New EU warning on delays in water and waste management

 

21 August 2026, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia

The European Union’s new report and recommendations confirm what AKEL has been pointing out for years: Cyprus continues to face serious shortcomings in the management of water, sewage and waste. The European Commission notes that water scarcity has reached a critical level, that investment in water supply infrastructure is insufficient to meet systemic needs, and that waste management remains far behind.

The figures are revealing. Cyprus produces far more municipal waste per capita than the EU average, whilst the proportion of waste prepared for reuse or recycling remains dramatically low. Even more worrying is the observation that these environmental challenges have existed for years and now demand that urgent action be taken.

The Government no longer has any excuse, nor can it continue to hide behind the pretence that these are merely “technocratic observations”. Cyprus needs a comprehensive and forward-looking water management plan, with an emphasis on water conservation, reuse and rational management. We need to complete the sewerage infrastructure and make use of recycled water, particularly for agriculture. We also need a genuine waste policy, with separate collection, recycling and a drastic reduction in landfill.

Water, waste management and tackling the climate crisis affect citizens’ quality of life, agriculture, the environment and the local economy itself. Cyprus finally needs a policy with a vision for the future, rather than simply managing the next crisis.

AKEL will continue to demand concrete solutions, investment and accountability, so that the protection and safeguarding of water and the environment becomes a genuine priority and not just another announcement that remains on paper.