Cyprus Environment Department Issues €325,000 in Fines in Six Months

The Department of Environment issued out-of-court fines totaling €325,000 in a six-month period. This marks a significant increase compared to 2023, when 85 fines were issued, totaling approximately €100,000.

According to an announcement, it is expected that by the end of 2025, the out-of-court fines and the total amount will more than triple compared to previous years. This development highlights progress in enhancing the effectiveness of environmental controls.

Since February 2025, the government of Nikos Christodoulides established the Audits Branch, addressing a long-standing gap. The branch was initially staffed with 13 inspectors.

Within a short period, the Audits Branch has issued multiple out-of-court settlements and submitted reports of incidents to the Legal Service for the prosecution of cases of non-compliance with environmental legislation. Collaborations with the Police and the Fire Service have also been institutionalized.

Environmental inspectors conduct on-site inspections of public and private projects, check compliance with environmental conditions, and take measures in case of violations. The goal is the effective protection of the environment through the continuous upgrading of environmental controls and the enforcement of legislation.