The British Council celebrates its 80th anniversary in Cyprus; we take Nicosia's Mayor to task about the untimely pollarding of trees; the EU Commission President delivers her State of the Union address, and the Cyprus Forum next weekend aims to influence policy makers on reform

A leading human rights lawyer says the policy of pushing refugee boats back to Lebanon breaks both Cypriot and international law; we visit a centre offering support to people with dementia.

A new 'creative non-fiction' book takes its inspiration from volunteer work with refugees in Greece and Cyprus; Nicosia Municipality offers support schemes for the children of third country nationals

Some of Cyprus' most endangered species are falling foul of our renewable energy sources; a month of culture starts tomorrow with the Kypria Festival.

Is there more than meets the eye behind the plans to shut down slum dwellings in Nicosia's old city, and - with no coordinated housing policy in place - what will happen to the people evicted ?

Improving air quality, public transport and animal welfare, and protecting the coast of Cyprus are just some of the priorities of the new leader of the Green Party.

We discuss the appalling treatment of some migrant workers in Cyprus and find out how the environment could be a catalyst for peace-building on the island.

We look in-depth at the challenges facing one of Cyprus' most important sectors: shipping, and, as she heads back to the Netherlands after 4 years on the island, the Dutch Ambassador looks back over her time in Cyprus

The Deputy Minister for Digital Policy outlines his ministry's ambitious plans to transform our government and society; a citizens' initiative, Gardens of the Future, could reshape our cities. 

As one area of the capital's new infrastructure is completed, Nicosia's Mayor prepares for the revamp of its central avenue: expect some traffic disruption for 18 months; the head of the Forest Department discusses tree felling and the law.

More dithering in the House of Representatives about Politically Exposed Persons and non-performing loans as a new committee is formed to tackle the issue - but will they? Mature trees in Cyprus are being felled indiscriminately to make way for new developments and roads

The Interior Minister comes under pressure at the House Human Rights Committee to rectify the situation at the Pournara detention camp; St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral holds a book fair to replenish the coffers after lockdown

Electoral reform is shelved again; the UNHCR highlights the plight of asylum seekers in Cyprus; the EU Commission explains its Climate Pact

Greek Cypriots open their homes to Turkish Cypriot workers who can't cross back to the north until July; could Cyprus generate all the electricity it needs - and more - from solar power?

The House Internal Affairs Committee will work through the summer so that the bill for local authority reform can go to the vote in the autumn; more developments encroach and threaten Cyprus' most important wetland

Deputy Tourism Minister Savvas Perdios outlines the plans for reopening airports and hotels; researchers in Cyprus say the two metre social distance may not be enough in certain weather conditions

We've already had some devastating forest fires this year: the head of the Forestry Department explains what we can do to help prevent more; the Employers and Industrialists Federation hopes that flexible working could become the norm

A legal expert on data protection discusses teachers' objections to the plans for distance learning in state schools; a man is jailed for an offence committed before a new law came into force, and regulations are to be tightened with regard to the sale of pets.

It's International Thalassaemia Day; air pollution has dropped dramatically during the Cyprus lockdown; celebrate Europe Day online; should a 16-storey tower block be built in the classical, colonial heart of Nicosia?

Restrictions in Cyprus are gradually being lifted, but we must still maintain social distancing, and we discuss the health and social issues faced particularly by the elderly  

As the lockdown continues, we hear about the benefits of yoga to keep you healthy in mind, body and spirit - and try out some basic postures

An online diagnostic tool can help you decide if you need to see the doctor about Covid-19; Cyprus' parliament postpones a vote on allowing the kosher slaughter of sheep and goats for export - we find out why - and it's not altogether to do with animal welfare

In total contradiction to the Cyprus government's edicts on hygiene and social distancing, asylum seekers are being locked in detention camps without basic facilities, sleeping up to 6 in tents that are now flooded after recent heavy rainfall

Lifestyle medicine can help you cope with social distancing and isolation: an expert from the University of Nicosia Medical School shares top tips to ensure you look after both your mental and physical well-being

How would you cope, locked alone in a hotel room for 14 days' quarantine? We talk to someone who is remaining resolutely positive about it; and a call goes out for blood donors - you are allowed to go out for this

Conditions have improved for those quarantined because of Covid-19: we get the latest updates on the situation in Cyprus; with theatres closed, the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra is going to stream concerts online

Why are companies paying banks to use their money? We discuss the impact of negative interest rates, and talk to an eminent virologist about coronavirus and what you can and should do about it.

Owners of properties in fenced-off Varosha are urged to act quickly to prevent them being given to Turkish developers; despite closing 4 checkpoints purportedly to prevent the spread of Covid-19, people can still cross without health checks; sign up quickly for FameLab 2020

Is Artificial Intelligence something to celebrate - or fear? Theoretical physicist Prof Marc Mezard discusses the pros and cons; and how did different faiths and communities interact under Ottoman rule in Cyprus?

NGOs move to mount legal challenges to decisions that impact the environment; there's some good news for a change about our birds, and young hackers are invited to enter the Cyprus Cyber Security Challenge 

How safe are journalists and their sources from interference, threats and even violence? Moves are afoot to use 'technology for truth' to help whistle-blowers fight corruption.

Despite ranking lowest in the EU on health spending, there's some good news for Cyprus; we hear about the 'Peace Dividend' that would follow the island's reunification, and the fight to save Cyprus' griffon vultures 

Non Performing Loans and Politically Exposed Persons: it's high time our lawmakers took conflict of interest seriously; more funds are needed if we're to save our ancient monuments; a Cypriot runs a charity that helps needy people in Birmingham

Will a 15 year legal battle end a British man's anguish at the Supreme Court today? It's cervical cancer week - what do you know about HPV? "Risks in a challenging world" is this year's topic at the Economy Panel; and a film premiere about Cypriots in Birmingham 

Following the Ayia Napa rape case, the Legal Affairs Committee is discussing making the recording of police interrogations in Cyprus mandatory; the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative will prioritise "Greening Cyprus for a Sustainable Future" at its upcoming AGM

In the wake of the Ayia Napa rape case we ask whether the police and judiciary in Cyprus are fit for purpose

Are you up to the challenge of Famelab? We meet the author of a book about Cyprus entitled Notes from the Graveyard of Diplomats; the head of UNFICYP looks ahead to 2020.

Mapping Cypriot DNA with the CYBiobank; President Anastasiades made some controversial choices in his cabinet reshuffle

A campaign is under way to expand the island's bone marrow registry; as part of Italian Cuisine Week, a watercolour exhibition opens on ancient fruits in Italy and Cyprus including gelato tasting.

There are high hopes of increasing cruise traffic to Cyprus; a study is underway to improve facilities for people with traumatic brain injury, and it's pantomime time again.

Doctors from the Shriners hospitals in the USA visit Cyprus - as they have been for 38 years - to assess Cypriot children for orthopaedic treatment; and a new drug offers hope to sufferers of thalassemia

We meet keynote speakers from the Economist's 15th Cyprus Summit and discuss the economy, hear about sentiment in the UK after 3 years of Brexit deadlock, stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the future for hydrocarbons in the region

If we ever actually get it, what should we do with our natural gas? The University of Cyprus explores new ideas for energy in public buildings, and getting to grips with innovation in business.

Why are the Cypriot authorities apparently unable to curtail large-scale illegal bird trapping? Cyprus continues to score very low on gender equality; and a new book looks at how to create "conscious business".

Cyprus denies many third country nationals working legally in Cyprus access to their social insurance contributions; "What is Magic?" You'll get the chance to find out at the Shoe Factory next week, and 'Weeks of German Language' begin this weekend.

A stark message from a United Nations climate expert; and how yoga can keep you healthy and change your life. 

The Pharos Contemporary Music Festival kicks off; finding inner peace: we meet a banker who became a Buddhist nun; last day upset on the Cyprus Rally.

Is Cyprus making the right decisions about hydrocarbons? The global climate strike continues with a march and events in Nicosia today.

Will the European Rally Championship be decided in Cyprus next weekend? 'Melusine's Island' looks at Nicosia from a different angle; Games and Politics is an interctive exhibition at the Goethe Institute, and a play opens that will delight  - and may shock - audiences.

Two former government ministers explain why a Bizonal Bi-communal Federation is the only solution for Cyprus; an invitation to a public discussion on the natural gas issue; Italian Film Days continue this weekend.

The Kypria Festival offers a wealth of culture over the coming weeks, and the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra prepares for outreach concerts across Cyprus.

Citizens are gearing up to tackle climate change by planting 800,000 trees across Cyprus. 

We talk to Cypriot film maker Harry Mavromichalis about his very intimate documentary on Olympia Dukakis, and we talk to the award-winning actress

Cyprus lags behind in competitiveness and suffers from a skills mismatch according to the first report of the Cyprus Economy and Competitiveness Council. We discuss the issues with the council's chairman, former Finance Minister Takis Klerides.

As pilot 5G projects are rolled out in Cyprus, we discuss the pros and cons with the Communications Minister and an expert on children's environment and health

What happens to the money you pay retailers for plastic bags? As the collective known as the Agora project prepares to leave its space in the old town, Nicosia's Mayor pledges support to continue the idea, and we hear about the ethos behind the group who have brought life back to the heart of the capital.

The EU Commission's Director for climate strategy explains the plans to become climate neutral by 2050; two years on from the collapse of talks at Crans Montana, we assess the current situation as regards the island's reunification

Cyprus streamlines its approach to the EU; the Foreign Ministry outlines the situation in Cyprus' EEZ; a new project helps migrants to access the jobs market, and we need to re-think our approach to energy consumption.

This week it's all about innovation and technology with the E.I.T. in town for an awareness day 

We discuss proposed amendments to the Dog law in Cyprus, and EU students who start university in England and Scotland in the 2020-21 academic year have been guaranteed the same fees and funding as home students for the whole length of their course – whatever happens with Brexit.

As World Refugee Day approaches, we talk the UNHCR representative in Cyprus; we also hear about the opening of a new centre where refugees can meet and interact; from next week all newborn babies in Cyprus will be offered free hearing tests

We look in depth at what the recent EU elections tell us about Cyprus; you can air your views on climate change at a 'cafe scientifique'; President Anastasiades hails close Cyprus-UK relations at the Queen's birthday party.

Prime Minister Trudeau's special envoy discusses federalism with the communities in Cyprus; Australian and Cypriot experts sign an MOU on road safety; an Italian professor brings his scientific knowledge to bear in the art world

Climate experts from the City-Zen project share ideas that could help Nicosia go carbon zero; Diplomats support Accept-LGBTI Cyprus in the run up to the annual Pride parade

The EU Humanitarian Commissioner addresses the lack of education in emergencies and launches #School4All; a refugee teacher talks about education in refugee camps and, as Cyprus misses environmental targets we discuss the circular economy 

We join the vigil for the murdered foreign women and find out what life is like for domestic workers in Cyprus; it's Cyprus Breakfast and Brunch Week; one of the island's premier music festivals starts this week and the annual cactus and succulent exhibition takes place on Sunday.

Have you registered for the National Health Service? The head of the HIO explains how to do it and where to go if you need help. We discuss the circular economy and particularities pertaining to islands.

Local wines shine at the 12th Cyprus Wine Competition and the Minister of Agriculture pledges support for the industry; plans are afoot to solve the traffic congestion in our towns.

Cyprus' Health Minister talks frankly about the implementation of the National Health scheme; author and journalist Thomas de Waal discusses Europe's de facto states and breakaway territories.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is financing the green economy; innovative greenhouse technology can save fuel and water; Cyprus' Health Minister encourages private investment in the health sector, and the centenary of Bauhaus is celebrated at the Goethe Institute.

The Interior Minister is determined to restructure the CyBC; the Transport Minister outlines her plans for sustainable mobility; an Australian uses comedy to tackle racism and a Dutch professor talks about sustainable energy systems.

Groundbreaking new research revealed at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; and how can a holistic approach to sustainability be applied in Cyprus?

Artists' copyright: a Nicosia lawyer says many visual artists are not aware that they and their heirs are entitled to a percentage of a work's resale value; Turkish Cypriots opposed to the occupation in the north of Cyprus are standing in the EU Parliamentary elections.

Gender equality takes centre stage this week with countless events marking International Women's Day, but it's not just about women: men - and society as a whole - can also benefit, says Cyprus' Foreign Minister.

The Irish embassy is expanding its programme for St Patrick's Day, and the Senior Police Adviser at UNFICYP discusses the challenges and opportunities for women in policing.

Who owns your data when you die? In her book about women in Cyprus in the 20th century, former First Lady Androulla Vassiliou catalogues the challenges they faced as they fought for emancipation.

Are Cypriots finally ready to vote for reunification? The DISY chief says the President is committed to a bi-zonal bi-communal federation but Akel's leader is not so sure; GRECO assesses the island's compliance with anti-corruption measures and this weekend you can "Run for Seeds”.

Too many old diesel cars on #Cyprus roads are impacting air quality; EU Commissioner @GabrielMariya says EU states must work together for the digital single market; Cyprus Finance Minister @Georgiades_H urges a "digital transformation" to positively impact the Cy economy

Thousands of children in the north of Cyprus are denied a Cypriot passport and remain stateless; the European Commission's Vice-President for jobs and growth says we must promote a circular economy; Cypriot aristocrats flourished under Venetian rule.

We may soon have to "pay as you throw" as Cyprus struggles with efficient waste management; big prizes are up for grabs at Famelab; Indian classical music comes to Nicosia.

Are Cypriot women giving up on hopes for the island's reunification? We discuss the issue with the UN's Special Representative in Cyprus, and former first lady Androulla Vassiliou; we find out how to make sure you are cyber-secure in 2019.

We talk to experts in Brussels about security in the bloc and the EU Commission's support for research to improve security in the fields of defence, terrorism, infrastructure, digital security and natural disasters.

We all need water to survive, but some governments want to weaken EU law: you can have your say in a public consultation; we hear about a traditional German Christmas fayre in Nicosia, and a bi-communal fun day in eastern Cyprus.

How does Cyprus treat migrants? What are their rights and do we need policy changes? Upcycling plastic bottles to make shelters for the homeless 

We speak to the Brexit editor of The Economist; Nicosia's Mayor is trying to clean up the old city; public inclusion is vital for successful peace negotiations.

Our guests this week were all panellists at the recent Economist 'Cyprus Summit' on hydrocarbons, regional stability and financial policy: the US Ambassador to Nicosia, Cyprus' Foreign Minister, the Energy Minister, a high ranking official from ExxonMobil and Cyprus' Finance Minister.

Strovolos Municipality extends its free parking and charging scheme for hybrid and electric cars; a documentary delves into the history of the Cyprus railway; the UN Secretary General's Special Representative says the door is still open for a Cyprus solution

The hall of Nicosia Municipality's multi-purpose centre is re-named in memory of the city's former First Lady, Olga Demetriades; as winter kicks in, asylum seekers in Cyprus are being forced to sleep in parks because they can't afford to rent accommodation

The NASA Space Apps challenge takes place in Nicosia this weekend; film makers acknowledge the island's appeal as a location; tonight there's a bi-communal conference on Promoting Ethical Journalism Across Cyprus

Michael Jansen's latest book was inspired by her experiences at the 2011 Egyptian revolution; a new app aims to improve your driving; will financial incentives lure film-makers to the island? St Paul's gets a new window to mark its 125th anniversary

Should medical cannabis be legalised in Cyprus, and what conditions can it treat? Empowering women to take a more active role in the peace process in Cyprus.

Is the government's Estia scheme to protect vulnerable defaulters fair, and fit for purpose? Apparently not. Women from Northern Ireland share their experience of peace building with women on both sides of the Cyprus divide; St Paul's Anglican cathedral celebrates its 125th anniversary

The EU Trade Commissioner outlines proposals to reform the World Trade Organisation; Italian film days, lectures and a photo exhibition are coming up, and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs sets out the EU's vision for a new and comprehensive strategy to better connect Europe and Asia

Road tax may rise after a public consultation on new measures that take environmental factors into account; we talk to the author of a science fiction novella launched on the island this week.

Cyprus must be for all Cypriots and no-one else, says Cyprus' High Commissioner to London, Euripides Evriviades, who discusses the Cyprus problem and Brexit at length.

Asylum seekers are being forced to camp in public parks because they can't afford to rent accommodation - is government policy aimed at making their lives as difficult as possible? World-class acts headline at this year's Kypria Festival. 

Nicosia this week hosted the prize-giving of the Commonwealth Short Story competition: we talk to the organisers, the winner and the chair of the judging panel; Cypriot Tio Ellinas heads to Snetterton for the next round of the Porsche Carrera Cup. 

Women's groups are demanding that they be included in the Cyprus peace process; there are more than 150 forest fires on the island every year, and we can all take measures to prevent them; as technology advances, continuous training is needed to keep cyber crime at bay

As this year's Duke of Edinburgh gold awards are presented, we hear about the importance of extra-curricular activities for a rounded education, and discuss the implications of the Co-Op sell-off for depositors, mortgagees and the Cypriot taxpayer.