consultations

EMERGE project successfully concludes

by
EMERGE project successfully concludes

The EMERGE project, led by CARDET and Koumanto Stin Tsepi Sou, aimed at enhancing civic participation and active citizenship in Cyprus, has concluded successfully after two years. It developed learning resources, tools, workshops, webinars, and outreach events to connect with citizens and Cypriot civil society organizations (CSOs), focusing on civic participation issues. The project hosted public consultations on education, environment, youth participation, and gender rights. Its final conference discussed decision-making, youth participation, media, and the environment for CSOs, contributing to a more vibrant democracy in Cyprus.

CySEC oversight on 50 companies , ‘unacceptable’

by
CySEC oversight on 50 companies , ‘unacceptable’

Bar Association chairman Michalis Vorkas criticized the plan to only oversee 50 of the biggest service-industry firms for compliance, arguing that company size should not be the sole criterion for scrutiny. This discussion took place at the House legal committee, following the announcement of a new oversight authority by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos. The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission is being considered to oversee these 50 companies. Vorkas also mentioned that the government had not invited relevant parties for dialogue, although a presentation is scheduled for March 22. Concerns were raised about the potential for this oversight to violate lawyer-client confidentiality, with Vorkas emphasizing the importance of privacy and established legal principles. The committee plans to invite representatives from various associations and finance ministry officials for further discussions.

Chinese-led group to visit Vasiliko over stalled LNG plant

by
Chinese-led group to visit Vasiliko over stalled LNG plant

High-level officials from a Chinese-led consortium responsible for constructing the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at Vasiliko in Cyprus are expected to visit within the week. Energy Minister George Papanastasiou announced that the government will request a timetable for consultations between the parties and mentioned that if a positive outcome is not reached, a joint decision to suspend cooperation will be made. He highlighted that work on the terminal has stopped as the government wants to know the company’s plans and when the floating unit, currently in Shanghai, will be certified. Papanastasiou emphasized that building the LNG terminal at Vasiliko is the fastest way to introduce natural gas for electricity generation in Cyprus, aiming to reduce emissions and lower electricity costs. Additionally, Cyprus plans to participate in the Great Sea Interconnector project with an investment of up to €100 million, with consultations ongoing with investment funds and the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO). A meeting with the largest investment fund interested in the project, from the United Arab Emirates, IPTO, and the energy ministry, is scheduled to take place to shape the course of this project.