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.

We discuss gender identity and hear about an event to mark the Transgender Day of Visibility (TDOV); new rules are being rolled out for recipients of the Guaranteed Minimum Income (GMI) which may see some of them lose their benefits if they decline to take up training offered in the government and semi-government sectors.

We discuss EU Commission President Jean Claude Juncker's options for the future of Europe with the head of the EU Commission Representation in Cyprus (pictured); MPs demand the immediate implementation of a ban on water sports at Polemidia dam due to the highly polluted water which poses a public health risk.

The Juncker White Paper on the future of the European Union; there's a plethora of varied events at the CVAR in March; AIPFE's Incredible Women series, and one of those women who put her job on hold to sail round the world.

Cyprus' Health Minister outlines plans to improve cancer care; the Minister of Education (pictured) talks about school reforms recently passed by Parliament; the Cyprus Red Cross inaugurates activities at the Kophinou reception centre and a new study calls for harsher penalties for motorists who break the law.

Cyprus joins One Billion Rising against violence against women; happiness guru Brian Colbert (pictured) explains how to get the most out of life; the Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative (CSTI) outlines plans for 2017.

The European Union reacts to U.S. President Donald Trump's travel ban; Health Minister George Pamborides (pictured) discusses the delays in implementing the National Health Service; and we talk to the governor of Europe's biggest prison for sex offenders

Cyprus joins the global campaign demanding respect for fundamental Human Rights that marks Donald Trump's inauguration as US President; exciting new discoveries have been made by archaeologists in Kouklia, one of Paphos' ancient city states; and Paphos prepares for its own inauguration - as 2017 European Capital of Culture.

As a week of reunification negotiations comes to an end in Geneva we hear citizens' hopes and fears, talk to a journalist who has followed the Cyprus issue for years and hear from a Professor of History and Politics about what, possibly, could come next.

The UN Global Open Day on Women, Peace and Security: women the world over have the same desires; as Cypriot leaders head for talks in Switzerland, citizens are mobilising to encourage them to reach a solution; the EU Commissioner for Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (pictured) holds a citizens dialogue in Nicosia.

Bicommunal internships aim to help unemployed Cypriot graduates; technology disrupting the financial sector; a new book on the wildlife of Cyprus (pictured).

Can Cyprus learn from the return their homes of internally displaced Bosnians? We talk to anthropologist Tone Bringa (pictured) who documented the Bosnian war and and its aftermath; EU funding is helping small businesses; innovative solutions in bone therapeutics; and a simple blood test can detect pancreatic cancer.

We discuss prospects for Cyprus' reunification following the failure of negotiations in Switzerland; hear about the COSME programme that fosters the competitiveness of Europe's small and medium sized enterprises, and talk to a Bulgarian banker who is successfully implementing the COSME programme.

Authentic Italian cuisine comes to Cyprus; we talk at length to the Head of the Asylum Service (pictured) about processing asylum applications and the problems at Kofinou reception centre.

The importance of including women in the peace process - we speak to the EEAS Principal Advisor on gender (pictured); an example of bi-communal cooperation as the restored Apostolos Andreas monastery is inaugurated; a holistic approach to breast cancer treatment at the upgraded breast clinic in Nicosia; and we meet a singer/songwriter who has just released her first album.

German language month kicks off; men are invited to grow a moustache for 'Movember' (pictured) and the UK Education Fair is coming up - with good news for students who want to study in the UK.

The Naked Truth about Aphrodite - revealed in an erotic comic book (pictured); an end is in sight for the revamp of central Nicosia; your last chance to see a unique exhibition of historic Cypriot bridal gowns; Showstoppers arrive in Cyprus.

As municipalities and animal charities team up to address the problem of feral cats, we talk to Nicosia's Mayor (pictured); the Cyprus Shipping Chamber celebrates International Maritime Week, and we get a glimpse of life in medieval Cyprus.

Youth unemployment continues to rise in the government controlled area, while it is falling in the occupied north of Cyprus; Yiannis Georgiou (pictured) gives a piano recital in Nicosia, and seminars to teach businesses about responsible reporting of CSR and sustainability.

Foreign Minister Ioannis Kasoulides says European foreign policy has failed; the Women's Euro-Arabian North Pole expedition trains in Iceland; the Cyprus Rally gets under way; Nicosia celebrates its medieval heritage this weekend; sustainable tourism is taking off.

The commissioner for civil service reform (pictured) warns against delays in its implementation; the EU Commission Representation in Cyprus hosts a seminar on the single market; the Cyprus Rally is just a week away; the Pera festival takes place this weekend; European Day of Languages was celebrated in Nicosia this week.

The deadline to register for upcoming municipal elections is looming; Nicosia marks World Tourism Day with free entry to museums and guided tours of the city; you can become a "twitcher" for a day at Eurobirdwatch16, and Startups4peace encourage bicommunal entrepreneurship.

Italy launches an online campaign to dissuade migrants from risking their lives to reach Europe; a new shelter for victims of domestic violence is inaugurated in Nicosia (pictured); are women - and gender issues - largely unrepresented in the Cyprus reunification negotiations?

MPs join demonstrators threatening a Greek Cypriot for doing business with a Turkish Cypriot as the Cyprus negotiations continue apace. We assess the progress of the talks with Fiona Mullen of Sapienta Economics (pictured); Climate Launchpad 2016 selects the Cypriot winners; Cyprus gets its own Maritime Academy.

The government plans to reform and revamp the Postal Service; Italy pledges to rebuild the areas devastated by recent earthquakes; Cyprus Comic Con brings international stars to Nicosia this weekend.

We talk at length to soul singer Joss Stone, who was in Cyprus last week (photo courtesy of Emma Charalambous and Fengaros Festival); August seems to be 'music month' in Cyprus: we hear about the Windcraft Music Festival and bring you news of many other upcoming music events

Award winning author and business advisor Tania Ellis on social business strategies; Aboriginal dance group Djuki Mala wows Cyprus; Joss Stone headlines at the Fengaros Festival this weekend.

MP Marios Mavrides (pictured) discusses yet another taxpayer bailout for a semi-government organisation pension fund; in a record-breaking year for tourism we talk to the chief of the Hotel Association about the good - and not so good - practices that impact the desirability of Cyprus as a destination.

The benefits of CSR in building profits; Parliament mulls changes to the law on dogs; swimmers should be on their guard following an influx of lion fish (pictured) to Cypriot waters.

More drownings prompt calls for a change to the way Cyprus lifeguards operate; Slovakia assumes the Presidency of the European Council at a tumultuous time; the British Council releases a report on 'The Morning After' the Brexit; Porsche takes to the streets.

The forestry department outlines its plans for the regeneration of the areas devastated by the recent forest fires; yoga teachers islandwide are doing their bit to help; the BBC World Service engages both communities in Cyprus with 'World Questions' - streamed live from the Buffer Zone.

Can Cyprus learn from the Polish-German Neighbourhood and Friendship Treaty? A jazz workshop for all ages; the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is facilitating green investments in Cyprus

The multiple paths to reconciliation; a new book (pictured) aims to help children deal with cancer; social enterprises are being promoted by the EU Commission.

Cyprus Transport Minister (pictured) says buses are to get a smart upgrade; events to mark World Refugee Day; a Syrian refugee's story; Innovation Night brings together the cultural and tech sectors

The Women's Euro-Arabian North Pole expedition: a Cypriot woman who walked to the South Pole (pictured) gets ready for next year's adventure at the top of the world; International Children's Day; archaeologist Pamela Gaber talks about 40 years of excavations at Idalion. 

The Cyprus American Archaeological Research Institute finds a novel solution to expand its library; and we continue our conversation with Israeli-born musician, author and philosopher Gilad Atzmon.

We discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict with Fatah's Foreign Commissioner Nabeel Shaath and Israeli-born musician and author Gilad Atzmon (pictured)

The Palestine National Authority's former Minister of Information, Nabeel Shaath (pictured) talks about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his official visit to Cyprus; the 16th Pharos International Chamber Music Festival starts next week; Greek artist Klaudios on his 'Dialogues with Picasso' in Nicosia.

Europe Day celebrations move to Limassol; singer Tony Christie (pictured) chats about his first concert appearance in Cyprus in May; Transport Minister Marios Demetriades discusses the privatisation of Limassol port

Former MP Dinos Lordos (pictured) discusses the antics of Cypriot lawmakers prior to the dissolution of Parliament for the upcoming elections; we hear about a Street Quest in old Nicosia, and the EU Commission questions Google's breach of antitrust rules. 

Parliament passes the bill on cremation, but there's still a long way to go before it's a real option according to Efi Xanthou, Vice-President of the Cyprus Green Party (pictured); the wondrous world of birds; what do young Cypriots think about the reunification of Cyprus?

A Cyprus solution is possible before year's end, according to the UN's Special Advisor on Cyprus (pictured); Larnaca airport closes during a hijacking stand-off; British hostages are among the last to be freed; and a local rally ace promotes road safety for young drivers.

A new app helps you find people in your area with shared interests; the European Investment Bank supporting strategic investments, and we hear about the Investment Plan for Europe; A Bio Bank at the University of Cyprus offers researchers a valuable tool.

More people around the world die from contaminated water than from violence and wars put together - we speak to the inventor of a simple device that could change that (pictured); academics gather on Othello's island; it's 400 years since he died, but Shakespeare Lives in 2016, and techies team up with artists for a Culture shift.

Greek and Turkish Cypriots unite to condemn the torching of Denia mosque; endangered griffon vultures are found dead; Professor Constantinos Deltas (pictured) says Cypriots suffering from a rare kidney disease may be the first to take part in clinical trials for a promising new drug

Women's Film Week expands to Larnaca and Famagusta; Climate Launchpad encourages clean tech startups; we look in depth at the 'black gold' of Cyprus with Professor Antonis Kakas (pictured). 

The International Education and Career Fair outlines opportunities for students; the 2016 Rally Championship gets under way this weekend; can Cyprus learn best practice from Ireland in the restoration of old landfill sites?