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Cyprus Joins the Global Space Age: Signing the Artemis Accords for Peaceful Space Exploration

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 24, 2024

In a bold leap toward the future, Cyprus has officially joined the Artemis Accords, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s journey into space exploration. Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Dr. Nicodemos Damianou, signed the historic agreement at the Presidential Palace, connecting live with NASA in the United States.

The Artemis Accords, which have been endorsed by over 40 nations, set a framework for the peaceful and cooperative exploration of outer space. These principles align with global efforts to ensure that space activities, from scientific research to resource utilization, benefit all humanity. Cyprus, a growing player in technological innovation, has now firmly placed itself among the countries dedicated to this vision.

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Dr. Damianou emphasized the importance of this moment, noting that Cyprus is taking concrete steps to expand its focus on satellite communications and earth observation technologies. He also stressed the necessity of international cooperation, recognizing that space exploration must transcend borders and disciplines. Cyprus sees space as a new frontier for economic diversification and future value creation, with the potential to inspire future generations.

This signing also cements the relationship between Cyprus and the United States in the field of science and technology. James O’Brien, U.S. Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, celebrated the first strategic dialogue between the two nations, underscoring the shared commitment to education and scientific advancement in space. NASA’s associate administrator Jim Free called it a “golden age of space,” highlighting how these partnerships will help break barriers and preserve the space environment for future generations.

For Cyprus, this step into the space sector not only strengthens its ties with international partners but also positions the country as a key player in the rapidly growing Mediterranean space hub. As the world looks to the stars, Cyprus has signaled its commitment to being part of the next great chapter in human exploration.

By joining the Artemis Accords, Cyprus is not just participating in a space mission—it is taking a visionary step towards future prosperity, aligning with the global effort to unlock the vast possibilities of space for the benefit of all.

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Industry Uproar Over Reduction in Electric Vehicle Subsidies

by News Editor

April 26, 2025

The recent move by the government to curtail subsidies for electric vehicles has stirred significant discontent among car importers in Cyprus. The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has slashed available grants under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme as of April 23, leading to a rapid depletion of the subsidy pool and leaving many potential applicants disappointed.

Importers’ Concerns

According to the Cyprus Motor Vehicle Importers Association (CMVIA), the lack of transparency and failure to engage stakeholders prior to the decision have eroded trust in the government’s commitments. Importers now find themselves facing a precarious situation, with substantial stocks of electric vehicles and mounting promotional expenditures.

Public Interest and EU Compliance

Although the scheme aimed to support the transition to zero-emission transport until 2025, the DRT states that the curtailing of funds was necessary to comply with European funding terms, which warned against delays in vehicle deliveries. This decision has fueled market uncertainty despite the application portal experiencing dynamic changes.

Industry’s Ongoing Demand

The CMVIA refutes any claims suggesting waning interest in electric vehicles, underscoring the rapid exhaustion of available grants as proof of substantial demand. They highlight the importance of meeting Cyprus’s green transition targets, including putting 80,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

While the total budget for subsidies saw an increase to €36.5 million in 2023, thanks to additional funding, ongoing difficulties in timely vehicle distribution have led to premature closures of applications. In response, CMVIA has called for urgent dialogue with the Minister of Transport to reassess the decision, fearing that it could endanger the future of e-mobility in Cyprus.