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Recent Key Sustainability Stories in Cyprus: Weekly Recap
1. A protest against high electricity prices
On 17 October, a protest over high electricity prices took place in Nicosia in front of the presidential palace. Organisers called for action to reduce the burden on households and small businesses, alongside investment in electricity networks and energy storage. The protesters also submitted a letter to President demanding that electricity and fuel be recognised as basic necessities. (Source: Cyprus Mail)
2. Energy partnerships discussed between Cyprus and Germany
Cyprus and Germany explored business partnerships in energy storage, smart grids and electric mobility during meetings held from 13 to 16 October. The discussion focused on the technologies, infrastructure and expertise Cyprus will need in the coming years to improve the performance of its electricity system and accommodate a greater share of renewable energy. (Source: Cyprus Mail)
3. Drought compensation
On 14 October, the government approved €4.6 million in EU-funded emergency support for farmers affected by the 2025 drought. The planned scheme covers several crop and livestock sectors, with payments due by 28 February 2027. However, on 19 October, agricultural organisations criticised the allocation as insufficient and argued that several affected sectors had been excluded. (Sources: Cyprus Mail and Politis).
4. Rainfall reached 157% of the normal October average
Rainfall during the first half of October reached 157% of the long-term monthly average, according to figures reported on 15 October. The increased rainfall and reservoir inflows offered encouraging signs after prolonged drought concerns. Yet one wet fortnight cannot resolve Cyprus's structural water-security challenges. Long-term resilience still depends on water conservation, infrastructure, efficient irrigation and planning for increasingly variable weather. (Source: Politis)
5. Pesticide residues raise concerns over food safety and sustainable agriculture
One of the week's most important sustainability developments came on 16 October, when Cyprus's State General Laboratory published findings showing that pesticide residues exceeded EU maximum residue limits in 13.1% of plant-origin food samples tested in 2025. Of the 466 samples analysed, 61 recorded levels above the prescribed limits. After measurement uncertainty was taken into account, 34 samples, equivalent to 7.3%, were classified as breaches of the legal requirements. The findings were reported by Cyprus Mail and Politis.
6. Cyprus faces millions of euros in fines over waste management
21% of waste generated in Cyprus ends up in landfills without prior treatment, warns the Zero Waste Alliance. According to the Alliance, the European Commission had previously issued a letter of formal notice in December 2021, followed by a reasoned opinion in December 2024. The case concerns the alleged failure to properly implement the Landfill Directive and the Waste Framework Directive. Particular emphasis is also placed on the financial cost of a potential conviction. The Alliance argues that citizens should not be expected to bear the costs of past failures or finance new investments that, in its view, would reinforce dependence on problematic waste-treatment facilities (Source: Politis)
7. Responsible business and stronger governance
On the corporate front, the Association of Cyprus Banks highlighted efforts by Artemis Credit Bureau to promote standardised environmental, social and governance assessments through the Synesgy platform. These assessments can help businesses evaluate their sustainability performance and supply chains, while enabling lenders to consider ESG-related risks when making financing decisions.
The development reflects the growing importance of sustainability in business strategy and financial decision-making. However, meaningful progress will require more than reporting frameworks. Companies and financial institutions must translate assessments into measurable improvements in environmental performance, working conditions, ethical conduct and long-term resilience. (Source: Cyprus Inform)