Transport Minister opposes reopening Nicosia’s Makarios Avenue to cars citing EU funding risks
Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki opposes any plans to reopen Nicosia’s Makarios Avenue to private cars, warning that such changes could jeopardize EU funding used for its redevelopment. The avenue’s redesign was partly funded by a 21 million euro contribution from the European Commission, with the total project cost reaching 24.7 million euros. Officials caution that breaching sustainable mobility conditions could trigger demands for repayment of these funds.
Nicosia Municipality is preparing proposals to open the avenue, aiming to boost local businesses, which have suffered economically. The municipality’s initial plan was to allow vehicle traffic Monday to Friday during the day, with only authorized vehicles at night and on weekends. Mayor Charalambos Prountzos stressed the need for calm debate and wants to submit further studies to assess financial implications.
Representatives from the Finance Ministry and the European Commission indicated that any negotiations on funding recovery would be rigorous and stressed the importance of detailed studies. The municipality maintains that the avenue’s current redesign is based on strategic transport policy amid increasing city traffic and changing commerce patterns, including the growth of online shopping and city malls.
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