Cyprus’s Public Warning System (PWS) implementation has been delayed until the first half of 2026 following tender cancellations and appeals, the Civil Defence Force announced on Monday.
Bids submitted through an open tender announced in 2022 were cancelled in May 2024 after appeals were lodged with the Review Authority for Public Contracts.
The Civil Defence Force subsequently consulted the Law Office to investigate whether the system could be classified as a security and defence matter affecting the Republic’s essential security interests, which would allow for a different and shorter procurement procedure. The Law Office’s response was negative.
To minimise the possibility of new appeals that would cause further delays, the Civil Defence Force enlisted an expert and proceeded to modify and redesign the tender documents. The new tender was announced in December 2024, with bids due by the end of February 2025.
Technical evaluation of the proposals was completed on 16 July 2025, with bidders subsequently notified. The appeal period expires on 3 August 2025.
If no appeals are filed and no new cancellation procedure occurs, the contract for implementing the project will be signed in the third ten-day period of September 2025, with project completion expected in the first half of 2026.
The government has prioritised the system’s implementation as part of broader civil protection sector reorganisation, with tender schedules strictly maintained.
The Civil Defence Force also outlined the “POLYVIOS” evacuation plan, which establishes procedures for area evacuations during emergencies.
The plan designates community leaders as first points of contact and provides for population notification through SMS messages, door-to-door visits, and bell or siren alerts.
Training meetings with community leaders were held between January and May 2025, with leaders responsible for maintaining resident contact details and coordinating evacuations when instructed.
The Public Warning System will operate alongside existing notification methods outlined in the POLYVIOS plan to ensure timely information reaches all citizens, regardless of smartphone access or during power or telecommunications outages.
