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Cyprus Accelerates Digital Transformation In 2025 With Bold Reforms

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 30, 2025

Cyprus is set to make 2025 the year of Digital Transformation, aiming to reduce bureaucracy, enhance economic competitiveness, and promote transparency, President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Wednesday during the presentation of the Official Governance Agenda 2025 at the Presidential Palace.

Expanding E-Government Services

A key part of the government’s strategy is the launch of 60 new electronic services, streamlining essential processes for citizens and businesses alike. Among the planned digital initiatives are:

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Student sponsorship applications
Re-issuance of refugee identity cards
Electronic employer registration
Applications for third-country worker employment
Renewal of temporary residence permits for employees of foreign-owned companies and domestic workers
Online school registration for all levels

To further improve public accessibility, the “Digital Citizen” and “Digital Assistance” platforms will be expanded with additional services, creating a more user-friendly, efficient digital ecosystem.

Harnessing AI For Public Sector Efficiency

Artificial Intelligence will play a pivotal role in the government’s digital strategy. Christodoulides highlighted plans to develop AI-driven solutions to address public sector inefficiencies while also fostering innovation among local businesses and research institutions.

Fast-Tracking Urban Planning And Social Benefits

As part of broader administrative reforms, Cyprus is streamlining urban planning and building permits, cutting approval times significantly:

Since October 2024, urban planning permits for up to two residences have been issued in just 20 days.
Starting February 1, 2025, building permits will also be issued in 20 days, meaning full approval for residential projects will take just 40 days.
From March 2025, a fast-track licensing system will be extended to medium-scale developments (e.g., apartment buildings with up to 20 units), ensuring planning and building permits are issued within 80 days.

Additionally, all social benefits managed by the Department of Social Insurance will be processed within 30 days starting March 2025, drastically reducing delays in government assistance programs.

A Modern, Efficient, and Credible State

Christodoulides emphasized that bold reforms are the key to transforming the state-citizen relationship, ensuring a modern, efficient, and internationally respected government.

“We want Cyprus to be a state that operates with efficiency, credibility, and dignity—both internally and on the global stage,”
the President concluded.

With these ambitious reforms, Cyprus is positioning itself as a leader in digital governance, embracing technology-driven solutions to enhance public services and economic growth.

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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.

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.