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?

Religious leaders urge politicians to push ahead with reunification talks; Cypriot scientists research to enhance the use of photovoltaics; children get a hands-on experience of "Energies for a Sustainable World" (pictured) and One Woman At A Time expands its self help toolbox into Greek.

The European Business Awards recognise Cypriot entrepreneurs; as Britain prepares for a referendum on the 'Brexit', the British High Commissioner (pictured) urges ex-pats to register to vote; creative writing courses are coming up in Nicosia.

We hear about the Anglican community in Cyprus; how Lexus is continuing to grow market share in these challenging times for motor manufacturers; and take a look at wine-making in Cyprus with Marcos Zambartas  (pictured)

Cypriot MEPs share their thoughts on 2015, their hopes for 2016 - and accuse their peers of hypocrisy; the Dutch take over the EU Presidency - and come up with some novel ideas; with the introduction of the EPC, some professionals will now find it easier to work in other EU member states.

Cyprus' Health Minister discusses the overuse of antibiotics; the EU Vice-President for Energy Union, Maroš Šefčovič, on his 'Energy Union' tour to Cyprus; a rare black flamingo (pictured) joins thousands of flamingos wintering on Cyprus' wetlands.

Citizens demonstrate against controversial government proposals for land exemptions in the proposed Akamas National Park; we talk at length to the Minister of Health (pictured) about the delay in introducing the National Health Service

DISY leader Averof Neophytou (pictured) and former Turkish Cypriot leader Mehmet Ali Talat say "A United Cyprus is Feasible"; we discuss the implications of the Auditor General's report and the problem of corruption in Cyprus

The 'Renewal' project brings the people of Famagusta together through entrepreneurship, art and food (pictured); a host of varied Christmas events are coming up at the CVAR, and 2015 is the 150th anniversary of Sibelius' birth.

We take an in-depth look at media freedom, especially in the European Union's Eastern Partnership countries and Russia; ask how the Paris terrorist attacks may impact our access to information; speak to historian and author Orlando Figes (pictured) about how history affects our views of modern Russia, and hear about kids' workshops bringing together children from both sides of the Green Line. 

25,000 people die every year in Europe due to antimicrobial resistance: to mark European Antibiotic Awareness Day, we talk to the EU Health Commissioner and other experts about this ticking time-bomb; in the wake of the Paris attacks, Europe's Foreign Policy chief outlines a new approach to the bloc's neighbourhood policy; Amnesty International issues a new report on the failings and dangers of Europe’s response to the global refugee crisis (pictured).

Is the EU's 'action plan' to tackle the refugee crisis enough? We talk at length to the head of the EU Commission Representation in Cyprus, George Markopouliotis (pictured); the International Organisation for Migration says migrants can make a positive contribution to host countries; the etchings of Edgar Chahine on show in Nicosia; it may be November, but A Christmas Carol will get you into the festive spirit.

The Managing Director of the European Stability Mechanism, Klaus Regling (pictured) says reform must continue; Cyprus' Finance Minister is upbeat about the future; teddy bears are teaching children to be charitable; the link between music and war; a Supreme Court judge on the advantages of mediation.

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus addresses a bi-communal gathering on United Nations Day; the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (pictured) talks about escalating violence in Israel and Palestine; it's 15 years since the UN adopted Resolution 1325; mediation could cut the backlog of cases at Cyprus' courts.

The impact of ISIS on Middle East politics; stop the squeeze-out: a campaign to make orange juice "fair"; access to healthcare in the UK for expatriates; Cyprus' European Citizens of the Year (pictured), and exploring sovereignty in areas of conflict.

Our right to privacy is being redefined by 'the war on terror' says Professor Victoria Bernal (pictured); Italian Culture Month gets under way; using creative innovation and culture to explore new commercial opportunities in Cyprus.

The International Short Film Festival promises exciting viewing; the policing of human trafficking; paralympic gold medal cyclist Simon Richardson (pictured) visits Cyprus to encourage cycling safety

800 years after it was signed by an unwilling King John, the Magna Carta is still considered to be an important document. Desmond Browne QC (pictured) spoke about its significance at the British High Commission in Nicosia this week; we talk to two of the keynote speakers at a conference on 'Best Practices in Combatting Human Trafficking'; and the 7th International Pharos Contemporary Music Festival kicks off.

This year's Cyprus Rally is the fastest in its 44 year history; the Polish Lotos Rally Team are eyeing the European Rally Championship; the United Nations "International Day of Peace" is marked with a candle lighting ceremony in the buffer zone (pictured) 

Motor sport fans are gearing up for the Cyprus Rally; people across the island are mobilising to support Syrian refugees (pictured); how well do you look after your heart?

Cypriot leaders Nicos Anastasiades and Mustafa Ackinci (pictured) talk about their joint vision for the reunification of Cyprus; coping with refugees and their integration into the community; a bi-communal Europe Direct office opens in the buffer zone; two artists present an alternative 'Vision of Nicosia'.

The President honours a long-serving member of the Overseas Cypriots (pictured), the UN clears mines from the buffer zone, and the Kypria International Festival brings us a feast of culture.

As Cyprus marks the anniversary of the second wave of the Turkish invasion in 1974, a British film documenting the displacement of villagers from Phlamoudhi will be shown on television - we talk to those involved (pictured); the Fatherhood Initiative aims to get Cypriot fathers more involved in their children's upbringing.

The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini (pictured) consults civil society in Cyprus; three teams are selected for the European finals of Climate Launchpad; will the people of Famagusta soon be able to return? There are some improvements in Cyprus' record on human trafficking - but there's still a long way to go.

All bus rides in Cyprus will be free of charge on July 24th 2015; we discuss energy issues and options with Sir Michael Leigh (pictured), an expert from the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) who has been briefing Cyprus government officials on new policy papers.

British experts are back in Cyprus to help with public sector reforms; MPs at Westminster met recently to discuss progress on the Cyprus issue; the UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide (pictured) is upbeat about the Cyprus negotiations, telling a Nicosia audience "this is for real".

Cyprus' former Finance Minister Michalis Sarris (pictured) discusses the Greek crisis; we hear about a series of public debates on issues that are not often discussed; AIPFE Cyprus sets out its action plan.

Israel hijacks a boat on the high seas: we talk to one of the founders of the Free Gaza Movement (pictured); should a different methodology be adopted for the Cyprus settlement negotiations? Animal rights activists demonstrate outside the Presidential Palace.

Deputy Minister to the President, Constantinos Petrides (pictured), says there's an urgent need for reform of the Civil Service, and his measures should be passed by Parliament before the summer recess; the Minister of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, George Lakkotrypis, says things are getting better for Cyprus businesses; Irish experts share their best practices on entrepreneurship; you can broaden your horizons with a MOOC.

We discuss a conference on Trafficking in Women for Labour Exploitation in Domestic Work with three of the keynote speakers; hear about the International Lady Margaret Cavendish Conference from Professor Jim Fitzmaurice (pictured), and upcoming events - including a call for your videos by France's Arte TV. 

'Bloomsday' will be celebrated with a night of Irish Literature in Nicosia; the Institute for the Environment and Sustainable Development urges us to "Say No to plastic bags"; the bi-communal Technical Committee for Cultural Heritage is preparing for the ceremony to mark the restoration of Othello's Tower in Famagusta (pictured)

Solar-powered cars take to the streets of Nicosia; environmental NGO's campaign against government proposals to legalise bird trapping (pictured); the UN and EU express "hope" for a Cyprus settlement; the Ecofestival celebrates natural products.

We discuss EU development goals for the Middle East and North Africa, and talk to Professor Farid Mirbagheri (pictured) about the political dynamics of the region; an exhibition to mark International Biodiversity Day; the Cyprus Contemporary Dance Festival.

After almost 2 years, a Turkish Cypriot couple (pictured) are still waiting for the case brought against them for flying a Republic of Cyprus flag outside their shop in Famagusta to be heard in court; the Pharos International Chamber Music Festival gets under way with world-renowned musicians performing in unique settings; historic cars take to the roads 

We meet Cyprus' Eurovision hopeful John Karayiannis (pictured) and the composer of his song; European NGOs call on citizens to sign their 'Nature Alert'; the GSP stadium complex hopes to attract foreign athletes to train in Cyprus.

A popular movement hopes to open a crossing between Dherynia and Famagusta; Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was the topic of discussion at the University of Nicosia this week, sponsored by the Spanish embassy. It follwed a screening of the Bref documentary by Christina Pitouli (pictured) 

The European Parliament is clamping down on the use of plastic bags - we talk to Rapporteur Margrete Auken (pictured); Cypriot MEP Takis Hadjigeorgiou talks about his work, and his desire for a Cyprus settlement.

Opito launches in Cyprus for best practice in the oil and gas industry, we talk to their Chief Executive David Doig (pictured); and art is blossoming in Limassol.

The UN expects Cyprus negotiations to restart soon; will cuts in pharmaceutical prices lead to some medicines becoming unavailable in Cyprus?  Quentin Cooper (pictured) talks about the fascination of science, and FameLab.

Where do you keep yours? That's a question being asked by the British Foreign Office; humanitarian organisations slam the UN over Syria; a man before his time: Sir Walter Sendall's time as Governor of Cyprus is documented in a new book (pictured)

Nicosia's Town Hall gets "greened" for St Patrick's day; 21st March is World Down's Syndrome Day; the intriguing story of Shakespeare's backstabbing 'supporters' - we talk to Chris Laoutaris (pictured) about his book 'Shakespeare and the Countess'. 

The tragic life of Cyprus' last queen, Katerina Cornaro, brought to life; working towards better security for tourists: Peter Castleton (pictured) from Brighton and Hove on the UK's south coast shares best practice; more scandals are brewing in the banking sector.

A new survey suggests that Greek and Turkish Cypriots are moving further apart; Cyprus ranked 22nd out of 28 countries in the EU digital index; Mario Draghi (pictured), President of the European Central Bank, announced that interest rates would remain unchanged after the ECB Governing Council held its meeting in Nicosia. 

Do you know your consumer rights as a European citizen? An award for engineering excellence; victims of human trafficking in Cyprus are being left destitute by inadequate government agencies: we discuss the problems with Doros Polykarpou (pictured) of KISA (Action for Equality, Support, Anti-racism).

Musical theatre with the Limassol Theatre Arts School's original production of 'Frozen'; Eurobarometer 82 shows Cypriots are concerned about unemployment and the economy, but EU Commission Representation Head George Markopouliotis (pictured) says the issues are being addressed; a local NGO is offering free legal advice to asylum seekers.

The European Citizen's Award goes jointly to a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot nominated by Cyprus' MEPs including Neoklis Sylikiotis (pictured); One Billion Rising to protest violence against women; Cyprus has one of the highest rates in the world of Caesarean sections - we ask the Medical Association why.

After the demise of Cyprus Airways, Cyprus' Transport Minister Marios Demetriades (pictured) admits that the state was "not efficient" running a state-owned airline; YinAlithea aims to empower women; the Cyprus National Health scheme will rely on family doctors: a new course in Nicosia offers the requisite training.

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, reports to the Security Council; we talk to Boogie Woogie ambassador Axel Zwingenberger (pictured), and hear about the Cyprus Friendship Programme.

Despite falling oil and electricity prices, Cypriot consumers are seeing no reduction in retail prices; Cyprus football is reeling from match-fixing allegations that point the finger at some of the sport's top officials. We discuss the effect this is having on the game with Spyros Neophytides (pictured), Chairman of the Players' Association and a board member of FIFPro.

Improving your communication skills can improve your life; we discuss the proposed foreclosures legislation and ask what protection is in place for primary residences.

Rachel Moran (pictured) became a prostitute at the age of 15. Seven years later she turned her life around and wrote a book: ‘Paid For: My Journey Through Prostitution’. She gives a chilling insight into prostitution and its consequences. The camp housing Syrians rescued from a sinking ship off the Cyprus coast last September is to close; we ask what will become of the migrants – one of whom was recently found hanged?

Professor David Haslam (pictured), Chairman of NICE, on the need for medical guidance for GPs; putting past tragedy behind them, a Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot work for reconciliation; a photography exhibition that captures the memory of conflict; a new book looks at options for resolving the Cyprus problem. 

The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide, talks exclusively to the Cyprus News Digest. Former Cyprus President George Vassiliou (pictured) speaks frankly about his life, his time in office, and the catalogue of missed opportunities to solve the Cyprus problem.

Energy questions drive global politics: we talk to Gal Luft, (pictured) co-director of the Institute for the Analysis of Global Security; Classic cars on a Christmas fundraiser; Freedom Dolls launch a Christmas single with Harri Kakloullis of Squeeze; 

The U.N. Secretary General's Special Advisor on Cyprus, Espen Barth Eide (pictured), talks at length about the Cyprus issue, Europe and regional conflicts. Nicosia prepares for the 2nd Chocolate Festival; and it's pantomime time.

The 11th Cyprus Entrepreneurship competition; we talk to Henri Malosse (pictured), the President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), and hear from a lawyer who is risking jail and disbarment by undertaking civil disobedience.