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Nicosia’s Bold €200M Transformation: A Vision For Sustainable Urban Mobility

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 10, 2025

Nicosia is set for a major urban transformation with the launch of an ambitious €192 million sustainable mobility plan aimed at reshaping the city’s transport network by 2030. The initiative seeks to reduce the capital’s dependence on cars—currently responsible for over 85% of all journeys—while promoting eco-friendly alternatives such as public transport, cycling, and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

A 15-Minute City Vision

Approved by the Environmental Authority, the plan envisions Nicosia as a “15-minute connected multicore city,” where residents can access key services within a short walk, bike ride, or public transport trip. With inflation adjustments, the total investment is expected to surpass €201 million, while projected societal benefits, including residual infrastructure value, are estimated at €453 million over six years.

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Key Infrastructure Developments

The plan dedicates €111 million to renovating historic and commercial centers, including Strovolos, Nicosia, and Lakatamia. Public transport improvements will receive €46 million, and €13 million will be allocated to expanding cycling infrastructure.

Additionally, new speed regulations will be implemented, introducing 30 km/h zones in districts such as Aglantzia, Kaimakli, and Pallouriotissa for €2.9 million.

Addressing Nicosia’s Transit Challenges

Public transport usage in Nicosia currently stands at just 2-4%, with walking and cycling accounting for another 4%. The new strategy aims to curb issues arising from excessive private car use, including congestion, air pollution, noise, traffic accidents, and illegal parking.

Aligned with Cyprus’s updated National Energy and Climate Plan, the initiative aims for a 30% reduction in petrol-powered private cars and diesel buses, replacing them with electric alternatives. By 2030, the city’s entire bus fleet is expected to be fully electric.

Major Road And Transport Projects

A key feature of the plan is a new 32-kilometre four-lane peripheral motorway linking Nicosia-Limassol, Nicosia-Troodos, and Nicosia-Palaichori highways, designed to ease congestion. Other major projects include:

€7 million upgrade of the Tseri axis
€31 million improvements to Argyroupoleos, Ippocratous, and Tseri avenues in Lakatamia and Strovolos
Eight historical center renovations
Controlled parking zones with premium rates
Old GSP stadium redevelopment
13 new cycling routes, including university connections
20 public transport enhancements, including new circular routes

City officials emphasize that the plan remains flexible to adapt to evolving urban mobility needs and insights gained during implementation. If successful, Nicosia’s transformation could serve as a model for sustainable urban planning in the region.

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EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 15, 2025

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.