Interior Minister: Cyprus improving in research sector

Minister of the Interior Neoclis Sylikiotis said on Friday that, ''although the level of research activity in Cyprus continues to be low, compared to more developed economies or countries with a similar level of economic growth, we cannot ignore the fact that over the past few years we have made progress in this sector.''

Addressing a seminar titled ''Environmental Policy Support Tool for Recycling in Islands'', Sylikiotis said that ''this development led to a significant increase in the number of persons involved in the implementation of research activities and the funds available for research,'' adding that since the European Commission's LIFE programme was launched in Cyprus in 1992, a total of 26 programmes have been funded, covering innovation, nature preservation, and skill development, with an investment of 20.4 million EUR, of which 11.6 million EUR were granted by the EU.

Sylikiotis said his Ministry welcomes and promotes the implementation or research programmes, and referred to the various projects supported by the Government, including measures against pollution, waste management, and recycling.

He said that a programme has been carried out for the calculation and comparison of the cost of implementing European Directives on the management of waste packaging and electric and electronic equipment in islands, which are detached from mainland Europe, and to develop a model electronic instrument to support the policy, which could assist those drafting policies in island countries in decision making and alternative options among management methods.

The 30-month programme was launched in January 2009 with a total budget of 878,272 EUR, co-funded by the EU programme LIFE.

Sylikiotis said the Ministry hoped the results of the project would spur future debates and negotiations of Cyprus and the other island areas of Europe with the EU in choosing relative policies.

He also assured that the Ministry of the Interior was ready to participate in the team for the continuation of the programme or other significant proposals.