Progress review of the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence in Cyprus

On October 19, 2026, representatives from the European Commission conducted a site visit to evaluate the progress of the EXCELSIOR project, which involves the construction of the new Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence facilities in Verengaria, Polemidia. The project, which has a total budget of 38 million euros, is co-funded by the Republic of Cyprus and the European Commission. During this fifth review meeting, officials expressed satisfaction with the development of the infrastructure, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027.

Diofantos Hadjimitsis, the CEO of the Centre and a professor at the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), stated that the evaluation feedback has been positive. Alberto Fernández-Wyttenbach, Director of Research Programmes at the European Research Executive Agency (REA), described the Eratosthenes Centre as a flagship strategic project for both Cyprus and Europe, noting its significance in space observation and satellite telecommunications. The current European funding cycle for the project is set to conclude in December 2027. Moving forward, the centre is exploring alternative funding sources, including continued support from the Cypriot government, to ensure its long-term operational sustainability beyond the current EU financial commitment.