Cyprus-EU Defence Push: Cyprus is pressing ahead with EU-backed defence plans, base upgrades and Nato aspirations, with Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas stressing the republic won’t seek approval for its security partnerships. EU Presidency Wrap: President Nikos Christodoulides says Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency delivered “results-oriented” progress, highlighting defence, security and diplomacy as key wins. Crowdfunding Rules: Parliament is set to consider a bill that transposes the EU crowdfunding regulation, with fines up to €500,000 or 5% of annual turnover for breaches, via CySEC enforcement. Digital Identity Upgrade: Cyprus begins a pilot of new biometric ID documents from Veridos, as the country expands its digital ecosystem. Financial Literacy Drive: The Central Bank of Cyprus hosted a financial literacy event with the Greek central bank, focused on shifting more savings into productive investment under the EU’s Savings and Investments Union. Maritime Security & Trade Winds: The Middle East crisis is reshaping the Eastern Mediterranean business outlook, while US-Iran talks and Hormuz tensions remain a live risk for regional shipping and tourism. Tourism & Consumer Pressure: Holiday bookings are reportedly surging in the eastern Mediterranean as travellers reassess Gulf spillover risks, while Cyprus fuel prices are falling but not out of the woods for cost-of-living pressures. Marine Safety Alert: Invasive pufferfish and other Mediterranean threats are hitting holiday hotspots, adding a new layer of risk for summer beachgoers.