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UCY Summer School To Focus On Management And Economics Of Research

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2024

The University of Cyprus (UCY) is set to host its inaugural Twin4Merit summer school from September 2-10, 2024, in Nicosia. This event, part of the Horizon Europe-funded Twinning for Excellence in Management and Economics of Research and Innovation (Twin4Merit) project, aims to enhance knowledge in research management and economics through expert-led lectures and methodology training sessions.

The Twin4Merit project focuses on critical meta-research areas, including research assessment, open science, and gender equality. Collaborating with Maastricht University’s UNU-MERIT and the University of Carlos III of Madrid, with dissemination support from the European Office of Cyprus, the initiative seeks to elevate Cyprus’s research landscape.

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The summer school will benefit not only UCY members but also the broader Cypriot scientific community, including researchers and Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from all Cypriot universities and relevant organisations. It also welcomes applications from other EU countries and the EMMENA region.

The programme begins with Transferable Skills Sessions on September 2-3, covering grant writing, project management, and research networking. A joint research conference on research assessment will follow on September 4-5, in collaboration with the SInnoPSis project. The final sessions on September 6, 9, and 10 will offer scientific skills training by advanced partners and local experts, focusing on ethics in research, open science principles, and gender in research assessment.

“The 1st Twin4Merit summer school aims to enhance the impact of UCY’s role as a major research and educational hub for the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East, and North Africa (EMMENA) region,” the statement explained. The agenda will be finalised and published in early July, with a preregistration form available for interested participants.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.