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2027 A Pivotal Year for Cyprus’ First Natural Gas Exports, Says Energy Minister

Cyprus is set to reach a major milestone in 2027, as it prepares to transport its first natural gas, Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry George Papanastasiou said on Thursday.

Following a meeting with trade union SEK, Papanastasiou highlighted the significance of the upcoming agreement with Egypt, which President Nikos Christodoulides will personally underscore during his visit to the neighboring country.

“The signing of agreements that will commercialize Cyprus’ natural gas is a crucial step forward,” the minister stated. He noted that while discussions have long focused on exploration and reserves, the next and most critical phase—exporting gas to international markets—is now underway.

“These agreements will define how the gas reaches global markets. This process involves Egypt as the host country, the companies that have invested in the deposits, and, of course, the Republic of Cyprus, which is eager to bring its natural gas to the market,” he explained.

SEK Union Secretary General Andreas Matsas emphasized that the deal also holds strategic importance for the European Union in its push for energy independence.

Papanastasiou further stressed that revenues from natural gas and other investments will ultimately flow back into Cyprus’ economy, reinforcing the country’s financial stability and growth.

Cyprus Introduces Performance-Based Funding For Public Research

Cyprus is introducing a new performance-based funding model for publicly financed research organizations, linking state support to measurable results for the first time.

A New Framework For Research Funding

Approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, the new mechanism establishes a more structured framework for funding public research organizations. Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodimos Damianos said the system is expected to take effect in early 2027.

First Phase Targets Centres Of Excellence

The first phase will cover Centres of Excellence co-financed through the Horizon Europe Teaming for Excellence programme with national and European funding.

According to Damianos, the objective is to preserve and further develop the research infrastructure, expertise and capabilities built in recent years, while supporting their transition into sustainable, long-term institutions under a formal funding framework.

Funding Tied To Performance Indicators

Under the new model, funding will be linked to performance against predefined indicators and targets. Organizations will be assessed across 18 indicators grouped into six areas: the research environment, internationalisation, scientific excellence, research performance, knowledge transfer and socio-economic impact.

Performance will be evaluated annually, while funding allocations will be reviewed every three years. The framework also introduces fiscal safeguards, including funding caps, assessments of each organisation’s actual financial needs and consideration of any other institutional state funding already received.

Positioning Research As A Strategic Public Investment

Damianos said the reform lays the groundwork for a new model of institutional support for research and innovation, aimed at strengthening scientific excellence and competitiveness while ensuring the transparent and efficient use of public funds.

He added that the framework is intended to support long-term benefits for both the Cypriot economy and society.

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