Cyprus to establish an independent coast guard

The Cypriot Council of Ministers has approved a proposal to establish an independent Cyprus Coast Guard. Presented by Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fytiris, the initiative centralizes various maritime duties under one authority. The new service will be based at the Andreas Papandreou Base in Paphos. It will encompass units currently under different ministries, including the Police Marine Unit, the Police Helicopter Squadron, the Department of Fisheries and Marine Research, and the Hydrographic Service. Legislative bills will be submitted to the Parliament to facilitate the transfer of these services. A transition committee consisting of officials from all involved departments will be formed to manage the integration of assets and personnel. The Coast Guard will be responsible for surveillance and law enforcement from the coastline to the outer limits of the Exclusive Economic Zone and the Search and Rescue region. The project is expected to be largely funded by the European Union to enhance maritime security and coordination.