Kourion municipality protests British Bases antenna expansion in Akrotiri

Residents of Akrotiri and the Kourion municipality are holding a peaceful protest on Saturday, August 8, 2026, to oppose plans by the British Bases to install 68 new surveillance antennas and associated buildings in the Merra area. The demonstration, starting at 9:30 am from the entrance of the Akrotiri municipal district, follows a unanimous decision by local residents to escalate their reactions through marches and potential legal action.

Local authorities, including Mayor Pantelis Georgiou, argue that the project further militarizes the area and threatens both the local environment—specifically the protected Akrotiri Salt Lake wetland—and public health. While the British Bases administration maintains that the project is part of a necessary infrastructure modernization and expresses respect for the right to peaceful protest, tensions remain high. The mayor noted that the community was surprised by a land requisition order issued two weeks ago, despite ongoing consultations.

The British Bases administration has indicated that the project remains subject to statutory environmental assessments and public consultations. They have proposed co-funding an independent study on emissions and assured that any necessary land acquisition will follow legal procedures, including compensation for property owners. Moving forward, the residents are expected to submit a formal resolution to the British Bases during the protest.