On November 29, the founding assembly of the Association of Services of General Interest in Cyprus (SGI Cyprus) took place. It was unanimously decided to integrate the association into the Federation of Employers & Industrialists (ΟΕΒ).

The newly established Association represents public and private law organizations and enterprises active in the sector of general interest services. These include:

• Port management and regulation authorities

• Municipalities

• Public transport companies/organizations

• Social services, including care services for individuals with disabilities and the elderly

• Recycling/waste management units

• Hospitals/clinics

• Organizations providing electricity or other forms of energy

• Universities, academic and research institutions

• Telecommunications

• Water supply

SGI Cyprus will join SGI Europe, the pan-European organization of public utility organizations, aiming for continual development and improvement of services offered by its members to the community.

The goal of SGI Cyprus is to actively participate and represent its members in committees and councils, leveraging their expertise and knowledge. This includes involvement in policy-making centers in Cyprus and Europe on a variety of issues such as energy and environmental management, corporate governance and transparency, risk management, service quality, business continuity, and the digital and green transition of the economy and organizations.

SGI Cyprus's participation in SGI Europe and the exchange of experiences and best practices with similar organizations in other EU member states will strengthen efforts for continuous improvement of public utility services for the broader Cypriot public.

The transitional board members of the Association for a one-year period are as follows:

• President: Konstantinos Fellas, European Office Cyprus

• Vice President: Kostas Hoppas, Cyprus University of Technology (TEPAK)

• Vice President: Andreas Ioannides, Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC)

• Vice President: Nikos Stylianou, Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (CYTA)

• Treasurer: Kypros Stavrides, State Health Services Organization (SHSO)

• Secretary: Eleni Nikolaou, Limassol Water Supply Council

• Member: Maria Ioakeim, Cyprus Ports Authority

• Member: Frosso Manoloudi, Cyprus Sports Organization (CSO)

• Member: Myria Pilakouta, Nicosia Municipality

• Member: Giorgos Christodoulou, Strovolos Municipality

• Member: Konstantinos Parmaklis, Nicosia Water Supply Council

• Member: Michalis Papadopoulos, Areteio Hospital