The need to protect Cyprus’ environment is definitely not a priority of this government
Statement by Environmental Affairs Bureau of the C.C. of AKEL on the reasoned opinion of the European Commission
11th June 2021, AKEL C.C. Press Office, Nicosia
It’s neither the first, nor the second and certainly not the last letter Cyprus receives from the European Union on the protection and management of the Natura 2000 networks. In November 2020, AKEL had for the umpteenth time called on the Anastasiades-DISY government and competent Ministry to act immediately, not only to avoid our country from being discredited in courts cases against it, but also to enable Cyprus to proceed on the substance with regards the protection of our island’s natural habitats.
If the procedures had proceeded as they should have done then the European Commission wouldn’t have decided to send a letter of formal notice to Cyprus, which now has two months to respond and take the necessary measures to comply with the obligations arising from the EU Directive on habitats.
The competent Minister, instead of issuing decrees immediately for the protection of the AKAMAS peninsula, instead of lifting the arbitrary interventions in areas designated as protected regions of the Natura 2000 Network, was content in giving assurances about the Republic of Cyprus’ commitment to the green agreement and its priorities.
We have had enough of the government’s pledges and empty talk. The need to protect the environment of Cyprus is immediate and it’s definitely not a priority of this government.
