The Local Government Organization of the Famagusta Free Areas (EOA) has reported a significant increase in efficiency in processing building applications. According to the agency, 193 applications were processed in September 2025, compared to 79 in the same month last year — a 144% increase, highlighting the region’s active recovery and development.
Moreover, in October 2025, 206 applications were reviewed, approximately 20% more than in October 2024. These figures demonstrate consistent productivity growth and improved service for both citizens and businesses.
New Management and Staff Expansion
EOA Chairman Yannis Karousos noted that the organization is undergoing a major reorganization aimed at enhancing transparency, speed, and quality in handling construction projects. A Licensing Director has been appointed, and 25 technical and administrative specialists have joined the team.
By early January 2026, an additional 15 new appointments are planned, ensuring the team is fully staffed across all levels. This expansion will enable EOA to process applications even faster, minimizing delays and bureaucratic obstacles for citizens and developers.
A New Phase of Digitalization and Regional Development
In early 2026, EOA plans to implement a new operational model that will transform the application review process. The reform aims to:
- Accelerate licensing procedures,
- Increase transparency in citizen interactions, and
- Improve the quality of services provided.
These changes align with Cyprus’s national strategy for digital government services and sustainable urban development. Electronic tracking systems for applications will be introduced, alongside geoinformation services and automated internal documentation.
Famagusta Free Areas as a Model for Other Regions
According to Karousos, these achievements are only the beginning. The organization is demonstrating steady efficiency growth and is becoming a benchmark for other regional administrations.
“We are seeing real results from our efforts. Famagusta’s Free Areas are not just catching up, they are moving ahead. However, there is still much work to reach an ideal level of service for citizens,” said the head of the agency.
Real estate experts link the rise in applications to increased construction investment and renewed interest in the region from both local and foreign investors. After years of stagnation, large-scale projects — from residential complexes to tourism and infrastructure developments — are resuming.
Thus, the Famagusta Free Areas are becoming a pioneer in digital transformation for construction and architecture, positioning themselves as a center of sustainable and dynamic development in eastern Cyprus.