13-05-2025
Popular holiday hotspot facing fines after 12-year delay
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Cyprus could face hefty fines from the European Union for not shutting down two landfill sites that have been contaminating water and posing a public health risk. The EU pinpointed the dumps at Kotsiatis and Vati as rule-breakers back in 2013, and despite promises to close and rehabilitate the sites, they remain operational.
The EU expressed its concerns, stating: "In 2013, the court ruled that the landfill of Vati in Limassol and the landfill of Kotsiati in Nicosia did not comply with the landfill directive".
On April 28, 2017, Cyprus received a formal notice under Article 260 TFEU, following the court's judgment, according to the statement.
"Although no waste has been sent to these landfills for more than six years, they have still not been rehabilitated and closed as required by the landfill directive," the Commission pointed out.
Moreover, the Commission highlighted that Cyprus has repeatedly delayed the implementation schedule for the judgment, leaving the landfills as ongoing threats to human health and the environment.
The statement concluded with a warning that the case would be referred "back to the Court of Justice of the European Union, requesting the imposition of financial sanctions."
Despite this stern warning from the Commission, Theodoros Mesimeris, head of the Cypriot Environment Department, remains optimistic that Cyprus can dodge the fines.
"For the first time, we have in place a holistic plan for handling all waste streams and for deterring illegal waste-disposal practices," stated Mesimeris.
He announced the strategy will include enhancing the management processes at Kotsiatis and for 71 other landfill sites in Nicosia by 2026. Additionally, Mesimeris noted the Vati site and another 47 sites in Limassol are set for a thorough makeover with completion anticipated by 2029.
