Brussels: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, outlined five priorities in the fields of environment and climate during a session at the European Parliament's Committee on the Environment, Public Health, and Food Safety (ENVI), in Brussels.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Minister Panayiotou opened her speech by emphasizing Cyprus's geopolitical position at the southeastern edge of the Mediterranean, highlighting its desire for peace, stability, and prosperity amidst regional tensions. She noted Cyprus's vulnerability to the climate crisis, facing rising temperatures, prolonged droughts, water scarcity, and extreme weather events. These challenges, she explained, are direct threats to the country's communities, economy, and future, making environmental and climate issues a political necessity for Cyprus.
The Minister reiterated the Presidency's guiding motto, 'An Autonomous European Union, Open to the World,' which reflects a resilient and self-sufficient EU that remains outward-looking. She stressed the importance of strengthening Europe's climate ambitions, accelerating the green transition, and building resilience through innovation, sustainable energy, water management, and ecosystem protection.
Minister Panayiotou emphasized a strong, united European response based on solidarity and tangible action, highlighting the critical timing of the Presidency for the EU's environmental and climate agenda. She mentioned that decisions made in the coming months will shape Europe's ability to respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution, economic resilience, strategic autonomy, and citizens' trust.
Water resilience and climate adaptation are the first priority, with the Minister noting the importance of effective and equitable water management to ensure Europe's resilience, competitiveness, and social cohesion. She highlighted the need for a cross-sectoral approach connecting water policy with agriculture, energy, tourism, spatial planning, and climate adaptation.
The second priority is effective climate policy, with a focus on ambitious climate action that delivers real emission reductions. Minister Panayiotou outlined three legislative dossiers, including the revision of CO2 standards for cars and vans, heavy-duty vehicle regulations, and the ETS2 system for buildings and road transport.
The third priority involves transitioning to a circular economy, which presents an industrial and strategic opportunity to reduce raw material dependency and enhance resilience. Minister Panayiotou welcomed the Commission's intention to present a Circular Economy Act by 2026 and emphasized the need for coherent and realistic measures.
On the fourth priority, Minister Panayiotou stressed the importance of simplifying environmental legislation without deregulation, aiming to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy while maintaining strong environmental standards. The Cypriot Presidency will work on advancing the Omnibus Package and the EU Bioeconomy Strategy.
The fifth priority concerns Europe's role in global environmental governance, with Cyprus committed to ensuring the EU's strong presence in global forums, such as COP15 in Brazil and the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement for ocean governance.
In statements following the ENVI session, Minister Panayiotou outlined the vision of the Cypriot Presidency, emphasizing its goals for a more resilient, competitive, and sustainable Europe. She highlighted the Presidency's role as an honest broker, working closely with European institutions to advance discussions in the Fisheries and Agriculture Committees.
Minister Panayiotou concluded by highlighting the Presidency's focus on advancing Council Conclusions on the bioeconomy and ensuring necessary funding for both the primary sector and environmental protection.