Auditor-General Demands Answers Over Natura 2000 Failures
In a recent development that has put Cyprus under the European judicial spotlight, Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides has demanded an explanation from the agriculture ministry. This follows the European Commission’s referral of Cyprus to the EU Court of Justice (ECJ) for not implementing the Habitats Directive in the Natura 2000 protected areas.
Michaelides has called for accountability from officials in light of the European Commission’s issues. He seeks comments from the minister and details on whether those responsible for Cyprus’s predicament will face consequences. The Audit Office had previously cautioned former agriculture minister Costas Kadis on this matter, yet assurances given at the time have proven insufficient as Cyprus now faces legal proceedings.
The Auditor-General pointed out that since his warning in 2021, only a handful of conservation objectives decrees were issued, with half deemed inadequate by the European Commission. “Unfortunately, it appears that, once again, our office’s warnings have been ignored and its concerns have been confirmed,” stated Michaelides in his letter.
The European Commission referred Cyprus to the ECJ due to the country’s failure to establish conservation measures for 28 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and inadequate conservation objectives for five sites. Despite some progress in SAC designation, Cyprus has not sufficiently addressed the commission’s concerns, leading to the referral.
In response to the referral, the agriculture ministry highlighted ongoing communication with EU authorities and informed them about Cyprus’ environmental protection legal framework. With a new minister at the helm, working groups have been established to expedite the management framework for Natura 2000 sites.
The Habitats Directive is essential for European biodiversity protection, mandating Natura 2000, a network of protected areas crucial for conserving species and habitats. Member states are required to identify and propose sites for conservation, which are then adopted as Sites of Community Importance by the commission.