The government must at long last implement the legislation on the environment
Statement by Christina Nicolaou, member of the Central Committee of AKEL and Head of AKEL’s Environment Policy
Cyprus has failed again
27 October 2025, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
The European Commission’s new Environmental Implementation Report (EIR 2025) once again highlights serious shortcomings on the part of the Republic of Cyprus in implementing key environmental protection policies.
Despite its repeated commitments and announcements, the government has not proceeded with substantive reforms, with the result that Cyprus has failed to meet key indicators.
According to the report:
- 75% of municipal waste still ends up in landfills, with no real progress in recycling.
- Biodiversity is threatened by urbanization and rampant anarchic development.
- Dependence on fossil fuels remains high, with renewable energy sources covering just 17% of consumption.
- Cyprus is one of the driest waterless EU member states and, with regard to the operation of desalination plants, the European Commission warns that these cannot replace the sustainable management of natural resources.
- The investment gap for the environment amounts to €211 million per year, with the report pointing out that Cyprus has neither the resources, nor the will for a green transition.
The government’s inaction and incompetence are leading to a breach of the country’s EU obligations and undermining the future of its citizens, health, and economy. The absence of a strategic plan, the delays noted in green infrastructure investments, and limited transparency in decision-making constitute a clear government failure.
AKEL calls on the government to:
- Immediately present a timetable for compliance with the EIR 2025 recommendations.
- Channel resources towards reducing the investment gap and ensuring a fair green transition.
- Strengthen environmental controls and citizen’s participation in decision-making.
Protecting the environment is not a luxury, it is an obligation, a right, and a prerequisite for prosperity. The government cannot continue to ignore the facts. Inaction is now tantamount to failure, with environmental but also socio-economic consequences.
27.10.2025
