Demetris Skourides Represents Cyprus At Key European Science Bodies

Cyprus strengthened its presence in European scientific policymaking through the participation of Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides in meetings held in Austria and Germany focused on evidence-based governance and scientific cooperation.

European Scientific Leadership In Vienna

Held on June 10, 2026, the ESAF Intermediate Meeting in Vienna brought together participants at the Austrian Academy of Sciences to discuss the role of scientific advice in EU policymaking.

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Established by the European Commission in 2014, the European Science Advisors Forum (ESAF) promotes the use of scientific evidence in policymaking. Serving as Deputy Chair of ESAF and a member of its Executive Committee, Demetris Skourides participated in discussions on the European Code of Principles for Scientific Advice and approaches aimed at strengthening security and resilience through anticipatory scientific strategies.

Advancing Innovation In Karlsruhe

Following the Vienna meeting, Skourides attended the 139th meeting of the Board of Governors of the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in Karlsruhe on June 11 and 12. Providing independent scientific and technical expertise to EU institutions, the JRC supports policymaking in areas including climate change, public health, nuclear safety and digital technologies. During the meeting, Skourides presented an overview of Cyprus’ achievements in research and innovation during its Presidency of the Council of the European Union and highlighted the country’s contributions to European scientific initiatives.

Charting A Path For Evidence-Based Governance

Discussions in Vienna and Karlsruhe reflected wider European efforts to strengthen the role of scientific evidence in policymaking. Among the issues addressed were the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2028-2034, nuclear safety, EURATOM and cooperation with agencies including FRONTEX. Active participation in these forums allows Cyprus to contribute to policy discussions on research, innovation and resilience at the European level.

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Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 18, 2026

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

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Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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