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CPDA Advocates Direct State Grants for Green Home Upgrades Over Tax Exemption

Green Incentives: A Strategic Shift

The Cyprus Property Developers Association (CPDA) is urging the government to revise its approach to financing household green upgrades. Instead of the proposed €1,000 tax exemption per spouse or partner, CPDA recommends replacing it with direct state grants. According to the association, this measure would produce faster and more meaningful results in the transition toward more sustainable living environments.

Broader Access for a Sustainable Future

CPDA stresses that the subsidy should be independent of income or socio-economic criteria, cautioning that such restrictions could hinder participation and delay Cyprus’ progress toward achieving the EU’s “Fit for 55” climate targets. The association advocates for a scheme that supports the renovation of existing homes as well as new constructions built to modern environmental standards, ensuring equitable benefits for all property owners.

A Model Based on Proven International Success

Drawing on successful examples from Italy, Germany, and the Netherlands, CPDA proposes that aid be closely aligned with the actual costs of green investments, subject to a defined ceiling. This approach is intended to maintain proportionality and fairness while ensuring the efficient use of public funds. The initiative aims to invigorate both the construction and renovation sectors, delivering positive ripple effects throughout the broader Cypriot economy.

Context and Fiscal Reform

The association’s recommendations emerged during a public consultation on a major tax reform package spearheaded by the Finance Ministry. This comprehensive reform, which forms a key component of the president’s pre-election programme, is designed to foster a fair, efficient, and sustainable economic system by addressing rising fiscal pressures, widening inequality, and the need for new investments.

Ensuring Compliance and Economic Revival

In developing the reform package, the Ministry relied on an independent study by the University of Cyprus’ Economics Research Centre (CypERC) and input from international experts to ensure compliance with EU state aid rules. The package—encompassing amendments to income tax, defence contributions, capital gains, tax certification and collection, and stamp duties—is aimed at bolstering social justice, curbing tax evasion, and stimulating entrepreneurship while restoring public trust in the tax framework.

EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

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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