Breaking news

Electric Vehicle Subsidies in Cyprus: Urgent Calls for Government Action

by News Editor

May 9, 2025

The Motor Vehicle Importers and Electric Vehicle Association (Semio) has urgently called upon the Transport Ministry for immediate action concerning the ongoing hurdles with electric vehicle (EV) subsidies in Cyprus.

Semio expresses its concern, warning that any further delays could exacerbate financial strain on its members and heighten consumer dissatisfaction. A formal meeting with the Transport Minister is on the agenda to clarify the government’s position on the subsidy program.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Uncertainties and Impacts

The sudden stop of the EV grant scheme has stirred worry among car importers and potential buyers, leaving stockpiles of electric vehicles in limbo. This unexpected pause in government-backed support has echoed across the industry, with numerous consumer complaints surfacing.

Amid these events, there’s also the broader backdrop of the Cyprus government’s decision to reallocate funds within the national Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), aiming to stay aligned with EU financing requirements.

A Call for Dialogue

Despite the ministry’s assurances of pursuing additional funding and maintaining alignment with national energy objectives, Semio criticizes the lack of communication and urges consultation before implementing changes.

On a related note, Cyprus faces challenges in achieving its ambitious EU-mandated goal of registering 80,000 electric vehicles by 2030. The road ahead appears daunting unless a cohesive strategy is adopted.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.