Desalination Breakthrough: Addressing Water Shortages in Cyprus with UAE’s Support

by News Editor

April 25, 2025

As Cyprus grapples with persistent water shortages, new hope is on the horizon through an impactful collaboration with the United Arab Emirates.

The coastal cities of Limassol and Paphos are set to house advanced desalination units, generously provided by the UAE’s National Energy Company, TAQA. These units are a timely intervention, especially for the Paphos district, where the water crisis is most acute.

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Following the unfortunate destruction of a desalination unit in Kouklia, efforts have accelerated to deploy mobile desalination plants. The UAE’s intervention promises an impressive 15,000 cubic meters of water daily, with Paphos receiving 5,000 cubic meters and Limassol benefiting from 10,000 cubic meters.

The strategic plan from Cyprus’s Water Development Department includes three mobile units in Limassol and one in Paphos. Each unit is designed to enhance the water supply significantly, making use of innovative technologies synonymous with the UAE’s water management expertise.

This initiative couldn’t have been possible without the proactive measures taken by Cyprus’s Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panagiotou, and her team, who visited the UAE to evaluate the desalination solutions firsthand. The partnership marks a pivotal moment in tackling water scarcity in Cyprus.

The donation from the UAE involves 15 mobile desalination units, each capable of producing up to 1,100 cubic meters of water, fully covering the island’s immediate needs. TAQA’s partnership is pivotal, emphasizing Cyprus’s strategic importance and the potential for innovative solutions in the water sector.

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Societe Generale Bank Cyprus Introduces Four-Day Workweek Under New Labour Agreement

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 9, 2026

The Societe Generale Bank – Cyprus has introduced a four-day workweek for employees during July and August under a renewed collective agreement with the banking union ETYK.

Setting A New Standard For Banking Institutions

Societe Generale Bank Cyprus employs around 100 staff members. The new agreement introduces a reduced working schedule during the summer months as part of the collective contract for 2023–2027.

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ETYK supported the introduction of the four-day schedule during negotiations for the agreement. Other financial institutions, including Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), the Housing Finance Organization, the Bankers Association representing personnel, KEIDIPES and several insurance subsidiaries, signed separate agreements with ETYK that do not include a four-day workweek.

Key Provisions And Broader Implications

The collective agreement introduces a four-day workweek during July and August. Employees will work their regular daily hours across four days on a rotational basis while banking services continue throughout the week.

Additional provisions in the agreement include several benefits for employees. Staff will receive a one-time bonus of €1,500 upon signing the contract, a three-day increase in annual leave, adjustments to salary scales and higher contractual loan limits.

Comparative Analysis With Industry Peers

The agreement differs from arrangements negotiated between ETYK and the Banking Employers Association. Under those agreements, employees received an additional six days of annual leave. The Societe Generale Bank Cyprus agreement provides a three-day increase, bringing total annual leave to 36 days, excluding public holidays.

The bonus structure also differs. Agreements with the Banking Employers Association include a total bonus of €4,500 paid in three installments in 2025, 2026 and 2027. Societe Generale employees receive a single payment of €1,500.

Looking Forward

ETYK said the introduction of a four-day workweek during the summer months reflects discussions about working conditions in the banking sector. The arrangement may contribute to broader discussions about work schedules and employee benefits within the financial industry in Cyprus.

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