Cyprus falls to Tier 2 in the Trafficking in Persons report, and victims aren't getting the support they should; a new tourist route offers hands-on experiences of the real Cyprus; an upcoming theatre production of 'Love, Loss and what I Wore'.

As electricity prices rise, lobby groups are holding back reforms in the energy sector; booster jabs are on the cards for the over 65s but are they needed? Live music will be popping up in streets all over Cyprus next week

The Cyprus Medical Association cannot sanction doctors being investigated for unethical behaviour or criminal offences until the lengthy judicial process is complete - until then, they can keep practising; a new App can take you on tours of Nicosia's monuments.

Will rescinding some Turkish Cypriot passports take Cyprus closer to partition? A new book looks at identity, belonging and sexuality in the Arab world; and two months of culture are upcoming with the Kypria Festival

A new website maps holy sites for all faiths in Cyprus as a tool for reconciliation; come Christmas, mountain villages will turn into a winter wonderland; a free water station is installed at the island's first plastic-free beach

Fewer Covid tests means fewer recorded cases: will that move Cyprus up to the green category? The tourism sector is having to rely on 'staycations'; all work under direct sunlight should cease during the heatwave.

President Erdogan announces the opening of part of Varosha in occupied Famagusta; a mob trashes the Sigma media headquarters; the Swedish embassy issues a 7-day sustainability challenge 

Cyprus gets a rap over the knuckles from the European Court of Human Rights; volunteers are needed at Zero Food Waste Cyprus and we look at other stories making the headlines this week

After the devastating wildfires, the authorities are called on to investigate the conditions under which agricultural workers are employed; many small businesses don't have the wherewithal or knowledge to implement health and safety rules; despite a spike in covid cases, hoteliers remain optimistic

Time is running out for Greek Cypriots to lay claim to their properties in the occupied areas of Cyprus; the healing power of lavender: free workshops kick off in Platres this weekend.

There's been a spike in cases of the Delta variant of the coronavirus, and young Cypriots are shunning the chance to get vaccinated; Cyprus' first 'sustainable park' is planned for Nicosia; we meet a musician who has emerged from lockdown with a new album that reflects on society and who we are.

Serious lead pollution has been found near Larnaca Salt Lake; the Chamber of Commerce explains its call for a deferment of the implementation of the single-use plastics directive; and you're invited to "re-discover your food" on Sunday

It's been on the cards for several years, but Cyprus businesses are asking for more time to implement the ban on single use plastic; the Health Ministry backtracks on which vaccinations are available to non-GESY patients

16 months after closing, the crossings between north and south Cyprus open today; we discuss voting trends in the wake of the parliamentary elections; and fewer women MPs is a blow for gender equality.

Great news on the bird front: ravens return to Akamas; we hear about a project to rescue unsold food for the needy, and - ahead of Sunday's election - we look at Cyprus' political system. 

There are good incentives for Cypriots to 'staycation' and support the local hotel industry, the Pharos Chamber Music Festival makes a comeback, and St Paul's Cathedral welcomes the lifting of restrictions with a mini market.

Will voter apathy impact the upcoming elections? Mobile polling stations will enable those in isolation to cast their ballot; and we need more midwives in Cyprus. 

The government continues with illogical measures against covid; climate experts release a report on the Mediterranean for policy-makers, and where are the women in the team that will negotiate on the Cyprus problem?

Pregnant Covid positive women were forced to have a C-section in Cyprus; we ask why parliament delays passing legislation ahead of elections; students compete in the Scyence fair at the Cyprus Institute

Leading citizens have launched an online petition urging President Anastasiades to do 'whatever is necessary' at the Geneva conference to secure a successful outcome; our schools should base their emphasis on learning rather than teaching.

Could the tourism industry lose another year's business if Britain extends its ban on foreign holidays? Today is World Autism Awareness Day: we discuss the challenges facing those on the autism spectrum.

Overruling its environmental advisors, the government forges ahead with plans to build a highway through a protected area; the Cyprus Employers Federation says we must cut down the appalling waste of food in our hotels and restaurants

Shoddy journalism in Cyprus is ignoring fact-checking and giving public figures free rein to peddle inaccuracies; your digital footprint has a massive impact on the environment - now is the time to clean it up; entries are invited for the Cyprus cyber security challenge

No quarantine or prior negative covid tests needed for tourists to Cyprus who've been vaccinated; companies domiciled in Cyprus have 6 months to give details of their shareholders and owners to a new Ultimate Beneficial Owner register

Cyprus Greens slam the government for allowing development on turtle hatching beaches; Rotary's pollinator project aims to bring benefits to insects; FOE accuses the EU Commission of breaking its own rules to roll back safety measures for GMOs.

Following the demolition of protected, listed buildings by the Archbishopric, and the authorities' neglect in enforcing the law, MPs discuss changes to existing legislation; and we hear the shocking facts about food waste and its impact on climate change

Citizens are still reeling from the police violence at last week's protest against government corruption; a freedom of information act comes into force, and could the social welfare service have prevented the tragic murders in Tseri?

The World Bank publishes a study by the Cyprus Institute analysing the benefits of integrating green policies in the Covid-19 economic recovery; could the power-sharing model of Northern Ireland work in Cyprus to solve the Cyprus problem?

There was outrage this week after the Church of Cyprus demolished 4 listed buildings in old Nicosia which it had promised to restore as part of a project to build a new cathedral. We talk to the Technical Chamber, the Mayor and a leading lawyer about the illegalities - and possible solutions.

If you haven't activated your National Health registration you won't be able to book a Covid vaccine or access your medical records; freedom of the press is under threat on both sides of the island

Irrational, politically motivated lockdown restrictions give exemptions to some groups while banning everyone else from enjoying the countryside; Nicosia's central square finally reopens after years of renovations

Cyprus' Parliament reduces the penalties for poaching and illegal bird trapping, and efforts continue to cull the invasive lion fish which is now rampant in the Eastern Mediterranean.  

Asylum seekers have been sleeping on pavements outside the Immigration offices after being denied the opportunity to register their claims; Cyprus' Parliament passes new animal welfare legislation.

A founding member of Jewish Voice for Labour discusses the conflict in Palestine and the Israel lobby in the UK; the Cyprus Refugee Council calls for donations of warm clothing for asylum seekers housed in tents.

The Swedish Embassy throws a lifeline to the Home For Cooperation; we hear from international panellists at the Economist's 16th Cyprus Summit.

Is annexation on the cards for northern Cyprus? Emotions are running high after Tayip Erdogan's visit; the University of Cyprus is looking for volunteers for a new study into Covid-19 antibodies.

As Tayip Erdogan makes plans to picnic on the beach in fenced-off Varosha, we discuss the legal implications of infringing the buffer zone in Cyprus, and activists from the End Corruption platform vow to continue their protests demanding concrete action from the government.

The EU Commission calls on Cyprus to fully implement the EU rules on the presumption of innocence and the right to be present at the trial in criminal proceedings; new Covid-19 protocols and restrictions come into force.

We meet the journalist who exposed the Cyprus Papers and hear from the Minister of Education about the challenges facing our schools

A tumultuous week in Cyprus has seen angry demonstrations against corruption, and the resignation of the President of the House of Representatives. We ask: what comes next?

Traffic cameras should be up and running early next year. The Transport Minister discusses road safety, public transport and his ministry's priorities.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

The British High Commissioner outlines what expats need to do about their status after Brexit; we talk to the author of The Seamstress of Ourfa which is being launched in Nicosia next week, and meet the Human Rights Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Is commerce more important than our natural heritage? Environmentalists fear for the future of the island's most important wetland; the Cyprus computer society is looking for young hackers; an expert from the Council of Europe outlines measure to combat cybercrime

The former head of the World Trade Organisation says adjustments must be made if we are to harness globalisation; the head of UNFICYP emphasises the importance of including women in the peace process; we hear about a public event on rheumatic diseases and a photographic exhibition opens next week in Tala. 

We hear about the thrills and perils facing an all-female expedition to the North Pole; Cyprus Film Days is up and running; Tio Ellinas starts the Porsche Carrera Cup season with podiums at Brands Hatch. 

Demonstrators will gather this weekend to protest against uncontrolled developments near Natura 2000 sites; a judgement by the European Court of Human Rights has implications for owners of property in the occupied areas; UK Cypriots lobby British MPs about Turkish provocations in Cyprus' EEZ; a turtle hotline will enable the authorities to rescue injured turtles faster.

Following the launch of the second volume of his autobiography, detailing his tenure as President of #Cyprus, George Vassiliou talks frankly about his successes, his mistakes and the Cyprus problem

The biggest 'cleantech' bootcamp in the region will take place in May, but are Cypriots interested? The European Commission is funding free wifi hotspots in public places; a tribute in Nicosia to Eric Clapton and the 3rd Medieval Nicosia Festival starts tomorrow.

A German couple recount their first-hand experience of the persecution of Palestinians in Hebron; the gender gap is everywhere - including Wikipedia; 1 Billion Rising in Nicosia; a new law on abortions in Cyprus is being drafted.

We discuss the appalling conditions at the Kofinou Reception Centre with the Chair of the House Human Rights Committee; and is it time to scrap the current citizenship for investment scheme?

Demonstrators gather at Parliament to protest against illegal building in protected areas and their call for action is echoed by the Scientific and Technical Chamber. Former EU Commissioner Janez Potočnik discusses the importance of a Circular Economy. 

Author Julie Bindel talks about the Pimping of Prostitution; the EU Humanitarian Commissioner discusses the problems facing Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and the Artos Foundation Kids University will occupy children during the Easter break.

Musician, composer and author Gilad Atzmon talks about Israel, Judaism and Zionism - and his latest book 'Being In Time'.

Young refugees from Africa share their hopes and experiences; the problem of plastic waste - and how Cyprus mismanages its waste strategies.

With the run-off in the 2018 Presidential elections due on Sunday, we discuss the issues - and the fall-out after the first round.

Does the new EU plastics strategy go far enough? Cases of measles in Cyprus prompt calls for parents to vaccinate their children; as a rare monk seal is spotted in Paphos we discuss the threats to biodiversity in our seas; Bulgaria's ambassador outlines his country's priorities for its EU presidency. 

The Interior Minister outlines plans to regulate, encourage and fund social entrepreneurship; the relationship between olive trees and funghi; Presidential hopeful Stavros Malas outlines his priorities and policies.