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Chevron Explores New Horizons: Potential Gas Reserves Off Crete

by News Editor

March 26, 2025

Chevron, a prominent player in the oil industry, is setting its sights on hydrocarbon exploration in the Mediterranean, particularly around the island of Crete. This interest marks their second bid for Greek energy endeavors in 2025, as highlighted by Greece’s energy ministry.

Strategic Expansion And Opportunities

The Greek government has greenlit Chevron’s interest in two blocks located south of Crete. Preparations are underway for determining precise coordinates and initiating an international tender. This new venture potentially doubles the expanse of offshore territories available for exploration, now totaling an impressive 47,000 square kilometers. These developments significantly enhance the prospects of discovering commercially viable gas reserves in Greek waters.

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Enhancing Energy Independence

In the wake of abundant renewable resources like sun and wind, Greece is aggressively expanding its renewable energy initiatives. Simultaneously, the nation is fostering domestic resources to decrease dependency on Russian gas, in alignment with the European Union’s strategic energy pivot post-Ukraine invasion.

Potential Impact And Regional Implications

With Egypt, south of Crete, having made substantial gas discoveries, hopes are high for similar findings in the region, offering a boost to the local economy.

Curious about broader energy trends? Check out our insights on global energy consumption trends.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

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In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.