Audit Report: Illegal Developments and Delays at Ministry of Agriculture

The Audit Office identifies unjustified delays in the Republic of Cyprus' compliance with EU directives on environmental issues, according to its Special Report on the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment.

Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou emphasizes the "significant inertia of the state" in addressing environmental violations.

Key points of the report:

• Non-compliance with Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats) and referral to the CJEU in 2024.
• Non-compliance with Directive 99/31/EC (Vati and Kotsiatis Landfills) and new referral in 2025.
• Change of urban planning status in Kouklia favoring a specific company, with a pending police investigation.
• License violations and illegal additions to developments in Ayia Thekla by PEPs, with a pending police investigation.
• Illegal interventions in rivers (Kryos, Amathos).
• Illegal establishments in Akamas.
• Illegal construction on a livestock plot and livestock unit within Natura 2000.

The report is available on the Audit Office website.