Cyprus is preparing to activate its Public Warning System (PWS) in June, a move expected to strengthen the country’s ability to alert citizens during emergencies such as wildfires, earthquakes, terrorist attacks, or hostilities.
The system will allow Civil Defence to send warning messages within seconds to all mobile phones located in a specific affected area through mobile network providers. The alert will appear automatically on the device’s screen, accompanied by a loud alarm sound and instructions for self-protection.
The message will reach all phones in the designated area, even if they are not connected to the internet and without requiring the installation of a special application.
Despite the clear need for such a system, its implementation has been delayed for several years.
The first tender for the project was launched in 2022 but was cancelled in 2024 due to problems in the evaluation process. Legal consultations followed, along with the redesign of tender documents and a new call for bids, before the project was eventually awarded in 2025.
Even after the contract was signed, technical issues involving telecommunications providers raised concerns about further delays.
The government says the project is progressing according to schedule and that the system will become operational in June.
Authorities say the platform is intended to improve the country’s emergency preparedness by enabling faster communication with the public during critical incidents.
