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.

Volunteers are needed to catch stray cats for an island-wide neutering programme; defining freedom of expression - what is legal and what is not? Gourmet food in Macau

A study reveals how many girls in Cyprus are at risk of female genital mutilation (FGM); cybercrime trends and the vulnerability of the internet of things; youngsters from Nicosia's children's home get to know nature in Paphos. 

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. 

Human trafficking for sexual exploitation generates 99 billion dollars annually; the EU launches infringement procedures against Cyprus for  failing to comply with Directives for the protection of nature; the annual Pride march takes place on Sunday.

An international climate change conference addresses issues in the eastern Mediterranean; the Pharos International Chamber Music Festival gets under way next week; we find out about the philosophy of the consortium preparing to build the casino in Limassol.

With a new cd just released, Cypriot musician and poet Haji Mike talks at length about his career, and shares his thoughts on music and politics.

We visit an award-winning organic winery; hear about cacti, succulents and the 'smart garden' and the first accordion festival is taking place in Cyprus this weekend

Farmers are advised not to plant new crops due to a water shortage; the choreography of cross-cultural negotiations - we discuss the Israeli-Palestinian example; the women's Euro Arabian expedition reaches the North Pole.

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".

Calls to a domestic violence helpline soared by 50% last year; freshwater anglers organise a clean-up of Yermasoyia dam; a new app enables us to report illegal hunting and bird-trapping.

Telecare can replace regular visits to the doctor and allow you to be treated at home; the Estonian Minister for Entrepreneurship explains the opportunities created by Europe's space programme; we explore the new law governing Cypriot NGOs, and hear about the Magic Table for dementia sufferers. 

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.

Are you taking the right medicine, and who is checking? Making the impossible possible is easier than you think; a project to build dementia-friendly villages in our cities, and why has a bell appeared in the Nicosia buffer zone?

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.

The GERI briefcase is set to revolutionise health care for the elderly; 'Yoga Light and Shadows' is a new coffee table book with eye-catching photographs of Cyprus and philosophical text and we meet a Cypriot poet who has published his work in a bilingual book.

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.