Breaking news

Cyprus Poised To Transform Regional Energy Landscape With Strategic Electric Interconnections

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, recently detailed ambitious plans to enhance the island’s role in the energy sector through new electric interconnections with neighboring states at the 13th Energy Symposium.

Strategic Alliances And Regional Energy Security

In his address, President Christodoulides underscored Cyprus’ participation in the “3+1” mechanism alongside Greece and the United States, a move that solidifies the nation’s strategic ambition to contribute actively to energy solutions in the Eastern Mediterranean. By aligning its interests with regional powerhouses, Cyprus aims to serve as an alternative energy corridor to Europe, reinforcing the long-term security of energy supplies.

Key Infrastructure And Future Export Initiatives

The President also highlighted key developments such as the anticipated natural gas export from Cypriot fields via the Kronos–Damietta infrastructure, with the first export projected for 2027. This milestone is set to propel Cyprus onto the European energy map, marking a significant evolution in the nation’s energy strategy. Furthermore, the planned electrification link with Greece—recently updated in consultation with the Greek Prime Minister—will serve as a critical conduit for integrating Cyprus with the European energy grid and ensuring enhanced supply security.

Expanding Energy Engagement Beyond Borders

President Christodoulides revealed burgeoning interest from major energy conglomerates in exploring additional blocks within Cyprus’ Exclusive Economic Zone. Alongside these strategic investments, the President is set to visit Lebanon on November 26 to engage in dedicated discussions on energy planning—an initiative that not only elevates Cyprus’ international standing but also attracts vital foreign investment and regional collaborations.

Green Transition And Domestic Policy Initiatives

The administration is also accelerating its green transition by increasing the penetration of renewable energy sources. Significant investments are underway, including a €114 million upgrade of transmission and distribution networks. Pilot projects, such as the energy community in Tillyria, are being scaled with plans to extend similar initiatives nationally post-2026. Despite a 23% share in renewable energy, the government remains determined to harness Cyprus’ abundant solar potential to create a more competitive energy system while safeguarding vulnerable households.

A Unified Vision For Europe’s Energy Future

In an era where energy considerations underpin alliances and strategic decisions, Cyprus is resolving not only to further its interconnection projects but also to seamlessly integrate Eastern Mediterranean developments with Europe’s broader energy strategy. This approach addresses Europe’s enduring reliance on external energy sources and positions the region as a viable alternative energy route. With clear, stepwise initiatives, the government is committed to ensuring electricity adequacy and reducing costs—a grand challenge that they are determined to meet.

The President concluded by reiterating that a coherent, collaborative, and well-planned energy transition is imperative for the nation’s progress. By aligning technical prowess with strategic partnerships, Cyprus is set to secure its energy future and play an influential role on Europe’s energy stage.

At WN Cyprus, 84% Of Showcased Game Teams Were Looking For Backing

While policymakers and business leaders discussed how the island could support more studios, 84% of the teams participating in the Developer Showcase were looking for an investor, a publisher, or both, according to organisers.

More than 20 teams presented projects at WN Conference Cyprus’26, held at Parklane in Limassol on 17 and 18 September. According to WN’s post-event figures, the conference drew 503 attendees from 251 companies, with 52% of participants holding C-level roles. The two-day event brought together developers, publishers, investors and technology companies for meetings, discussions and game demonstrations. It was WN’s fifth consecutive annual conference in Cyprus, where the organiser has held games industry events since 2018.

The funding needs revealed by the showcase gave added weight to one of the programme’s central questions: can Cyprus develop from a location for international company headquarters into a country where studios can also find talent, investment and support for new projects?

Dr Nicodemos Damianou, Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, discussed that question with Tanya Romanyukha, General Manager of TechIsland. Their conversation covered access to talent and finance, as well as the conditions needed for more studios to build and grow from Cyprus.

Investment decisions under pressure

The rest of the programme also reflected the difficult commercial environment facing game developers. Discussions raised the topics of cautious investment, layoffs, changing player behaviour and the effect of artificial intelligence on production and distribution.

In To Scale or Not to Scale: That Is the Question, Pavel Istomin, Publishing Game Producer at Hypercell Games, and Nikolay Shapovalov, Chief Publishing Officer at playducky.com, considered how studios decide whether to commit more money to a game or stop development. Phillip Black, co-host and co-author of Deconstructor of Fun, moderated the discussion, which focused on the market data and early performance indicators used in publishing decisions.

image 445

A separate session examined how games can attract an audience before release. FLEXUS founder Semyon Kozyura joined Julia Lebedeva, COO and Partner at WN Media Group, to discuss Dear Passengers, which organisers said had accumulated three million Steam wishlists before launch.

Four teams also presented their projects to an industry jury during the Indie Pitch:

  • Through Your Eyes by Omeelia GmbH
  • Anicards by Dragocat
  • World of Sea Battle by THERA INTERACTIVE
  • Synvector by North Souls Games

The AWS Developer Showcase Awards distributed $7,500 in AWS credits. Mirrorbane, presented by Pavel Moskvin, received $5,000, while Midnight Watcher: Village, presented by Kirill Reznichenko, received $2,500. 

Six Cyprus Games Industry Awards announced

The Cyprus Games Industry Awards were presented during the WN Networking Party on 17 September. A public vote determined the shortlists before a jury selected the winners in six categories. Companies did not have to be founded or headquartered in Cyprus to qualify, but were required to have a presence on the island and contribute to its games industry.

image 446

The 2026 winners were:

  • Growth and Marketing Partner: OHM Agency
  • Publisher of the Year: AppQuantum
  • PC Games Achievement: Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era by Unfrozen
  • Mobile Games Achievement: Standoff 2 by AXLEBOLT
  • People and Workplace Award: MY.GAMES
  • Game Commerce and Payments Partner: Xsolla and Unlimit

The awards covered game development, publishing and the companies providing marketing, employment and payment services to the sector.

WN has provisionally scheduled its next Cyprus conference for 4 and 5 November 2027.

For many of the teams showing their work in Limassol, however, the next milestone remained commercial. The application data indicated that more than four in five were still seeking the investment or publishing relationship needed to take their games further.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter