European Commission Refers Cyprus to CJEU Over Delays in Protecting Natura 2000 Areas
The European Commission has formally referred Cyprus to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) due to prolonged delays and failures by Cypriot authorities to establish clear conservation objectives and issue necessary protection measures for Natura 2000 network areas. This referral highlights Cyprus's non-compliance with the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC, potentially exposing the country to significant fines that would impact taxpayers directly.
The issue escalates following a 2026 landmark CJEU ruling in an Irish case, which clarified that projects affecting Natura 2000 sites cannot be approved unless specific, measurable conservation objectives are defined. Cyprus, suffering from similar shortcomings, faces challenges in licensing projects within protected Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), as general objectives do not meet legal standards.
The Audit Office has repeatedly warned the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment about the risks of inaction, emphasizing the need for immediate adoption of conservation measures. Despite years of assurances, most Natura 2000 areas in Cyprus still lack the required conservation objectives, intensifying the threat of further legal consequences and casting doubt on the legality of existing permits in these protected zones.
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