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Percentage of Cypriots using e-government services dropped to 66% in 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 25, 2024

In 2023, Cyprus was among the EU’s member states with the lowest percentage of citizens interacting with public authorities online (66%), staying close to the average of the EU (69%).

This figure was significantly higher than the country with the lowest score (Romania, 23%) but significantly lower than the highest scoring country (Denmark, 98%), according to data released by Eurostat, the statistical service of the EU.

The data shows a significant reduction compared to 2022, when the share for Cyprus stood at 90%. During the same period, there was a small increase in the EU level from 68% to 69%.

The data captures the share of EU citizens aged 16-74 that have used a website or an app of a public authority in the preceding 12 months.

The share varied greatly among EU countries, with the highest shares recorded in Denmark (98%), Finland, the Netherlands and Sweden (all 95%). In contrast, the lowest shares were recorded in Romania (23%), Bulgaria (30%) and Germany (58%).

Looking at the different e-government activities in more detail reveals that, in 2023, 42% of people in the EU used e-government services in the previous 12 months to obtain information about services, benefits, laws, opening hours or similar. This was followed by the downloading or printing of official forms (40%), the accessing of personal information (39%), and the making of an appointment or a reservation and receiving official communication or documents (37% for both).

The share of individuals who submitted tax declarations online was somewhat lower at 29%. Similarly, the figures for accessing public databases or registers were 19%, while 18% of people requested official documents or certificates and 17% requested benefits or entitlements online.

In Cyprus, the activity with the largest share was obtaining information about services, benefits, laws, opening hours et cetera (50%), accessing personal information (43%), downloading or printing official forms (31%), requesting benefits or entitlements online (28%) and the accessing of public databases or registers (25%).

These were followed by submitting tax declarations online (23%), requesting official documents or certificates (22%), receiving official communication or documents (19%) and making appointments or reservations (15%).

Compared to 2022, the most significant change was the drop in receiving official communication or documents from 88% to 19%, with drops also recorded in accessing personal information (from 51% to 43%) and making appointments (from 32% to 15%). There was however an important increase in the share of citizens obtaining information (from 41% to 50%), requesting benefits or entitlements online (from 11% to 28%) and accessing public databases or registers (from 15% to 25%).

Kuwaiti Ambassador Advocates For Strengthened Ties Between Cyprus And GCC Nations

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
February 5, 2025

The Kuwaiti Ambassador to Cyprus, Abdullah Musaed Al-Khorafi, has underscored the vital need to deepen dialogue between Kuwait, Cyprus, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, as well as the broader Arab world. He made these remarks during a luncheon held at his Nicosia residence on February 4, which brought together key diplomatic figures.

The event was hosted in honor of Annita Demetriou, President of the House of Representatives of Cyprus, and was part of a series of high-level diplomatic gatherings organized by the Kuwaiti Embassy in Cyprus. Among the attendees were the ambassadors and heads of Arab diplomatic missions in Cyprus, as well as representatives from the U.S. and Swiss embassies.

Ambassador Al-Khorafi took the opportunity to lead an expanded discussion on pressing regional and international developments, focusing particularly on the Middle East. Topics included the ongoing crises in Syria, Lebanon, and Palestine, with a strong emphasis on how these events affect regional stability.

The luncheon also served as a platform for talks on enhancing cooperation between Cyprus and GCC countries, as well as broader Arab nations. The discussions highlighted opportunities to strengthen ties in key sectors such as education, culture, trade, investment, and tourism. The aim is to build closer connections between people and foster mutual benefits.

In his opening speech, Ambassador Al-Khorafi stressed the importance of promoting dialogue at both governmental and societal levels, not only between Kuwait and Cyprus, but across the entire GCC and Arab world. He expressed his gratitude for the presence of President Demetriou, noting that her participation symbolized Cyprus’ commitment to advancing relations with Kuwait and its regional partners.

President Demetriou, in turn, thanked the ambassador for his hospitality, reflecting on the fruitful discussions and shared goals for enhancing Cyprus’ relations with Kuwait and the wider Arab world. She reaffirmed the importance of cooperation and strategic partnerships between Cyprus and the GCC countries, especially in areas of mutual interest and concern.

This meeting, according to Demetriou, was a testament to the strong diplomatic relations between Cyprus and Kuwait, as well as the ongoing efforts to broaden and deepen ties with the Arab world.

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