Cyprus officials and EU representatives address water scarcity and climate resilience

Cypriot officials and EU representatives met at multiple international conferences in late October 2026 to discuss urgent strategies for tackling water scarcity and climate-related threats. On October 25-26, Andreas A. Grigoriou, Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, presented Cyprus's challenges at the MED-RISE High-Level Conference in Cairo, highlighting the need for desalination, recycled water usage, and irrigation efficiency. He emphasized that attracting international investment is crucial for regional water projects.

Simultaneously, at the Circular Water Economy Conference 2026 in Nicosia on October 29, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, warned that water must no longer be taken for granted. He cited recent summer droughts and fires as catalysts for the upcoming European Water Initiative, a project announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative aims to bolster the EU’s climate resilience strategy by securing water for agriculture, industry, and ecosystems. Meanwhile, Cypriot Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, announced that the government is currently reviewing the organizational structure and regulatory framework of the national water sector to better manage these evolving environmental risks.