(Commonwealth_Europe) Cyprus has made significant strides in addressing issues related to the management of urban wastewater. Agriculture Minister Maria emphasized the importance of both nature conservation and waste management. Panayiotou. Her remarks were made during the EU Council of Environment Ministers meeting in Brussels on Tuesday. The statements came just one day after the European Commission announced it had sent a reasoned opinion to Cyprus, citing the country’s failure to adhere to directives concerning landfills and waste treatment. The Commission raised concerns that Cyprus had not ensured that waste undergoes adequate treatment before being landfilled. Additionally, Cyprus was found lacking in establishing an integrated and sufficient network of waste management installations, which would incorporate the best available techniques for waste treatment.
Panayiotou emphasized Cyprus’ active engagement in addressing these environmental challenges, noting that the country has made notable progress in recent years, particularly in urban wastewater management, waste treatment, and nature conservation. The minister also expressed her country’s support for broader discussions aimed at regulating microplastics. Cyprus, along with Malta and Greece, has submitted a proposal seeking to include the shipping industry in the regulation of microplastics. Panayiotou stressed the importance of protecting the environment from microplastic pollution while also safeguarding the competitiveness of the shipping sector. She called for these discussions to be conducted at the level of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), underscoring the need for international cooperation in tackling this pressing environmental issue.
At the meeting, Panayiotou also addressed the European Union’s ambitious climate goals, specifically the 2040 interim package. The design aims to assist in achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Cyprus, she noted, has placed a strong emphasis on these European climate and environmental goals, aligning its national priorities with those of the EU. Cyprus remains committed to contributing to the achievement of these goals, recognizing the importance of sustainable environmental practices for both the nation and the broader European community.
However, Panayiotou also highlighted the need to ensure a just transition in the face of these ambitious climate policies. She called for greater access to financial resources and new technologies, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and vulnerable populations. The green transition, according to Panayiotou, presents an opportunity to enhance the quality of life for Cypriots by focusing on sustainability. The government aims to ensure that the transition to greener practices is inclusive, benefiting all sectors of society.
In her discussions with the European Commission’s The Environment Commissioner and the Climate Action Commissioner, Panayiotou outlined Cyprus’ priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2026. One of the key priorities for Cyprus is water resilience, which she emphasized during her meetings with both commissioners. Cyprus is particularly concerned with the challenges posed by prolonged water scarcity, desertification, and the impact on the primary agricultural sector. Panayiotou emphasized the importance of treating water resilience as a cross-cutting issue, given its impact on a wide range of sectors. Cyprus seeks a holistic approach to addressing water challenges, recognizing that water is a fundamental resource for the country’s sustainability.
Panayiotou also took the opportunity to brief the commissioners on Cyprus’ ongoing efforts to improve its waste infrastructure, noting that significant progress has been made in recent months. She informed them about the steps Cyprus has taken to modernize its waste management system, an issue that is of increasing importance to the country in the context of both environmental protection and EU compliance. The minister assured that technical-level meetings would follow, enabling Cyprus and the European Commission to review progress, align on objectives, and ensure that Cyprus is on track to meet the Commission’s goals. These discussions are expected to facilitate further advancements in the areas of urban wastewater management, nature conservation, and waste management.
