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New Legislation To Revolutionize Energy Storage In Cyprus

by News Editor

April 11, 2025

After much anticipation, the Cyprus Parliament unanimously passed a pivotal law enabling the storage of electrical energy. This significant move, driven by persistent efforts from Energy Minister Giorgos Papanastasiou, brings Cyprus a step closer to energy stability.

The Role Of Energy Storage

The new law grants the Transmission System Operator of Cyprus the responsibility to implement and manage energy storage systems. Collaborations with the Electricity Authority of Cyprus aim to stabilize the island’s isolated electrical grid and minimize the risks of power shortages. This initiative is vital in reducing the curtailment of green energy, particularly from photovoltaic sources, due to overproduction.

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Political Dynamics And Unified Agreement

The legislative journey was not without its complexities. Notably, amendments proposed by the Energy Committee’s Chairman, Kyriakos Hadjiyiannis, were reshaped by a majority, reflecting the European Union’s directive for state-backed energy storage solutions. Despite initial resistance, all parties, including the opposition and the Democratic Rally party, expressed unanimous support for the revised bill.

This development not only paves the way for energy resilience in Cyprus but also aligns with broader European environmental goals, solidifying Cyprus’s role as a forward-thinking player in regional energy advancements.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

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In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.