Akel Party Unveils Bill To Shield Arable Land From Solar Park Expansion

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 14, 2025

The Akel Party has introduced a legislative bill aimed at restricting the issuance of permits for commercial solar parks. The initiative is designed to preserve Cyprus’s valuable arable land and conservation areas from the rapid proliferation of these renewable energy facilities.

Defined Restrictions On Permit Issuance

The proposed legislation outlines five specific scenarios in which permits for commercial solar parks would be barred. These include land of high natural value, arable or permanently irrigated land, territories under government-supported irrigation projects, zones designated for environmental protection, and areas falling under Natura 2000 designations.

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Balancing Renewable Energy With Agricultural Interests

Notably, the bill exempts farmers from these restrictions when installing photovoltaic systems for their own use, a provision that recognizes the importance of agriculture alongside renewable energy expansion. This nuanced approach aims to balance energy innovation with the safeguarding of traditional farming practices.

Industry Impact And Parliamentary Debate

Mainstream debate in parliament has been ongoing for years, spurred by concerns from agricultural sectors in the Famagusta and Paphos districts. Local farmers have repeatedly highlighted that the unchecked growth of solar parks has eroded agricultural operations and diminished available pasture lands, raising alarms about broader community development ramifications.

Statistical Evidence And Future Implications

In his address, Akel MP Yiannakis Gavriel cited critical figures to amplify the urgency of the issue. He noted that solar parks already generating a cumulative 58 megawatts (MW) operate in the Famagusta region, with permits for an additional 408MW having been approved. Gavriel warned that, given the approximately 900MW of installed renewable energy capacity across Cyprus, the full implementation of these projects could have dire consequences for agriculture and local communities alike.

Looking Ahead

As the bill moves forward, authorities are faced with roughly 100 pending applications for commercial solar parks. The outcome of this legislative effort will likely set a precedent for how Cyprus balances the twin imperatives of renewable energy growth and the preservation of its agricultural heritage.

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Cyprus Keeps Budget On Track As Tax Revenue Grows

by News Editor

August 24, 2026

Cyprus collected and spent €5.43 billion by the end of July 2026, keeping state revenue and expenditure at the same absolute level halfway through the budget year. Revenue had reached 50% of the annual target, compared with 47% for expenditure.

Compared with the first seven months of 2025, both revenue and spending increased by €260 million. Stronger tax receipts were the main reason for the rise in revenue, while higher operating costs, transfers, grants and social benefits pushed expenditure up.

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Tax Receipts Provide A Major Boost

VAT collections rose by €200 million year-on-year to €1.98 billion, while direct tax revenue increased by €150 million to €1.95 billion. Income tax paid by companies and individuals accounted for most of the increase in direct taxation.

The stronger tax performance has helped the government accommodate higher spending without creating a significant deterioration in the mid-year budget position.

Social Spending And Transfers Rise

The increase in expenditure was not driven by public sector salaries and pensions, which remained broadly unchanged at €1.90 billion.

Instead, social benefits reached €1.13 billion, up €70 million from a year earlier, with additional spending directed towards healthcare, education, housing and welfare. Transfers and grants also increased by €80 million to €1.13 billion.

Operating costs climbed by €120 million to €530 million, partly reflecting higher spending on defence and policing, as well as consultancy and research services.

Development Spending Moves Faster

Capital expenditure reached €165.7 million by July, with 32% of the development budget executed compared with a 28% average for the same period over the past decade.

Major allocations included roads, construction projects, government and school buildings, equipment, and water and sewerage infrastructure.

EU-backed programmes are also supporting areas such as home energy upgrades, sustainable transport, electric mobility, digital transformation and skills development.

Debt Repayments Surge

One of the biggest changes came from public debt transactions. Government borrowing inflows reached €1.31 billion, while loan repayments and related outflows exceeded €2.1 billion.

Foreign debt repayments accounted for €2.06 billion, compared with just €60 million during the same period in 2025. Despite the much larger repayments, financing costs remained broadly stable at around €430 million.

A Balanced Mid-Year Picture

Overall, Cyprus’s public finances remain broadly on track. Rising VAT and income tax receipts are supporting higher social, operational and development spending, while the public-sector wage bill remains relatively stable.

The headline €5.43 billion balance between revenue and expenditure therefore tells only part of the story: beneath it, tax collection is strengthening, investment spending is progressing faster than usual, and debt-related cash flows have increased sharply.

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