Issues of Rule of Law and Democracy have forcefully returned to the forefront of public debate in Cyprus in recent months. Beyond the individual cases that have sparked discussions about systemic failures and legal or constitutional gaps, the broader picture regarding transparency and democratic standards remains far from encouraging. Persistent declines in democracy indices, the rule of law, and press freedom—combined with reports by leading institutions highlighting these concerns—paint a troubling picture for the country.

FastForward speaks with Georgina Athanasiou, Chair of Oxygen for Democracy, about how the organization is working through concrete actions and initiatives to foster a more hopeful future for transparency and democracy on the island. The discussion explores Cyprus’s struggle to address entrenched bad practices, the importance of democratic and evidence-based dialogue and policymaking as a way forward, and the ongoing efforts to safeguard democratic progress.

Leading Oxygen for Democracy is both an honor and a significant responsibility.

The mission of the organization aligns closely with my personal values. Through my role, I have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to positive social change. Oxygen for Democracy is a space where ideas converge, free from partisan constraints, and where every citizen has a voice. This resonates deeply with my vision for a more participatory and just Cyprus — a society where everyone can express themselves and influence the world around them.

On a practical level, my role is multifaceted: from coordinating initiatives and organizing events to securing funding and building strategic partnerships. The work is often demanding, but the sense of fulfillment that comes from our collective efforts is invaluable.

Leading the organization is also a journey of continuous personal growth. I learn every day — not only from successes but also from the challenges we face. And that is what inspires and motivates me.

Since its founding in 2014, Oxygen for Democracy has made substantial progress in realizing its vision.

One of our flagship initiatives is the Cyprus Forum, which has evolved into one of the country’s most important public dialogue institutions. It is an annual conference that brings together politicians, technocrats, academics, civil society actors, and media representatives in a structured, inclusive space to discuss critical policy issues.

We also developed Nomoplatform — an independent parliamentary monitoring tool that enhances accessibility and transparency in the legislative process. Citizens can track proposed bills, public consultations, and real-time updates from Parliament, strengthening both accountability and engagement.

One year after launching Nomoplatform, we introduced Nomopress, Cyprus’ first independent political magazine — a bold yet necessary initiative to reintroduce substance into public dialogue. Our ambition is to build a high-quality platform that brings politics closer to young people, technocrats, academics, and those who tend to disengage due to political toxicity and lack of trust. As of July 2025, Nomopress has launched its dedicated online portal, offering accessible and critical political analysis to a wider audience.

Other key projects include Cyprus Forum: Cities — the largest local government conference in Cyprus — and the Procedural Law Unit Annual Symposium, which brings young professionals into discussions around legal and institutional issues.

In recent years, we have also expanded our reach internationally through the establishment of annual editions of the Cyprus Forum abroad. Cyprus Forum Brussels, held each year at the European Parliament, focuses on Cyprus’ relationship with the European Union — including themes such as the EU Council Presidency, democratic values, and regional stability. Similarly, Cyprus Forum London has become a recurring platform for dialogue on UK–Cyprus relations, diaspora engagement, and economic cooperation. These international forums strengthen the voice of civil society across borders and deepen our engagement in European policy debates.

We actively promote best European practices, especially regarding lobbying regulation and public consultations. Oxygen for Democracy is at the forefront of “democracy fixing,” helping to close the participation gap that still exists in Cypriot society by fostering informed, inclusive public dialogue.

Our independent, participatory, and open structure allows us to remain nonpartisan and pluralistic. We prioritize institutional sustainability and build partnerships with research centers, universities, NGOs, international organizations, and public institutions.

Ultimately, we assess our progress not only through outreach and participation but also through follow-up and the actual impact of our work on the public agenda and political culture. There is still much to do, but the trajectory is steady and forward-moving.

This year’s Cyprus Forum, taking place from October 1–3 in Nicosia, is expected to further strengthen its role as a catalyst for public dialogue and citizen engagement in policymaking. It has now become the largest policy-shaping conference in Cyprus.

We will host over 200 speakers from Cyprus and around the world. The thematic focus will be on democracy, transparency, the rule of law, peace, and foreign policy. All panels are developed as policy project-based discussions, shaped in collaboration with think tanks and research institutes.

What excites me most is the combination of experience sharing, open dialogue, and institutional interaction that these discussions enable. They reinforce the role of citizens, organizations, and institutions in driving reform and progress.

Our core ambition remains clear: to create an environment where ideas don’t stay theoretical — but are translated into practice and embodied in action.

Democracy and the rule of law in Cyprus are facing serious challenges.

Many citizens feel excluded from public life, and there is a widespread perception of unfairness, lack of meritocracy, and limited transparency. A fundamental weakness is the erosion of public trust in institutions. Repeated corruption scandals, delays in justice, and the lack of meaningful consultation in decision-making have contributed to a deep sense of disillusionment.

Transparency remains weak, especially in terms of access to public information and oversight of executive and legislative power. Decisions are too often taken behind closed doors, and mechanisms for public accountability are either limited or ineffective.

Another major concern is the low level of youth participation. When young people are not actively engaged, democratic processes suffer, and the very notion of collective action is undermined.

I firmly believe that the greatest threat to democracy in Cyprus is not only institutional but cultural — tied to how we understand participation, accountability, and public life. That’s why I see structural reforms, effective oversight mechanisms, and the expansion of civic engagement — especially among youth — as essential for a healthier democracy.

First, we need to strengthen transparency in public administration by establishing genuinely independent oversight mechanisms.

Second, electoral reform is crucial. We need a fairer and more representative system that increases participation and restores trust in the democratic process.

Third, we must institutionalize participatory democracy tools — such as public consultations, citizen initiatives, and open government frameworks — to make policymaking more responsive, inclusive, and democratic.

Oxygen for Democracy approaches this challenge with both realism and determination. We believe the resilience of democracy depends on active citizen participation, strong institutions, and open dialogue.

Through initiatives like the Cyprus Forum, we work to uphold these democratic values in Cyprus and abroad. We strive to keep communication channels between citizens and institutions open, to counter hate speech, and to empower people to engage.

Democracy is not self-sustaining; it requires daily care, vigilance, and collective effort.

Our commitment has also been recognized at the European level. Oxygen for Democracy is regularly invited to contribute to the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report for Cyprus. Our input focuses on issues such as transparency, judicial independence, and democratic accountability. This ongoing collaboration reflects the growing trust in our work and highlights the vital role of civil society in shaping Europe’s democratic standards.

We need to invest in media literacy and the cultivation of critical thinking.

This means educating people — especially younger generations — to identify misinformation, think independently, and engage with diverse perspectives. Oxygen for Democracy promotes informed and balanced dialogue through public discussions and collaborations with universities and research centers.

The solution is not to silence voices but to elevate meaningful, evidence-based dialogue. In a digital world shaped by polarization and algorithms, our response must be the deliberate and conscious cultivation of thoughtful public discourse.

What: Oxygen for Democracy

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Who: Georgina Athanasiou is a lawyer with an active role in public dialogue and policy development. As Chair of Oxygen for Democracy, member of Zenox Public Affairs, and a founding member of the Cyprus Forum, she is committed to strengthening democratic institutions and citizen participation through meaningful and evidence-based dialogue in Cyprus.