Schengen Push: President Nikos Christodoulides says Cyprus is seeking a political green light to join the Schengen zone “as soon as possible”, after the European Commission’s positive assessment moves the decision to EU member states. Energy Dealmaking: Christodoulides also said the government is in talks with energy giants to secure rights for new natural gas drilling blocks in the Republic’s EEZ, aiming to strengthen an alternative energy corridor for Europe and advance the Vasiliko LNG terminal. EU Budget Math: Cyprus is set to receive about €3.5bn from the EU’s next 2028-2034 multiannual budget, with the government planning island-wide projects worth the same amount after negotiations target a political agreement by year-end. Banking & Markets: Bank of Cyprus is making electronic dividend payments mandatory, while Cyprus Stock Exchange trading hit €12.7m in August and €164m year-to-date. Construction & Infrastructure: Nicosia’s district authority will start a €2.26m flood prevention culvert repair under Digeni Akrita Avenue, and Cystat reports Cyprus’ industrial turnover index rose 3.5% in June. Startup & Innovation: Plug and Play Cyprus will host its first innovation expo in Limassol on Nov 11, showcasing 10 startups from its inaugural cohort. Crypto Crime: Police remanded a 25-year-old after 18 people allegedly handed him over €500,000 for crypto investments, with the case also flagged for money laundering and betting-law violations.