Auditor General warns against retroactive legalization of illegal monastery in Cape Greco

Cyprus’s Auditor General, Andreas Papaconstantinou, issued a formal warning to the Council of Ministers on October 27, 2026, regarding the unauthorized construction of a monastery and abuse victim shelter in the Cape Greco area. The project, initiated by the Holy Metropolis of Constantia and Ammochostos, is currently well advanced despite the complete lack of required building permits. The site is located within a protected coastal zone and two Natura 2000 designated areas, where local planning policies mandate absolute protection and strictly prohibit development.

In his letter, the Auditor General cautioned that granting a planning derogation to retroactively legalize the structures would set a dangerous precedent and violate both EU Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC and Cypriot Law 153(I)/2003. Both the Department of Environment and the Department of Town Planning have reportedly expressed negative positions regarding the requested permit. Environmental groups, including the Green Party, have called for the demolition of the illegal structures and the restoration of the site. As of late October 2026, the case remains under scrutiny with further discussions expected regarding the regulatory compliance of the project.