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Limassol Targets Metropolitan Park Expansion Across Multiple Areas

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 18, 2026

Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis has unveiled an ambitious proposal to integrate the Polemidia Forest Park in Ayia Fyla with adjacent municipal land, aiming to establish a metropolitan park that bolsters urban green space and promotes sustainable development.

Strategic Expansion For Urban Green Space

The proposal targets approximately 40,000 to 50,000 square metres of land currently occupied by the Limassol recruitment training centre (KEN). The mayor emphasized that this initiative marks the preliminary step in a broader transformation, designed to extend the benefits of a sizable suburban park to the entire metropolitan area. In a conversation with Entrepreneurial Limassol, a publication by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), Armeftis detailed that these plots, potentially unused by the defence ministry, have already been identified on maps forwarded to Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas.

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Navigating Governmental Coordination And Institutional Planning

The mayor’s plan includes upgrades to public infrastructure around the existing forest park, aimed at supporting walking, running and other recreational activities. Discussions with Defence Minister Palmas remain at an exploratory stage, with the ministry expected to review the proposal based on the submitted plans. Armeftis also referred to a meeting with Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou in 2025, noting the need for a coordinated master plan under the ministry’s jurisdiction, as the Ayia Fyla forest falls within its remit.

Regional Collaborative Efforts For Sustainable Development

The initiative forms part of a broader regional collaboration involving the municipalities of Limassol, Amathus and Polemidia, alongside academic partners including the University of Cyprus, Cyprus University of Technology and Frederick University. Current efforts focus on securing the required land before finalising a master plan that will define the metropolitan park’s boundaries.

Mayor Armeftis said the phased approach reflects international practices, where military infrastructure is relocated to support long-term urban development.

The Polemidia forest area is planned as the first phase of the project, with future expansion expected to connect surrounding areas, including the Polemidia dam and other green zones across Limassol. The initiative, first introduced in 2022 under the “Integrated Limassol Development” framework, addresses urban expansion while supporting environmental planning.

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Cyprus Introduces €200 Million Support Measures To Cut Energy And Food Costs

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 27, 2026

Comprehensive Relief Measures For A Resilient Economy

The government of Cyprus introduced support measures exceeding €200 million to reduce household expenses and support key sectors. The package targets energy costs, food prices, tourism and agriculture. Measures come in response to rising costs and supply pressures. Implementation begins in April and May 2026.

Energy And Fiscal Reforms

The government will reduce VAT on electricity for households to 5% from May 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The measure is expected to lower energy bills. Special consumption tax on transport fuels will decrease by 8.33 cents per liter between April and June 2026. Policy targets fuel-related costs.

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Broadening The Zero VAT Initiative

Authorities will expand the list of products with zero VAT. Meat, poultry and fish will be included from April 1 to September 30, 2026. Existing zero-VAT categories already include fruits and vegetables. The government also decided not to introduce a green tax on fuels, avoiding an additional cost of about 9 cents per liter.

Sector-Specific Supports

The package includes a 30% wage subsidy for hotel employees for April 2026. Measure supports tourism businesses during the early season. Support for airlines aims to maintain connectivity with key destinations. The agriculture sector will receive subsidies covering 15% of costs for fertilizers and supplies in April and May.

Economic Stability, National Security

President Nikos Christodoulidis said economic stability remains a priority for the government. He noted that growth, fiscal balance and inflation trends support current policy decisions. Statement links economic policy with broader national priorities. The government continues to monitor external risks.

Ensuring Consumer Protection

Furthermore, the government has mandated rigorous market oversight and intensified inspections to prevent exploitative pricing during this period of economic intervention. This proactive stance ensures that the benefits of the measures directly serve the citizens without unintended inflationary impacts.