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Cyprus Faces 63% Cost Burden For Electrical Interconnector Project

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 30, 2024

Cyprus is set to bear significant financial responsibility for the Great Sea Interconnector, a project linking Cyprus and Greece via an underwater cable, according to the Cyprus Energy Regulatory Authority (RAEK). Even without active participation in the project, Cypriot electricity consumers will shoulder 63% of the implementation costs. This decision stems from the Cross-Border Cost Allocation (CBCA) agreements between Cyprus and Greece, grounded in EU regulations.

RAEK’s President, Andreas Poulikkas, clarified this position in response to questions raised by MP Andreas Pasiourtidis. Despite the potential non-participation of Cyprus, the CBCA mandates that Cypriot consumers contribute towards the investment’s amortisation. The decision is crucial for securing €750 million in funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), with €657 million already granted. An additional €100 million in grants is still required to meet the CBCA conditions.

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Failure to secure these funds would necessitate revisiting the CBCA, potentially increasing the financial burden on Cypriot consumers. The project’s operational cost recovery remains under review by the regulatory authorities.

Inclusion in the EU’s Project of Common Interest (PCI) list necessitates Cyprus’ support, highlighting the project’s strategic importance. The investor’s dossier, submitted to regulatory authorities, includes a detailed cost-benefit analysis, business plan, and substantiated CBCA proposal, emphasising the benefits to both Cypriot and Greek consumers.

The discussion in the Cypriot Parliament, led by various MPs, underscores the project’s implications for local consumers. The regulatory framework, governed by Cyprus’ Electricity Market Regulation Law and aligned with EU directives, indicates no parliamentary approval is needed, only the consent of national regulatory authorities.

This development marks a critical juncture for Cyprus’ energy strategy, potentially influencing the island’s energy independence and integration into the broader European grid. The outcome of this project will likely have far-reaching consequences for Cypriot consumers and the nation’s energy future.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.