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Cyprus Government Cooperates Fully With EPPO On Vasilikos LNG Terminal Investigation

The Cypriot government is in full cooperation with the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) regarding an investigation into the Vasilikos LNG terminal project. Initiated in March 2024, the investigation focuses on potential procurement fraud, misappropriation of EU funds, and corruption related to the construction of the terminal, which started in 2019 but has yet to be completed.

Background and Investigation Details

The Vasilikos LNG terminal project, a significant infrastructure initiative for Cyprus, aims to integrate the island into the broader European gas market, reducing its reliance on imported fuels and enhancing energy security. However, the project has encountered multiple delays and cost overruns, raising concerns about financial mismanagement and corruption.

The EPPO, tasked with investigating and prosecuting crimes against the EU’s financial interests, launched the probe following reports from the Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus and other European agencies. These reports highlighted irregularities in the procurement process, suggesting that funds allocated for the project might have been misused.

Government Response and Cooperation

Deputy Government Spokesperson Yiannis Antoniou has confirmed that Cypriot authorities are fully cooperating with the EPPO to ensure a transparent and thorough investigation. The government’s commitment to assisting the EPPO underscores its dedication to upholding the principles of fairness and transparency, essential for maintaining public trust and financial integrity within the EU.

“The government is determined to support the EPPO’s efforts and ensure that any wrongdoing is addressed appropriately. Transparency and accountability are paramount in projects of this magnitude,” Antoniou stated.

Broader Implications

The Vasilikos LNG terminal is critical not only for Cyprus’s energy strategy but also for its economic stability. Ensuring that the project is completed efficiently and ethically is vital for the country’s reputation and its ability to secure future EU funding.

This investigation by the EPPO serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent oversight in the management of EU-funded projects. It highlights the need for robust mechanisms to prevent and detect fraud, ensuring that public funds are used effectively and responsibly.

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

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