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The Cabinet has approved an emergency state grant of €8 million for one year to help local governments and communities reduce water supply network losses, which are currently estimated at 35% to 40% due to aging infrastructure. An additional €1 million per year has been allocated for 2025-2027 to support remote areas outside the jurisdiction of District Local Government Organizations (EOA).
Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing long-standing water management issues through targeted interventions.
In addition, the Cabinet has introduced a Grant Scheme to support hotel-based desalination units, with a total €3 million fund over two years. A new, simplified licensing framework has also been established for small desalination units (up to 1,500 cubic meters), benefiting hotels, local authorities, and farmers. The new process will allow approvals to be completed within a week.
Panayiotou emphasized that these measures are in line with the government’s broader strategy, which includes the National Water Infrastructure Investment Plan (€1.2 billion) and a 28-action program focused on addressing water scarcity. These initiatives are part of an urgent response to the escalating challenges posed by climate change and rising water demand.
