Cyprus On The Brink Of EU Court Action Over Failure To Implement Renewable Energy Laws

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 13, 2025

Cyprus is on the verge of facing legal action from the European Union for failing to implement new regulations aimed at speeding up the approval process for renewable energy projects. On Wednesday, the European Commission issued a reasoned opinion to Cyprus and seven other EU member states, marking the second stage in the Commission’s five-step procedure for dealing with non-compliance.

Eight EU Countries At Risk Of EU Court Referral

The Commission’s decision follows the failure of these countries to transpose the EU laws into their national legislation. Alongside Cyprus, the other nations facing action include Bulgaria, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Slovakia, and Sweden. These laws are designed to simplify and expedite the permit process for renewable energy and infrastructure projects, which are essential for integrating additional capacity into the electricity grid.

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The Commission has emphasized that these laws set clear deadlines for granting permits, with a presumption that renewable energy projects and their associated infrastructure are of “overriding public interest.”

New Accelerated Procedures For Renewable Projects

One of the most significant provisions is the creation of renewable energy acceleration zones, where projects can benefit from shorter approval timelines due to their minimal environmental impact. These rules were intended to be implemented across all 27 EU member states by July 2024, but only 18 countries have complied so far, with the eight aforementioned nations lagging.

Pressure Builds On Cyprus And Other Holdouts

The Commission is now giving these eight countries two months to respond and take the necessary actions. If they fail to do so, the Commission could refer them to the European Court of Justice, a step that could result in significant fines.

This latest development comes shortly after Cyprus received several letters of formal notice from the Commission on various environmental issues, including directives related to air pollutants and hazardous substances in electrical equipment.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

€50 Million Luxury Resort Planned For Ayia Napa

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 22, 2026

Ayia Napa could strengthen its position in the premium tourism market with a proposed €50 million mixed-use resort combining a hotel, serviced apartments, luxury bungalows and a beach club.

Aesara Investments Ltd has submitted an information form to the Department of Environment for a development to operate under the name Atlantica Wavemaster Hospitality. The project is planned for the Limnara area of Ayia Napa, along the coast south of Kryou Nerou Avenue, between the town centre and Cape Greco.

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Hotel, Apartments And Luxury Bungalows

The proposed resort will include a 324-room hotel with capacity for 648 guests, alongside a condo-hotel building containing 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Facilities are planned to include restaurants, bars, cafés, a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, shops, a multipurpose hall, a children’s club and a cinema.

A further 33 three-level luxury bungalows, each designed for two guests and featuring a private swimming pool, are planned for the southern part of the site. A beach club with a restaurant and an outdoor pool complex covering more than 6,300 square metres will also form part of the development.

The project includes 321 parking spaces, including 12 for people with disabilities, and 14,196 square metres of landscaped green space featuring local plant species.

Seasonal Hotel Operations And Year-Round Residences

The hotel is expected to operate from March to November, with peak occupancy during the summer season. The condo-hotel apartments, meanwhile, will be available for sale or long-term rental and intended for year-round residence. Owners and tenants will also have access to the resort’s facilities, including its pools, restaurants and fitness areas.

Construction is expected to take 24 months once the required permits are secured. At the busiest stage, the project could employ around 100 workers per day.

Environmental Restrictions Near Cape Greco

The site’s proximity to protected Natura 2000 areas has prompted strict environmental requirements. The Cape Greco Special Protection Area borders the site to the south, while a Special Area of Conservation lies approximately 50 metres away.

Conditions imposed by the Department of Environment include a maximum building height of five floors, or 18.5 metres, and restrictions on permanent structures near the coastline. The project must also use spider-web type glazing and low-intensity lighting to minimise disturbance to local birdlife.

According to the project’s consultants, the design has been prepared to comply with the environmental conditions and the final report on cumulative impacts for the Cape Greco Special Protection Area. The hotel and apartment building are positioned in the central and northern parts of the plot, away from the shoreline.

Within the designated no-build zone, located 40 metres from the boundary of the beach protection zone, only swimming pools are planned. The consultants state that these are not expected to affect protected species in the area.

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