Filenews 15 February 2026 -by Xenia Turki
The role that Cyprus can play in tackling the climate crisis is referred to in his interview with "Fileleftheros" by the European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero Emissions and Clean Growth, Wopke Hoekstra. As he said, climate action is inextricably linked to the economy, innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of European industry, while contributing to reducing dependence on fossil fuels and enhancing safety.
The European Commissioner, who was in Nicosia for the work of the Informal Meeting, stressed that Cyprus is at the forefront of the effects of climate change, with serious problems such as forest fires and water scarcity. For this reason, the focus of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU on climate, and in particular on climate resilience and water, is particularly crucial. And this at a time when the EU itself recognizes that it is not sufficiently prepared for climate disasters.
Despite its energy isolation, Cyprus can reduce its dependencies through energy efficiency, demand reduction, and harnessing its high solar potential. The interconnection with the European electricity grid through the Great Sea Interconnector project is a strategic priority for energy security and the integration of renewable sources. At the same time, as the European Commissioner said, strengthening regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean can improve resilience, diversify risks and support the gradual transition to cleaner forms of energy.
-The priorities of the European Commission are now security, competitiveness and the strengthening of the economy. Does this go hand in hand with your portfolio that has to do with the climate and the environment?
-Of course. In my view, with everything that is happening, the only way forward for the EU is an agenda that manages to combine climate, competitiveness and independence, especially from energy imports. All three at the same time, but not at the expense of the others. We are absolutely committed to staying steadfast on our climate path, to remain flexible but at the same time we make sure to do it in a way that is possible. It is an ambition with a clear "why" and "what", but also "how" when we learn new data, we must take it into account. Addressing the challenge of climate change also means addressing its economic dimension, investing in innovation and enhancing competitiveness. Overall, climate action strengthens our security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels, supports the economy through stable energy prices and investment, and strengthens Europe's competitiveness, positioning European industry as a global leader in clean technologies.
-How can Cyprus, which now holds the presidency of the Council of the EU, contribute to tackling the climate crisis?
– I had excellent cooperation with Minister Maria Panagiotou. It strongly supports climate action and understands that this means working for the benefit of our citizens and businesses. I would also like to emphasise the excellent cooperation I have with my colleague from Cyprus, Commissioner Costas Kadis. On the climate issue, we managed to agree on our 2040 target in record time last year. I look forward to working together during the Cyprus Presidency, as your country is one of the most affected Member States, with a large part of the population on the front line. In 2025, the worst forest fire in recent history was recorded. Water scarcity is also a recurring problem.
I am pleased to see that the Cyprus Presidency wants to focus on the climate and, in particular, on resilience to climate change. Because Cyprus can contribute to tackling climate change by leveraging its role in setting the agenda and steering the negotiations towards ambitious outcomes. The EU and the Member States are not sufficiently prepared to deal with climate disasters. Economic losses are estimated at €208 billion for the period 2021-2024, a huge amount. This money could be put to better use than being spent on disaster recovery.
That is why we are preparing an important proposal this year, which sets out a Comprehensive Framework for Climate Resilience, with the aim of addressing these challenges. Our main objective is to establish a more ambitious, comprehensive and coherent EU approach to climate resilience and preparedness. We want to establish a common basis for managing climate risks, while emphasising the specificities of the Member States. The Framework will send a clear signal about the future climate conditions for which Europe must prepare.
-How does the Commission see the role of Cyprus in energy developments in the Eastern Mediterranean?
– Cyprus plays an important role in regional energy developments, contributing to energy security, resilience and cooperation. It is extremely important to end the electrical isolation of Cyprus. Cyprus is the last EU member state not connected to the European electricity grid. This limits its integration into the internal energy market and hampers the integration of renewable energy sources.
Progress on the Great Sea Interconnector project has been hampered by a complex geopolitical environment, with implications for timelines and costs. This interconnection is of high strategic importance and requires full cooperation and coordination between the Member States involved to address the current challenges. The Commission has been supporting this project for years, including financially through the Connecting Europe Facility, and has now included it among the eight Energy Corridors that will prioritise its timely implementation. I can assure you that the Commission will continue to provide strong political and technical support to the project, in close cooperation with Cyprus and Greece, including special events and high-level discussions, as well as with additional engagement to address the geopolitical aspects.
-How can Cyprus reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, taking into account its geographical isolation?
– Despite its geographical isolation, Cyprus can reduce its dependencies by prioritizing demand reduction and energy efficiency, as well as scaling up domestic renewable energy production – especially solar. It has a very high solar potential. Before my mission to Cyprus for the Informal Meeting, I was reading about several successful projects in this context. For example, the largest hospital in Cyprus harnesses solar energy and has built a photovoltaic park. The project was funded by the EU's Recovery and Resilience Plan, which aims to support the energy transition in all Member States. At the same time, it is crucial to strengthen regional energy cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. This can help diversify risks, improve resilience and support a gradual transition away from oil-based electricity generation.
Tackling water scarcity across Europe together is crucial
-Water scarcity, as you have said, is a permanent challenge for Cyprus. What long-term solutions are necessary?
– Unfortunately yes, Cyprus is facing a serious water shortage. That is why it is particularly timely and essential that the country has set water as a top sustainability priority for the Presidency of the Council of the EU. This is also a priority for the European Commission, because clean water is the driving force of life. It is an essential resource for people and nature, as well as for climate regulation. In addition, water is important for the economy, agriculture, as well as for energy production.
We presented the EU Water Resilience Strategy, which will help restore and protect water resources. This is key to building a water-smart economy, with the aim of enhancing competitiveness, attracting investment and promoting the European water industry. I look forward to the support of the Cyprus Presidency in this project, so that we can bring all the Member States together and agree on how to tackle water scarcity across the Union.
