The Republic of Cyprus proceeds to the creation of a Coast Guard Service, after the approval of a relevant proposal by the Council of Ministers. The new Service will unify six existing state structures, with the aim of better surveillance and management of the maritime space, but also the strengthening of security and effectiveness.
Among its main responsibilities are included the surveillance of the maritime zones, the policing and protection of navigation, the combating of illegal activities such as smuggling, the protection of the marine environment and infrastructures, as well as the participation in search and rescue operations. The Coast Guard will act in all zones of responsibility of the Republic of Cyprus, with corresponding powers.
Part of the funding for the equipment and the operation will come from European funds, reducing the burden on the state budget.
Its establishment aims mainly at addressing the current fragmentation of responsibilities among different services, which causes lack of coordination, overlaps and non-efficient utilization of resources. Through the unification, better cooperation, immediate exchange of information and strengthening of operational action are pursued.
At the same time, an important role is also played by the economic dimension, as part of the funding for the equipment and the operation will come from European funds, reducing the burden on the state budget.
The headquarters of the new Service will be located at the naval base “Evangelos Florakis” in Mari. The next step is the preparation of the legislative framework and the determination of its administrative structure, with a head person outside the Police, selected based on qualifications and experience, according to “Fileleftheros”.
Source: Philenews
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