natura 2000 — Cyprus is grappling with significant delays in fulfilling its European obligations to protect Natura 2000 sites, as revealed by Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou. So far, only 11 of the 37 required decrees have been enacted.
In a recent statement, Minister Panayiotou addressed concerns raised by Nicosia MP Alexandra Attalidou about the ongoing EU justice proceedings against Cyprus. The country is under scrutiny for inadequate implementation of the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which is essential for safeguarding biodiversity across Europe.
Since the establishment of working groups in April 2024, several challenges have emerged. The groups have encountered technical and scientific obstacles, such as insufficient data regarding the conservation status of various species and habitats. Furthermore, coordination issues among the involved agencies have hindered progress.
Despite these setbacks, Minister Panayiotou assured that the timeline for implementing the necessary decrees has been reassessed. To demonstrate progress, two decrees have already been issued for marine Special Areas of Conservation, with two additional decrees currently in preparation.
In a commitment to transparency and accountability, she stated, “The Republic of Cyprus and the competent departments are in continuous contact with EU services for updates and monitoring of the progress being achieved.” This ongoing communication is crucial as Cyprus faces a pending case before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Minister Panayiotou reiterated her goal to have all decrees issued by the end of 2026, asserting that the protection and management of biodiversity is a fundamental commitment of her ministry. This pledge comes in light of the European Commission’s referral of Cyprus to the CJEU in March 2024, primarily due to the lack of specific conservation measures for 28 of the 37 Special Areas of Conservation. Additionally, conservation objectives for five areas were deemed insufficient.
Attalidou, who posed her question on 23 May 2025, has been vocal about the potential repercussions of these delays. She emphasised that failing to implement the directive not only jeopardises Cyprus’s credibility but also exposes the nation to potential financial penalties from the EU.
