March’s Environmental Milestones Overshadowed by Protection Concerns
March, a month synonymous with environmental awareness due to Earth Day and World Meteorology Day, has been a period of reflection and action for those concerned with climate change. Politicians have not missed the opportunity to showcase their commitment to green policies. However, despite the fervent discussions and the introduction of green taxes aligned with the Net Zero agenda, the practical aspects of environmental protection seem to lag behind.
The urgency with which governments are implementing measures to curb energy consumption contrasts sharply with the sluggish pace of actions aimed at safeguarding natural habitats and ecosystems. This disconnection was highlighted when the European Union issued a reprimand to Cyprus, taking it to the European Court of Justice for its failure to protect natural habitats, signaling a significant gap between policy and practice.
Auditor-General Odysseas Michaelides brought attention to this issue, recalling his 2021 warnings about Cyprus’ potential legal troubles due to non-compliance with the Habitats Directive. Despite assurances from the then agriculture minister that the situation would be resolved, Cyprus now faces legal consequences for not establishing necessary conservation measures for numerous designated sites.
The Green Party has been vocal in criticizing the government’s approach, especially in light of new green taxes announced by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, which are said not to burden households or businesses. The party argues that imposing taxes in the name of the environment is hypocritical when natural habitats are being exploited and destroyed. They stress that decades of warnings have been ignored, and now the burden of governmental oversights is being shifted onto citizens.
As Cyprus approaches its 20th anniversary in the EU this May, the indictment serves as a stark reminder that
