The challenges in the region and the ongoing Turkish occupation make it even more imperative to strengthen Cyprus’ security, defence capabilities, and deterrent power, President Nikos Christodoulides stated on Wednesday evening during the presentation of the Government’s Annual Program for 2025.
To this end, he said that Cyprus was proceeding with the upgrade of the ‘Andreas Papandreou’ Air Base and the expansion of the ‘Evangelos Florakis’ Naval Base. He also highlighted plans to promote voluntary military service for women and the utilization of retired officers.
At the same time, the President emphasized efforts to integrate Cyprus into the Schengen Zone and complete its inclusion in the US Visa Waiver Program.
“Our vision for Defence and Security includes the ambitious yet achievable goal of transforming Cyprus into a producer of cutting-edge defence systems. To this end, we are instituting Defence Industrial Cooperation Programs involving Cypriot companies in arms procurement contracts,” the President said.
He also expressed pride that, despite its small size, Cyprus is strengthening its international footprint and elevating its global standing.
“Our foreign policy direction is clear and unwavering. Free from ideological constraints of the past, we are building an outward-looking Cyprus that takes initiatives and establishes strategic partnerships on a regional, European, and global level,” he noted.
He cited as examples the AMALTHIA initiative, strategic dialogues with the United States and the United Kingdom, partnerships with EU member states and neighbouring countries, and the recent US Presidential Declaration.
Internal security as a key priority
——————————–
The President also stressed that strengthening domestic security remained a primary objective.
He pledged that in 2025 improvements will be made to the police response system for emergency calls, and enhanced methods for information-sharing and coordination in police operations will be introduced. To better manage critical incidents, 24/7 operational support for police departments will be reinforced through the establishment of a Nationwide Operational Officers’ Task Force, he added.
Additionally, the government will introduce legislative measures to combat sports-related violence and regulate fan clubs to address hooliganism, he said.
Addressing climate change
—————————
On climate change, the President announced plans to enact a climate law aimed at reducing Cyprus’ carbon footprint and adapting to climate change.
To enhance fire protection, he said that the government has secured at least 11 aerial firefighting units for the upcoming fire season, including the acquisition of three state-owned aircraft. Additionally, fire detection systems will be installed in 12 industrial zones and critical infrastructure sites across the island.
To modernize the civil protection system, more shelters will be made available in 2025, alongside the launch of an electronic application to help residents locate the nearest shelter.
The President outlined immediate actions to address water shortages, including the installation of mobile desalination units, upgrades to irrigation infrastructure, and the drilling of new wells.