Cyprus faces criticism over water and waste management failures

On August 26, 2026, the Cyprus Environmental Movement reported that a new European Union assessment confirms significant ongoing deficiencies in the country's water, sewage, and waste management infrastructure. These EU recommendations highlight persistent gaps that have long affected national environmental standards.

In response to the report, the Cyprus Environmental Movement has demanded that the government implement a comprehensive strategy focusing on water conservation, increased recycling, and the completion of vital sewage infrastructure. Their proposal includes utilizing reclaimed water for agricultural purposes and harvesting rainwater in residential areas, such as from rooftops. Furthermore, the organization is calling for a robust waste policy that prioritizes a drastic reduction in landfill usage, effective separate waste collection systems, and the establishment of necessary infrastructure before any new restrictive measures are imposed on the public.

The group emphasized the need for immediate financial and material support for local government authorities. They argue that municipalities must be provided with adequate resources to manage waste facilities effectively, ensuring that they do not bear the financial burden caused by systemic state-level shortcomings in the management of integrated waste treatment plants.