Newsroom
The European Commission has stepped up legal action against Cyprus over delays in adopting European Union rules intended to make it faster and easier to approve renewable energy projects.
Brussels announced that it has issued an additional reasoned opinion after determining that Cyprus has not fully incorporated key parts of the revised Renewable Energy Directive into national legislation. The updated directive came into force in November 2023, and EU member states were required to implement the relevant provisions by July 1, 2024.
The rules are designed to reduce administrative delays for renewable energy developments and the grid infrastructure needed to connect new power generation capacity. They include fixed time limits for permit approvals, stronger one-stop-shop application systems through designated contact points, and provisions that classify renewable energy projects and related grid infrastructure as being in the overriding public interest.
The Commission first opened infringement proceedings against Cyprus in September 2024 with a formal notice. A reasoned opinion followed in February 2025 after authorities failed to notify Brussels of any measures implementing the directive.
While Cyprus later submitted several measures and explanations, the Commission concluded that important parts of the legislation have still not been fully incorporated into national law.
The Cypriot government has been given two months to address the outstanding issues and complete the implementation process. If the Commission determines that sufficient progress has not been made, it may refer the case to the Court of Justice of the European Union and seek financial sanctions.
