Newsroom
Cyprus is moving forward with two major government initiatives this week, one focused on natural gas exports and the other on helping families with young children.
Speaking at the start of Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace, President Nikos Christodoulides said ministers would approve key decisions on the development of the “Kronos” natural gas field and the launch of a pilot “Breakfast for All” program in public kindergartens.
Christodoulides described the energy decision as a milestone for Cyprus, nearly 15 years after the country’s first natural gas discovery in its Exclusive Economic Zone in 2011.
“Today we are taking what I believe is the most important decision regarding the stage of natural gas exploitation,” he said.
The cabinet is expected to approve the development and production plan for the Kronos field, along with agreements covering the basic terms for the sale of Cypriot natural gas.
The government’s goal, according to the president, is for the first Cypriot natural gas exports to reach Europe through Egypt in 2028.
He also revealed that further announcements linked to ExxonMobil are expected soon, saying discussions are already at an advanced stage.
Alongside the energy plans, the government is also launching a new social support initiative aimed at young children and families.
The “Breakfast for All” program will begin as a pilot scheme in public kindergartens in the Larnaca district and free Famagusta area, initially covering around 3,900 children.
The initiative, worth €1.5 million, is expected to begin in June.
Christodoulides said the long-term goal is to expand the program nationwide and eventually include all districts and education levels.
“So that no child is left out,” he said.
The president added that the initiative is being implemented in cooperation with private sponsors and remains open to additional organizations willing to contribute.
Officials say the program aims not only to support families financially, but also to encourage healthier eating habits from an early age.
The Education Ministry is expected to announce further details in the coming days.
Christodoulides said both decisions were part of the government’s planning for 2026 and reflected continued investment in energy, education and social policy.
