Nicosia: A conference aimed at strengthening new synergies, attracting investment, creating jobs, and promoting advanced technological solutions in the field of circular economy between the Netherlands, France, and Cyprus was held in Nicosia on Thursday, under the title ‘Towards a Greener Future: European Innovation for Sustainable Cyprus.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, the event brought together leading experts, policymakers, and business representatives, who discussed pioneering European solutions tailored to Cyprus’ environmental needs and infrastructure challenges. The conference was organised by ideopsis Ltd, with the support of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Embassy of France in Cyprus, and in collaboration with the University of Limassol (UoL).
Innovative technologies and approaches were presented in the fields of energy, water, agriculture, and waste management. Special emphasis was placed on their applicability in Cyprus, taking into account the island’s climate-related challenges and sustainability goals.
In her address, the French Ambassador to Cyprus, Clelia Chevrier-Kolacko, noted that in recent years climate change has profoundly reshaped societies, and its effects are now visible across Europe. She stressed that no country is immune and that coordinated action is essential. She noted that the pressures faced by countries-such as drought, water scarcity, rising sea levels, and higher temperatures-go beyond national borders and require coordinated, structured, and forward-looking efforts.
In this context, the Ambassador explained, the conference discussions focused on four areas of strategic importance for Cyprus, France, and the Netherlands. She said that French companies shared their expertise in key sectors. The first relates to water management, which has become a central issue for Cyprus and the European Union. Cyprus, she noted, experiences these pressures with particular intensity due to its climate and geography. She expressed confidence that closer cooperation between public authorities and economic actors would help identify sustainable, locally adapted solutions and encourage innovative approaches that strengthen long-term resilience and economic development.
The second area concerns energy, which is at the heart of Europe’s strategic agenda. Cyprus, she said, demonstrates how security of supply, affordability, and sustainability are increasingly converging into a core policy priority. Enhanced cooperation in this field also promotes technological progress, supports local innovation ecosystems, and contributes to the creation of conditions for sustainable economic growth.
‘At a time when some voices seek to contest or minimise the urgency of climate change, the European Union must remain consistent with its long-term commitments. The green transition is also a driver of innovation, development, and economic opportunity. By encouraging cooperation and technological progress, it can strengthen Europe’s capacity to build a more autonomous and resilient economy. It supports growth, competitiveness, and the emergence of new prospects across Europe, including here in Cyprus, while contributing to the high standards that guide our collective action,’ she concluded.
In his remarks, the Dutch Ambassador to Cyprus, Willem Wouter Plomp, said that in recent years his Embassy has been receiving increasing interest from Dutch companies seeking to explore the Cypriot market. Most of these companies, he noted, are experts and innovators in the circular economy, working in areas such as waste and wastewater management, renewable energy solutions, agriculture, and biodiversity.
He said that seven Dutch and French companies are represented at the conference, most of which are small and medium-sized enterprises that view Cyprus’ unique location and scale as ideal for implementing pilot projects or even expanding operations into larger markets. ‘Cyprus is located in one of the most affected regions of climate change, with unfortunately record-breaking high temperatures, wildfires, and increasing water scarcity. Besides these challenges, there are also opportunities for finding solutions,’ he said, expressing hope that the event would serve as a platform for exploring such opportunities.
The conference was held under the auspices of the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) and was supported by VTTI Cyprus and Invest Cyprus.