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AKEL Unveils Roadmap for Energy Security and Cost Reduction Amid Government Shortfalls

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 29, 2025

Critical Proposals to Secure Energy Supply and Reduce Costs

Stephanos Stefanos, General Secretary of AKEL, has laid out a comprehensive series of proposals aimed at bolstering energy security, ensuring an adequate electricity supply, and reducing energy costs. His remarks come as he leveled stern criticism against the government for delays and mismanagement in the execution of crucial projects.

Vulnerabilities in Key Infrastructure Projects

Stefanos highlighted the stagnation surrounding the Vasiliko project and the electricity interconnection with Greece, warning that these delays pose significant risks to national energy security. With Cyprus now paying the second highest electricity prices in Europe (when adjusted for purchasing power), consumers are feeling the financial strain. He also reminded that since 2018, citizens have collectively borne 1.3 billion euros in pollution fines.

Accountability and Oversight

Targeting high-level mismanagement, Stefanos specifically pointed to figures such as Anastasiadis and DISY for their roles in derailing the Termatiko Vasilikou project — a matter currently under investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. The call for accountability includes demands for a full investigation by the Anti-Corruption Authority and a return of over 67 million euros in misallocated funds.

Demand for Clear Feasibility Studies

On the issue of the electricity interconnection, the government was accused of providing inconsistent positions on key matters. Stefanos urged the authorities to conduct thorough cost–benefit analyses, technical evaluations, and consumer impact studies to determine the viability of the project.

Strategic Infrastructure Initiatives

AKEL’s proposals address several critical areas of energy development:

  • Electricity Interconnection: A call for a definitive assessment of the project’s sustainability for public finances and consumer impact.
  • Natural Gas for Power Generation: Emphasis on completing onshore infrastructure, clearing unresolved issues, and establishing a clear roadmap with defined milestones and deadlines. An inquiry into alleged scandals and mismanagement is also demanded.
  • Exploitation of Domestic Hydrocarbons: The need to clarify agreements with companies for transportation, liquefaction, and export to Egypt is underscored, with a phased approach to prioritize domestic consumption.

A Call for Strategic Energy Planning

AKEL advocates for a comprehensive, transparent energy strategy anchored in oversight, prevention, and realistic planning. To that end, the establishment of an Energy Policy Council—a platform where political parties, technocrats, and experts can deliberate before key decisions—was proposed.

Immediate Operational Priorities

In parallel with long-term planning, several immediate steps are recommended:

  1. Securing Electricity Adequacy: Expedite processes to fortify key production sites like Dekeleia, replace outdated and inefficient production units, complete network storage infrastructure, and diversify pricing strategies during periods of renewable surplus.
  2. Boosting Energy Efficiency: Invest in widespread energy upgrades focusing on public buildings, schools, low-to-middle income households, and small to medium enterprises. Additionally, secure reliable storage measures and transparent allocation of funds from pollution and transition funds.
  3. Strengthening the Electrical Grid: Realign priorities by promoting rooftop solar panels, regulating the unchecked expansion of large industrial parks—especially on agricultural land—and accelerating the development of a flexible, bidirectional smart grid complemented by enhanced storage solutions.
  4. Reducing Energy Costs: Implement a series of fiscal measures including the removal of green taxes, a permanent VAT reduction on electricity to 5%, elimination of double taxation on fuels, rapid integration of renewable energy sources into the power mix, taxation of renewable windfall profits to fund anti-energy poverty measures, reduced VAT rates for home energy upgrades and green investments, expanded financing for photovoltaic projects, and automatic inclusion in special tariffs.

Conclusion

With energy prices and security at the forefront of both public concern and policy debates, AKEL’s proposals provide a detailed blueprint for immediate reforms and long-term strategic planning. This roadmap underscores the urgent need for government accountability and a methodical, transparent approach to securing Cyprus’s energy future.

EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
November 15, 2025

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.

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