The ‘OIKIA’ photography exhibition by the Press and Information Office, which highlights the evolution of housing in Cyprus from Antiquity to the modern era, was presented to Ministers from EU member states responsible for housing and other officials as part of the Informal Ministerial Meeting on Housing taking place in Nicosia, the Ministry of Interior said in a press release.
Cyprus is hosting on Tuesday the Informal Ministerial Meeting on Housing within the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The meeting is chaired by the Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, and attended by the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, Ministers, Deputy Ministers and senior officials from EU member states, as well as representatives of EU bodies and the housing sector.
On Monday, the participants visited the Famagusta Cultural Centre in Deryneia, where they were briefed on the Cyprus issue, with emphasis on the issue of Famagusta.
The Ministers and their delegations then visited Ayia Napa Marina, for dinner, hosted by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Cyprus. ‘In his toast welcoming the participants, the Minister of the Interior referred to the shared commitment of member states to addressing housing challenges, with the aim of creating more sustainable and affordable housing solutions for European citizens,’ the press release said.
It added that the photographic exhibition ‘OIKIA’, organised by the Ministry of the Interior and the Press and Information Office, was presented on the sidelines of the dinner. Through the exhibition’s photographic material, ‘the long history and rich cultural heritage of Cyprus’ are showcased, along with the evolution of housing on the island, from Antiquity to the present day. Visitors to the exhibition are given the opportunity to explore different historical periods and observe changes in the form, materials and function of housing, it said.
‘The exhibition sheds light on the concept of ‘home’ as a basic human need, but also as a living bearer of culture, identity and social organisation. At the same time, it highlights the challenges associated with housing in the modern era, strengthening the broader dialogue on key issues concerning sustainable development, social cohesion and the right to housing,’ the press release added.
It is noted that on Tuesday, the competent Ministers will participate in the proceedings of the Informal Meeting at the Filoxenia Conference Centre in Nicosia. Discussions during the meeting will focus on tackling the administrative and regulatory obstacles that cause delays in housing construction across the EU, with emphasis on simplifying licensing procedures, improving coordination between the competent authorities and making use of digitalisation.
At the same time, the Ministers will discuss ways of addressing the investment gap in the housing sector through strengthening cooperation between the public and private sectors, improving access to financing and promoting investment in affordable and sustainable housing, it said. Emphasis will also be placed on the use of European funding instruments, with the aim of enhancing the effectiveness of housing policies and improving the affordability, sustainability and accessibility of housing for all citizens, the press release concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third. Repeated rounds of UN-led peace talks have so far failed to yield results. The latest round of negotiations, in July 2017 at the Swiss resort of Crans-Montana ended inconclusively.