The European Commission marked the importance of clean, shared and intelligent mobility with a panel in Famagusta on 19 September and a “No Car Day” event in Nicosia on 23 September. 

The “Clean, Shared and Intelligent Mobility” panel took place at Altun Tabya Hotel, Famagusta on 19 September. Expert Dr. Jürgen Perschon made a presentation about the EU policy on sustainable and smart transportation and sustainable cities, and best practices from member states. Mr.Merter Refikoğlu talked about implementations on transportation and recommendations and Mr. Rifat Yalınç made a presentation on transportation in the walled city of Famagusta. Moreover, Prof.Naciye Doratlı talked about sustainable cities and sustainable transportation, opportunities & recommendations for Famagusta. The panel ended with a Q&A session. 

Celebrated in more than 2.000 cities and towns of Europe, the European Mobility Week was also celebrated in Nicosia with a No Car Day event in the Walled City on 23 September. After the opening speeches by Mr.George Markopouliotis, Mr.Mehmet Harmancı and Mr.Fikri Toros, the participants joined the activities which included bicycle tours, concerts and information stands. 

These events aimed to inform the participants about the importance of sustainable transportation by providing an opportunity to test out new forms of clean mobility, take stock of current transport challenges, and progress towards more sustainable mobility.

Since 2002, European Mobility Week has sought to influence mobility and urban transport issues, as well as improve public health and quality of life. The campaign also gives people the chance to explore the role of city streets, and to experiment with practical solutions to tackle urban challenges, such as air pollution. The European Mobility Week campaign provides the perfect opportunity to present sustainable mobility alternatives to local residents; and to explain the challenges that cities and towns are facing in order to induce behavioural change and make progress towards creating a more sustainable transport strategy for Europe.

The European Commission marked the importance of European Week of Sport with two events organised in Nicosia at Şehit Doğan Ahmet Primary School and in Famagusta at Namık Kemal High School on 27 and 29 September in partnership with PeacePlayers International Cyprus and Turkish Cypriot Diabetes Association. The aim of these events was to  promote participation in sport and physical activity and raise awareness about the numerous benefits of both. Held every year across Europe, the European Week of Sport also aims to generate discussion amongst all stakeholders about how sport can improve health and contribute to healthy life.
In addition to the above events, the EU Infopoint and Turkish Cypriot Diabetes Association also visited Arabahmet Primary School on 28 September for an interactive workshop with grade 4 and 5 students about healthy eating and the benefits of physical activity.

The European Week of Sport aims to promote sport and physical activity across Europe. The Week is for everyone, regardless of age, background or fitness level. With a focus on grassroots initiatives, it will inspire Europeans to #BeActive on a regular basis and create opportunities in peoples’ everyday lives to exercise more.

The idea to establish a European Week of Sport originated in the European Parliament as part of the 2012 Fisas Report. In the same year, Member States called on the European Commission to consider establishing a European Week of Sport to promote physical activity and participation in sport at all levels. The Commission then embarked on extensive consultations with Member States and sport organisations to learn from existing initiatives and to ensure full support for the initiative.

The 2nd Open Door Festival - Civil Society on the Road has commenced!

The Open Door Festival aims to increase the visibility and transparency of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), and to promote active citizenship, volunteerism and philanthropy.
During 1-31 October 2017, CSOs across Cyprus will open their doors to the public and also take active part in CSO festivals which will be organised in Nicosia (7 Oct), Lefka (14 Oct), Famagusta (21 Oct), and Galateia-Mehmetçik (28 Oct) to promote their actions to the local community and neighbors.
The 2nd Open Door Festival was launched on Friday 29^th September at Civic Space, a CSO month-long events and activities will culminate in a closing event on Monday 30^th October in Bedestan, Nicosia. 
For additional information please contact Ebru D. Tekman, Civic Space Communication Expert on +90 392 227 65 05.