Christos Tsanos, said that expectations expressed earlier in the summer for a recovery in bookings appear to have been confirmed.

“The defining feature of this year’s season has been last-minute bookings, and developments have confirmed what we said at the end of June,” he told CNA, noting that August bookings are moving at the same level as in August 2025.

Hotel occupancy in Limassol and the surrounding district is currently around 90%, he said, adding that demand received a further boost during the week of August 10-17, largely due to bookings from the domestic market.

In late June, Tsanos had expressed optimism that the tourism market would recover following the revision of travel advisories issued by several countries after the conflict in Iran. At the time, he had said the summer months were expected to perform better than initially anticipated, while cautioning that “three good months cannot save an entire year”.

In Paphos, tourism activity is also expected to remain strong throughout August, with hotel occupancy forecast at between 85% and 90%, according to Paphos Hoteliers Association President, Euripides Loizides.

He said the August 15 holiday period is expected to be particularly busy, with increased visitor arrivals and strong demand for accommodation. The high occupancy rates confirm that August remains one of the most important months of the tourism season for the district, despite the pressures facing the wider market.

Loizides said he remained cautiously optimistic about the remainder of the month, noting that a significant share of bookings continues to be made at the last minute. He attributed this trend largely to the financial pressures facing consumers, who are delaying decisions on their holidays while searching for the best available prices.

Meanwhile, things have improved in Famagusta district. According to Famagusta Hoteliers Association President and PASYXE Vice-President, Panayiotis Constantinou, the tourism season in the Famagusta district has improved significantly after a difficult start to the year, with hotel occupancy expected to reach around 80%-85% in August.

He told CNA that tourism traffic strengthened considerably in July and August, supported mainly by visitors from the United Kingdom, Israel, Poland, Scandinavia and Central Europe, while arrivals from Switzerland and the Netherlands have declined, partly due to reduced summer flight capacity.

Prospects for September are also positive, helped by an increase in last-minute bookings, although Constantinou cautioned that ‘there is still ground that needs to be covered’. He added that if the trend continues, September could also record relatively strong occupancy levels, while it remains too early to make a reliable forecast for October.

Constantinou said some of the district’s larger hotels are considering extending their operations into November in an effort to offset losses incurred during the weaker opening months of the season. Revenue in July and August is estimated to be broadly in line with 2025 levels, and could be higher in August due to increased prices, but the sector continues to face rising operating costs.

The picture is less encouraging in Larnaca, where hotel occupancy in both July and August has fallen by around 15% compared with the corresponding period last year, according to Larnaca Hoteliers Association President, Marios Polyviou.

He said the district had been significantly affected by the conflict in the Middle East and the broader geopolitical situation, which created uncertainty in the tourism market. While the situation stabilised after the initial impact, July ended with occupancy about 15% lower than in 2025, while August began “on a subdued note,” with occupancy standing at around 75%, compared with approximately 90% during the same period last year.

Polyviou said, however, that last-minute bookings are gradually improving the outlook and expressed hope that the month would finish on a much stronger note.

He also described recent agreements signed between hotels in Larnaca and British tour operators TUI UK and Jet2 as particularly important, saying they are expected to provide a significant boost to the district’s tourism sector in the coming seasons.

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 12/08/2026 UNTIL 1200 13/08/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1007hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but during dawn, local mist and/or locally increased low cloud coverage is likely, mainly over the southeastern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Northwest to North 3, locally at first West to Northwest 4 Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

Morning Southwest to West 3, gradually 3 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Afternoon Southwest to West 4 to 5, gradually locally 5 Smooth to Slight, gradually locally Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3, locally at first West 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to West 3 to 4, gradually near the coast South to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, initially near the coast South to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 12/08/2026 UNTIL 1800 13/08/2026

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1007hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but during dawn, local mist and/or locally increased low cloud coverage is likely, mainly over the southeastern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northwest to North 3, locally at first West to Northwest 4

Smooth to Slight, locally at first Slight

Morning

Southwest to West 3, gradually 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally West 4 to 5

Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

South Coast

Night

Southwest to Northwest 3, locally at first West 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to West 4 to 5, locally 5

Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

East Coast

Night

Southwest to Northwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

South to Southwest 4, at times 4 to 5

Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Night

Southwest to West 3 to 4, gradually near the coast South to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, initially near the coast South to Southwest 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 to 5

Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (A)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 0600 12/08/2026 UNTIL 0600 13/08/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1006hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but during dawn, local mist and/or locally increased low cloud coverage is likely, mainly over the southeastern coastal areas.

Visibility: Good, but moderate to poor in mist

Sea surface temperature: 29°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Morning Southwest to West 3 to 4, later locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, at times locally 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Night Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times Southwest to West 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight, at times Slight

Night Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

East Coast

Morning Variable 3, gradually Southeast to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon South to Southwest 4, at times 4 to 5 Smooth to Slight

Night Variable 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, initially near the coast Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight, locally Slight

Night Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

The Cyprus Stock Exchange (CSE) All Share Index closed at today`s stock exchange meeting as follows:

MEETING DATE: 12/08/2026

INDICES BASE VALUES: FTSEMed=5000, OTHERS = 1000

EURO (pound )

TRADED VALUE 140.395,77

INDEX

VALUE

%DIFF.

VALUE

FTSE/CySE 20

188,130

0,150

115.534,240

MAIN MARKET INDEX

251,310

0,070

79.898,760

INVESTMENT COMPANIES MARKET INDEX

2.831,340

-1,340

27.229,000

CSE GENERAL INDEX

320,190

0,150

115.567,990

HOTELS INDEX

1.832,930

-0,770

133,000

ALTERNATIVE MARKET INDEX

2.162,510

0,160

50.246,130

Estonia receives first pound 351.6 million payment under SAFE defence instrument

Today, Estonia received its first payment of pound 351.6 million under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) defence instrument, representing 15% of its total allocation of pound 2.3 billion.

SAFE is a pound 150 billion financial instrument providing loans to Member States. It primarily funds joint procurement of ammunition, missiles, air defence, and ground combat systems produced within the EU. It is part of the European Commission’s ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 plan, which aims to unlock over pound 800 billion in defence investment across the European Union.

The pre-financing will help Estonia accelerate priority defence investments, strengthen resilience, and modernise its military capabilities in line with shared European goals. SAFE is designed to enable swift, co-ordinated action, improve the ability of European forces to work together, and strengthen Europe’s defence industry, including through joint procurement and closer cross-border co-operation.

Andrius Kubilius, Commissioner for Defence and Space said: ‘With this first SAFE payment, we are helping Estonia move quickly on key defence investments and strengthen its readiness and resilience. We are moving fast and decisively to help Member States on the EU Eastern Flank. SAFE is about enabling Member States to invest faster, procure more effectively together, and reinforce Europe’s defence industrial base.’

This pre-financing payment follows the completion of all required procedural steps and reflects the EU’s commitment to providing timely, practical support through SAFE. Further payments will follow, as agreed milestones and implementation are met.

The SAFE instrument is financed by EU borrowing on the financial markets. This enables competitively priced and attractively structured long-duration loans to requesting Member States. The terms of the SAFE loans benefit from the EU’s strong credit rating. All SAFE loans will be repaid by the beneficiary Member States.

EU provides pound 2.1 million in emergency humanitarian assistance to Colombia following earthquake

The European Commission is reacting on the immediate needs of communities in Columbia and is providing pound 2.1 million in life-saving assistance. Several provinces and cities in the central and western part of the country have been affected by a devastating 7.4 magnitude earthquake causing hundreds of casualties and extensive damage.

This funding will provide vital support to the most vulnerable. EU humanitarian partners on the ground will deliver health, water, sanitation and hygiene material, as well as shelter, food, protection and cash assistance.

EU support is already on the ground. The EU’s humanitarian partner, the German Red Cross, has already reallocated pound 100,000 from an EU-funded project to meet the immediate needs of 2,500 families affected in Choco and Valle del Cauca.

Following the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism by Colombia, the EU remains in close contact with the national authorities through its Emergency Response Coordination Centre to coordinate assistance as needs evolve on the ground.

The Commission also activated the Copernicus satellite mapping service immediately after the earthquake to support rescue operations on the ground and provide initial damage assessments.

President Ursula von der Leyen said: ‘As search and rescue operations continue, the EU is supporting Colombia wherever possible. We are making pound 2 million available to support communities in the most affected areas. Following Colombia’s activation of the Civil Protection Mechanism, we are working to match aid to the needs on the ground. Esta es la solidaridad europea.’

Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib said: ‘In this very difficult moment, our thoughts are with all those affected by the earthquake. From the very first hours, the European Union has stood alongside Colombia, supporting rapid needs assessments so that first responders and urgent humanitarian assistance can reach the hardest-hit communities. Today, we are reinforcing this effort with an additional pound 2 million in emergency support to help deliver life-saving aid where it is most needed. Colombia can count on the EU’s continued support as we remain ready to act further.’

New rules on end-of-life treatment of vehicles enter into force

Tomorrow, new rules on the design, production, collection, and end-of-life treatment of vehicles will enter into force to strengthen circularity in the automotive sector and support Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Every year, 10 to 12 million vehicles in Europe reach the end of their life and are treated as waste. End-of-life vehicles are a reliable source of valuable raw materials. So, when these vehicles are not properly managed, they can cause environmental problems, and the European economy loses millions of tonnes of materials. By fostering the recovery, reuse and recycling of steel, aluminium, copper or plastics, the End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation will enhance Europe’s resource security, reduce dependence on imported virgin materials, support industry and cut waste. It will also create new business opportunities for the whole supply chain, foster better collaboration between producers, dismantlers and recyclers, and reduce waste and environmental impacts.

Manufacturers will need to provide clear and detailed instructions for removing and replacing parts both during use and at end-of-life, ensuring easier dismantling of vehicles. The Regulation also introduces Europe’s first-ever mandatory targets for recycled plastic content in vehicles to boost demand for recycled materials. Measures encouraging reuse, remanufacturing and refurbishment will increase the availability of second-hand spare parts. Strengthened producer responsibility will ensure the proper financing of waste treatment of end-of-life vehicles and promote higher-quality recycling. In addition, only roadworthy cars will be allowed to be exported outside the EU.

Executive Vice-President for Prosperity and Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, said: ‘The End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation is not just about waste, it is about resilience and Europe’s industrial future. It helps cut our dependencies on external suppliers, strengthens Europe’s economic security and keeps strategic resources within the EU. That is not only good environmental policy – it is hard-headed industrial policy.’

Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: ‘The new End-of-Life Vehicles Regulation sets a new European standard for how vehicles should be designed, produced and recovered. This is about more than recycling – it is about securing critical materials and making our automotive sector truly circular. Every car that is dismantled, every tonne of steel, aluminium, copper or plastic that is recovered, is a step towards a more resilient Europe.’

Commission approves pound 75 million German State aid for new stadium in Oldenburg

The European Commission has approved, under EU State aid rules, pound 75 million German State aid for the construction and operation of a stadium in Oldenburg, Lower Saxony, with a capacity of 15,000 spectators. With this initiative, the City of Oldenburg aims to offer an attractive venue for professional football matches and other sports, as well as cultural activities. The stadium will stimulate economic activity and support sports, cultural and social activities. The beneficiary is Stadion Oldenburg GmbH and Co. KG, a company 100% owned by the City of Oldenburg. The stadium will be built by a general contractor selected through an EU-wide tender procedure.

The Commission assessed the measure under EU State aid rules, in particular Article 107(3)(c) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. The Commission found that the measure is appropriate to achieve the objectives pursued, namely to develop and operate an attractive venue for sports and cultural events in the German city of Oldenburg. In addition, the Commission found that the measure is necessary given the absence of sufficient private financing. Finally, the Commission found that the measure is proportionate, as it is limited to what is required to achieve the project’s objectives, while its effects on competition and trade between Member States remain limited. On this basis, the Commission approved the German measure under EU State aid rules.

The non-confidential version of today’s decision will be made available under the case number SA.122175 in the State Aid Register on the Commission’s competition website once any confidentiality issues have been resolved.

Commission clears acquisition of atNorth by CPPIB and Equinix

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of joint control of Green DC LuxCo S.à r.l. of Luxembourg, SEKCO AB, SEKCO2AB and Green DC AB, all of Sweden, collectively referred to as ‘atNorth’, by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (‘CPPIB’) of Canada and Equinix, Inc. of the US.

The transaction relates primarily to the supply of third-party data centre colocation services.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given its limited impact on competition in the markets where the companies are active. Specifically, the Commission found that the merged entity will continue to face competition from sufficient alternative players and that atNorth and Equinix have different focuses in the market. The notified transaction was examined under the normal merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12394.

Commission clears acquisition of RMS by Nalka

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of sole control of RMS HoldCo AB (‘RMS’) by Nalka Invest AB (‘Nalka’, belonging to the Interogo Group), both of Sweden.

The transaction relates primarily to the repair and maintenance of motor vehicles, the retail sale of parts and accessories, and services incidental to land transportation.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the companies are not active in the same or vertically related markets. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12553.

Commission clears creation of a joint venture by Atlas Holdings and KPS

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the creation of a joint venture by Atlas FRM LLC (‘Atlas Holdings’) and KPS Capital Partners, LP (‘KPS’), both of the US.

The transaction relates primarily to the manufacture of batteries and accumulators and the recovery of materials.

The Commission concluded that the notified transaction would not raise competition concerns, given that the joint venture has negligible activities in the European Economic Area and the companies’ limited combined market position resulting from the proposed transaction. The notified transaction was examined under the simplified merger review procedure.

More information is available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the case number M.12530.

The Cyprus Meteorological Service has issued a yellow warning for extreme maximum temperatures, valid from 1400 to 1630 local time on Thursday, August 13.

According to the warning, maximum temperatures inland are expected to rise to around 40 degrees Celsius.

The warning is at yellow awareness level.

A new yellow warning for high temperatures is expected to be issued for Thursday, August 13, based on the latest forecasts by the Department of Meteorology, while cooler conditions and the possibility of rainfall are expected from Friday, Meteorological Officer Panayiotis Lingis told CNA.

Lingis said temperatures on Thursday are expected to reach close to 40 degrees Celsius once again, making it likely that another yellow warning for extremely high temperatures will be issued.

He added that the weather pattern is expected to change from Friday, with instability becoming the main feature and isolated rainfall developing over the mountains and gradually moving inland. These conditions are expected to intensify somewhat over the weekend, accompanied by a drop in temperatures to around 38 degrees Celsius.

Lingis said any rain and thunderstorms are expected to be limited both in intensity and extent, while temperatures will remain close to the seasonal average.

Regarding humidity levels, the Meteorological Officer said they have been somewhat elevated in recent days, but not to an extent that would cause significant problems.