Banking & Credit: Cyprus’ total loans rose by €260.3m in May, lifting the annual growth rate to 12.6%, while traditional banks also increased funding of “other financial schemes” to 10% of total loans—blurring lines with shadow lending. Short-Term Rentals Crackdown: The Tourism Deputy Ministry is tightening oversight of illegal Airbnb-style rentals, pushing a stricter operating framework and a fuller registry; 103 complaints have been filed over unregistered units. Energy Storage Push: Cyprus is accelerating electricity storage, with the TSO issuing connection terms for private stand-alone and hybrid solar-battery projects and tendering three storage systems (120MW/400MWh). Waste & Landfill Funding Risk: Parliament rejected a municipal waste landfill tax, jeopardising €23m in EU funding for waste modernisation. Public Sector Sick Leave Reform: Government is drafting rules to curb sick-leave abuse across the public service while protecting genuine illness cases, with unions seeking a say before any bill. Regional Diplomacy: Egypt and Cyprus discussed de-escalation and economic/trade cooperation, including faster implementation of an MoU on Egyptian workers in Cyprus. Illegal Employment Enforcement: Labour inspectors are set to double as checks net 47 people in illegal employment probes, with restaurants and bars among the targets.