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Cyprus President Christodoulides Launches Nationwide Tour to Address Rural Development

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 9, 2024

President, Nikos Christodoulides has announced a tour of all districts, starting from rural areas, to discuss with the local key actors the Local Government reform which kicked in last July.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a 7 September event at the Presidential Residence in Troodos organised by First Lady, Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides, for the promotion of small, local businesses.

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President Christodoulides stated that the revitalisation of rural areas was among the Government’s priorities. “To be able to achieve this, a holistic approach is required, which is about the existence of conditions, especially for young couples, to return to our countryside”, he added.

He referred to a housing scheme announced by the Government while also noting that the Government places special emphasis on education and health in rural areas as well as businesses.

President Christodoulides said that several projects have been done while “even more” would follow.

He also said that he would, in the near future, start a tour of all districts, starting from rural areas, following the implementation of the local government reform, to discuss with local key actors to see how to create the conditions to attract more people in rural areas and proceed with the announcement of even more specific actions.

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Electric Vehicle Leaders Urge EU To Maintain 2035 Zero Emission Mandate

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 13, 2025

Industry Voices Emphasize the Importance of Commitment

Over 150 key figures from Europe’s electric car sector, including executives from Volvo Cars and Polestar, have signed a letter urging the European Union to adhere to its ambitious 2035 zero emission goal for cars and vans. These industry leaders warn that any deviation could hamper the progress of Europe’s burgeoning EV market, inadvertently strengthen global competitors, and weaken investor confidence.

Evolving Perspectives Within the Automotive Community

This call comes in the wake of a contrasting appeal issued at the end of August by heads of European automobile manufacturers’ and automotive suppliers’ associations. That letter, endorsed by the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, Ola Kaellenius, argued that a 100 percent emission reduction target may no longer be practical for cars by 2035.

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Discussion With EU Leadership on The Horizon

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is scheduled to meet with automotive industry leaders on September 12 to deliberate the future of the sector. Facing stiff challenges such as the rise of Chinese competition and the implications of US tariffs, the stakes for the EU’s policy decisions have never been higher.

Potential Risks of Eroding Ambitious Targets

Industry leaders like Michael Lohscheller, CEO of Polestar, caution that any weakening of the targets could undermine climate objectives and compromise Europe’s competitive edge in the global market. Michiel Langzaal, chief executive of EU charging provider Fastned, further highlighted that investments in charging infrastructure and software development are predicated on the certainty of these targets.

Regulatory Compliance And The Mercedes-Benz Exception

A report from transport research and campaign group T&E indicates that nearly all European carmakers, with the exception of Mercedes-Benz, are positioned to meet CO₂ regulation requirements for the 2025-2027 period. To avoid potential penalties, Mercedes must now explore cooperation with partners such as Volvo Cars and Polestar.

Conclusion

The industry’s unified stance underscores the critical balance between environmental aspirations and maintaining competitive advantage. With high-level discussions imminent, the EU’s forthcoming decisions will be pivotal in shaping not only the future of the continent’s automotive sector but also its global positioning in the race towards sustainable mobility.