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. 

Presidential candidate Stavros Malas promises that, if elected, his cabinet and the boards of SGOs will comprise "over 50% women".

We discuss regional politics with two of the speakers at a recent conference on "National, international and human security in the eastern Mediterranean", and hear how Cypriots have warmed to the traditional British pantomime.

It's European Space Week and we meet the movers and shakers in the European Space Programme to find out how space impacts our daily lives and can solve some of Earth's problems, as well as offering business opportunities and environmental solutions.

United Nations Day is celebrated in the buffer zone; we join the Hindu festival of Diwali; Telehealth can prevent unnecessary hospital visits; incentives are introduced to encourage filmmakers to Cyprus; multi-morbitity in an ageing population calls for integrated care solutions

The EU Commissioner for the Environment visits Cyprus; the Education Minister inaugurates a unique exhibition; we talk about health: anti microbial resistance and childhood obesity, and find out why the Ambassador of Georgia is supporting rugby in Cyprus.

We talk at length to Health Minister George Pamboridis about the state of play of the National Health system (GESY); the Interior Minister outlines plans to attract investment in audiovisual productions; Akel denies that it is against allowing pupils from private schools to enter the University of Cyprus.

Speakers at a high level conference on energy suggest that it's not all plain sailing for Cyprus' energy aspirations; we hear about the Cyprus collection at the British Museum, and a Cypriot racing driver wraps up an impressive season at Brands Hatch.

Opposition leader Andros Kyprianou (pictured) rues the missed opportunity at Crans Montana and discusses the upcoming elections; the Nicosia Barbarians are looking for rugby coaches; banned books are on sale in Nicosia.

After 2 deaths in recent weeks, cyclists call for drivers to take more care; disabled children deserve better facilities in mainstream schools; a Nicosia conference bringing archaeology to citizens; Cypriot racing driver Tio Ellinas started karting aged seven. 

The Slovak Ambassador looks back on her time in Cyprus and her role in the meetings of political party leaders from both sides of the divide; the Centre for Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) receives Europe's Grand Prix for cultural heritage.

Six weeks of culture - and some surprises - at the Kypria Festival; the new Maestro of the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra has big plans; social outreach bringing different faiths together to help the vulnerable.

Political party leaders shun overseas Cypriots meeting; Cyprus ranks third in Europe in underage binge drinking and electricity prices are set to drop.

A landmark ruling brings an end to discrimination against privately educated students entering the University of Cyprus; why are more young people are seeking mental health support? A 3-masted sailing ship docks at Larnaca and welcomes visitors.

The sea off Limassol continues to be seriously polluted: we discuss the possible sources of the contamination and what can be done about it, and ask why the authorities are keeping the studies done so far a secret; more of the popular and well-used Citizen Service Centres are to open across the island.

The Fire Department warns that lighting fires is illegal and incurs heavy penalties; we talk to a writer and film-maker who was growing up in Nicosia in 1974 and documented her memories of the Greek-backed coup and subsequent Turkish invasion.

What next for Cyprus reunification? The Health Minister embraces the Sustainable Development Goals; a new traffic scheme is in the pipeline for Nicosia; citizens demand that Eleftheria Square (pictured) should be car-free; advice for small businesses from CSR Europe.

What was Napoleon Bonaparte's connection with Ireland? Was he in the Dublin Post Office in 1916? Professor Tom Bartlett (pictured) has the answers. The unions say "it's a failure", but what protection is offered to outdoor workers in Cyprus during a heatwave?

Cypriot citizens are sceptical about the Crans Montana reunification talks. We also discuss the issues - and possible outcomes of the conference with Professor of History and Political Science Hubert Faustmann (pictured).

We discuss climate change and its effect on water sustainability in Cyprus; about half of the island's population have never used a computer; young people on both sides of the Green Line invite you to the Unity Fest next week.

Challenges for Israel in the Palestinian peace process; the Director General of ELIAMEP (pictured) thinks instability in the Eastern Mediterranean region is here to stay; June 20th is World Refugee Day

Cyprus' leaders are under growing pressure to reach a settlement; free mini buses offer car-free access to Nicosia's old walled city; motor sport fans are gearing up for the Cyprus Rally; an unusual art exhibition in Paphos entices people to the old - and now derelict - heart of the city.

An online petition is launched to urge the government to get a move on introducing the National Health Service; the Pharos International Chamber Music Festival (pictured) starts tonight; Cyprus' last queen, Caterina Cornaro, is travelling to New York.

Parliament is looking at ways to regulate funeral donations to charity; the Robotex exhibition aims to galvanise Cypriot creativity; the Cyprus Rugby Federation plans to introduce academies for women.

Cyprus' Foreign Minister (pictured) discusses the Council of Europe and the island's record on Human Rights; the EBRD launches a programme in the West Bank and Gaza; economic growth slows; the LGBTI community celebrates Gay Pride.

The President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (pictured with Cyprus' Finance Minister) hands 50,000 euros to Peaceplayers Cyprus; Finance Minister Haris Georgiades on the significance of the EBRD holding its annual meeting on the island; a 54-year-old man reckons he can replicate the 24-hour fitness marathon he achieved 22 years ago; the EU Commission prepares to celebrate Europe Day 

Can lights on fishermen's nets prevent the death of Cyprus' endangered turtles? Nicosia Municipality's Multicultural Centre extends its activities to include even more, especially vulnerable, citizens; you can now "adopt a bird" to help fund work to save our feathered friends.

The EU still has issues with Russia over Ukraine; See Why you should discover Cyprus' hidden gems with a new NGO; the dos and don'ts about rescuing baby birds; and after 5 years, the Cyprus Motor Show returns.

The slaughter of songbirds continues unabated in Cyprus; we delve into the work of the welfare services; two notorious women writers feature in a theatrical world premiere in Nicosia this weekend

The EU Foreign Policy chief condemns Israeli settlements the West Bank; Cyprus can improve its waste management; Cypriot MEPs discuss Brexit, energy security and illegal bird trapping.

Cypriot citizens are mobilising to move back to the fenced area of Famagusta and, as Europe celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, we hear about the role of the European Commission.