Filenews 31 October 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, admitted delays in the implementation of Cyprus' European obligations for the protection of Natura 2000 sites, revealing that only 11 of the 37 required decrees have been issued to date. Her response to the Member of Parliament for the Nicosia constituency, Alexandra Attalidou, came at a time when the Republic of Cyprus is still facing EU justice for inadequate implementation of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) and the inadequate protection of Natura 2000 sites.
According to the Minister's response, the working groups established since April 2024 faced technical and scientific obstacles, as there was a lack of sufficient data on the conservation status of species and habitats, while at the same time there were coordination problems between the stakeholders involved.
Ms. Panagiotou noted that the timetable has been reassessed, while two decrees have already been issued for marine Special Areas of Conservation and the preparation of two more is progressing, in order to show progress to the European Commission.
Regarding the pending proceedings before the Court of Justice of the European Union, the Minister stated that "the Republic of Cyprus and the relevant departments are in constant contact with the EU services to inform and monitor the progress achieved".
Ms. Panagiotou reiterated her commitment that the issuance of all decrees will be completed within 2026, assuring that the protection and management of biodiversity remains a "priority and key commitment" of the Ministry.
The Republic of Cyprus was referred to the CJEU in March 2024, as, according to the European Commission, no specific conservation measures had been established for 28 of the 37 Special Areas of Conservation, while the conservation objectives in five areas were deemed insufficient.
MP Alexandra Attalidou, who tabled the question on May 23, 2025, has repeatedly pointed out that delays in the implementation of the Directive jeopardize the credibility of Cyprus and expose the country to economic sanctions from the EU.
