Policy Papers

Civil Society in Cyprus: Building for the future

This policy paper seeks to promote a discussion as to how the potential of civil society in Cyprus can be unlocked and energised, especially through measures to be undertaken by the Government of the Republic of Cyprus and civil society structures. The paper identifies six challenges that need to be tackled to facilitate the empowerment of civil society in Cyprus, establishing a more positive perception of its value, development a modern legal framework for it, securing sufficient access for resources, developing its capacity, promoting its participation and securing access to justice for it. You can also read the Greek version of the policy paper here.

Citizen Involvement in the EU – Joint Policy Paper for Cyprus, Malta & Estonia

This policy paper was prepared as part of the project ‘Empowering Citizens of Small Member States’ and compares the results of the national surveys and policy recommendations of citizens of the project’s three partner countries; Cyprus, Malta and Estonia. It specifically examines whether the size of an EU member states has an effect on the views and involvement of citizens in European affairs and includes a set of common recommendations for the improvement of citizens’ involvement.

Citizen Involvement in the EU – The case of Cyprus

This policy paper was prepared as part of the project ‘Empowering Citizens of Small Member States’ and examines the views and involvement of Cypriot citizens in the EU, as part of a national debate that was organised in Nicosia in 2016. The policy paper includes a set of recommendations with ways the relationship between citizens and the EU can be improved.

The involvement of youth in the decision making process

This policy paper was prepared as part of the project ‘Youth Engaging the State’ and includes a set of recommendations for the improvement of the involvement of young people in the decision making processes of key institutions of the Cypriot state; the parliament, the civil service and the local administration. The publication is in Greek.

Towards a more effective relationship between civil society and the EU

This policy paper was prepared as part of the project ‘U-Impact – From Citizen Involvement to Policy Impact’ and examines the relationship between the EU and civil society as the EU has established a multi-level relationship with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) that involves their participation in and collaboration with the Union’s advisory bodies (e.g. the European Parliament, Commission, Council and the Economic and Social Committee).

Focus on the positives: the role and relevance for civil society in times of crisis
This policy paper was requested by the NGO Support Centre to document the derivatives and conclusions of the open debate entitled “Civil Society and the Crisis” organised by the NGO Support Centre in January 2014, within the framework of its project “JoiEU”. The event involved speeches from local NGO practitioners and members of national and European authorities as well as presentations from members of Civil Society Organizations from the Netherlands, Bulgaria, Estonia, Romania and Belgium.

EU development co-operation under the Cyprus Presidency: How to make a difference?
This Briefing Note provides insights into the context and key challenges for EU development co-operation under the Cypriot Presidency. The note primarily targets Cypriot policy-makers, opinion-makers and CSOs.
The paper was produced by the European Centre for Development Policy Management at the request of the NGO Support Centre, within the framework of its project “Knowledge Makes Change”, in 2012.

How can CyprusAid contribute to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals?
This paper provides an introduction to the CyprusAid and the progress of the Millennium Development Goals, looking into Cyprus’ contribution towards their achievement. The paper was written by Sophie Agrotis, Social Anthropologist.
The policy paper belongs to a series of policy papers, produced by the NGO Support Centre in 2011-13 as part of the project “Knowledge Makes Change” which aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and support of decision-makers for development issues.

Gender Issues and Development Aid in Conflict: An Introduction
The scope of this policy paper is the third Millennium Development Goal which refers to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The paper was written by Sophie Agrotis, Social Anthropologist.
The policy paper belongs to a series of policy papers, produced by the NGO Support Centre in 2011-13 as part of the project “Knowledge Makes Change” which aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and support of decision-makers for development issues.

Environmental Sustainability, Water and Poverty in Africa
This policy paper makes an overview of the current status of three of the Millennium Development Goals indicators for Africa relating to hunger (MDG 1), environment and water (MDG 7), and global partnership for development (MDG 8). It also features Cypriot experience and expertise that could contribute to sustainable development in Africa. The paper was co-written by Manfred Lange, founding Director of the Energy, Environment and Water Research Centre of the Cyprus Institute, and Adriana Bruggeman, research scientist.
The policy paper belongs to a series of policy papers, produced by the NGO Support Centre in 2011-13 as part of the project “Knowledge Makes Change” which aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and support of decision-makers for development issues.

Human Rights and Development Assistance/Co-operation: Considerations for the Republic of Cyprus
The paper provides recommendations for how the Republic of Cyprus should enact policies on development assistance with regards to human rights, in order to be consistent with the Republic’s capabilities and goals. The paper was written by Craig Webster, Associate Professor at the University of Nicosia.
The policy paper belongs to a series of policy papers, produced by the NGO Support Centre in 2011-13 as part of the project “Knowledge Makes Change” which aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and support of decision-makers for development issues.

A reflection on Global/Development Education in the context of Europe and Cyprus
This paper analyses the current processes and developments in the fields of global/development education in Europe and in Cyprus in particular. The paper was written by Kerstin Wittig Fergeson, Head of Global Education Unit at Future Worlds Centre.
The policy paper belongs to a series of policy papers, produced by the NGO Support Centre in 2011-13 as part of the project “Knowledge Makes Change” which aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and support of decision-makers for development issues.

How Can Co-Sponsorship Provide Aid Effectiveness and Foster Awareness in Cyprus?
Within the context of this paper, CyprusAid, the Development Assistance Service of the Republic of Cyprus, is examined. The paper was co-written by Alexander Apostolides, Lecturer of Economics at European University Cyprus, and Costas Apostolides, Chairman of EMS Economic Management.
The policy paper belongs to a series of policy papers, produced by the NGO Support Centre in 2011-13 as part of the project “Knowledge Makes Change” which aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge and support of decision-makers for development issues.