Parliamentary committee debates future of Makariou Avenue in Nicosia

On September 24, 2026, the Parliamentary Committee on Transport met to discuss the ongoing controversies surrounding the operation and potential reopening of Makariou Avenue in Nicosia to general traffic. The debate focused on the impact of existing traffic regulations and pedestrianization on local businesses and residents, following proposals registered by deputies Fotini Tsiridou, Sotiris Ioannou, and Andreas Papacharalambous.

The project was originally developed under the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, with a total cost of €24.7 million, of which €20.995 million (85%) was provided by European Union funds. The European Commission has warned that any unilateral change to the street's status that deviates from original project objectives could constitute an irregularity, potentially forcing the Republic of Cyprus to repay the €21 million in EU funding.

Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos stated that the municipality is working on a comprehensive proposal to address concerns from stakeholders. However, the Minister of Transport has expressed a negative stance toward reopening the street to general traffic, while the Ministry of Finance has cautioned that any changes could trigger difficult negotiations with the EU regarding financial compliance.