Cyprus Confronts Water Crisis: Government Ramps Up Action To Ensure Supply

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 3, 2025

As Cyprus braces for another dry summer, the government is ramping up efforts to protect water resources and lessen dependence on unpredictable climate patterns. Authorities are implementing both immediate and long-term measures to safeguard agriculture and secure water access. With dam reserves at just 26% capacity, authorities prioritize immediate and long-term solutions to sustain agriculture and ensure water availability.

Government Strategy To Manage Water Scarcity

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, outlined a 28-action strategic plan aimed at reducing reliance on rainfall-dependent irrigation. The five-year initiative focuses on improving water management, expanding desalination infrastructure, and exploring alternative water sources.

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Investment Breakdown:

€109.3 million: Primary sector development (2024-2028)
€2.9 million: Agro-tourism, infrastructure, and circular economy in Arakapas The village of Arakapas benefits from €2.9 million allocated for agro-tourism, infrastructure, and circular economy projects.

Authorities Brace For A Difficult Summer

Deputy Director of the Water Development Department, Yiorgos Kazantzis, warned that irrigation water quotas will be drastically reduced in 2024. To mitigate the impact, priority will be given to professional farmers and permanent plantations.

Authorities are fast-tracking desalination projects. The Paphos desalination plant, currently under repair, is expected to be operational by August. A new 10,000 cubic meter/day desalination facility in Kissonerga is set for completion by October. Officials are also identifying underutilized boreholes and underground sources with the Geological Survey Department.

Encouraging Private Sector Involvement

The Cyprus Cabinet has approved measures allowing hotels and farmers to build private desalination plants, easing pressure on public infrastructure. Authorities are also ensuring that existing desalination plants operate at full capacity, except during maintenance.

Public Awareness And Conservation Efforts

Government-led water conservation campaigns stress the urgency of reducing wasteful consumption. Without public cooperation, Cyprus risks facing stricter water restrictions in 2025, when irrigation quotas could be further tightened.

With climate change exacerbating water shortages, Cyprus must act swiftly. Investments in desalination, groundwater extraction, and efficiency measures offer a proactive approach, but execution is critical. The success of these initiatives will be critical in securing Cyprus’ water future amid growing climate challenges.

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Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 22, 2026

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

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Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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