
Cyprus’ Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas stated on Wednesday that the country “will not tolerate abuse of foreign workers,” emphasizing that “Cyprus is not a slave market.” The remarks came as he announced inspections into allegations that hotels are using temporary agency workers to bypass employment protections, following complaints from trade unions Sek and Peo.
Mousiouttas said the ministry, in cooperation with the labour department, would investigate the supply of temporary agency staff to ensure compliance with labour laws. The announcement underscores Cyprus’ stance against exploitative practices in its labour market, particularly in sectors reliant on foreign workers.
The move aligns with broader European efforts to address labour rights and foreign interference. Meanwhile, the EU continues to develop frameworks to counter Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI), with the SAUFEX consortium publishing research on democratizing responses to such threats. A recent paper from the consortium argues that structured public participation, including adolescent engagement, is critical to building resilience against disinformation.
In parallel, energy and economic pressures are reshaping European priorities. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde warned that Europe’s post-war growth model—built on trade expansion, mid-tech manufacturing, and U.S. security guarantees—is under threat due to rising global trade restrictions and competition from China. Lagarde urged the bloc to embrace artificial intelligence and deepen market integration to sustain economic stability.
The EU’s industrial policy discussions also reflect a push for local procurement, with voters in most member states favoring spending on domestically produced goods. This sentiment comes as the bloc faces a second inflation shock, driven first by energy costs and soon by food prices, according to economic analysts.
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