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

Gerry Marsden of Gerry and the Pacemakers died this week, we reprise a chat we had a few years ago about his life and career; the Ministry of Health is rolling out Covid vaccinations across the island.

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?

The University of Cyprus is mapping changes in the Arctic Ocean; and we ask how can you tell when someone is being less than honest? We discuss the art of deception and how to spot it.

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

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.