Nicosia: The Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Cyprus has expressed concern regarding the 2025 Sustainable Development Report (SDR) results. Cyprus ranks 56th globally out of 167 countries and last among EU Member States, achieving an overall score of 73.8, a slight improvement from 72.9 in 2024.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the report introduces the simplified SDG Index (SDGi), which is based on 17 key headline indicators. Since 2015, Cyprus has seen a 4.3 percentage point improvement, compared to a 5.1 point enhancement for the European average. Earlier this year, the 2025 European Sustainable Development Report (ESDR) placed Cyprus 32nd out of 34 countries, with a score of 62.7. Despite differences in methodology, both reports highlight significant structural weaknesses in Cyprus concerning key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The most problematic indicators in the Global Report include excessive nitrogen use in agriculture (SDG 2), low women’s representation in parliament (SDG 5), high water consumption through imports (SDG 6), low share of renewable energy sources (SDG 7), and fatal workplace accidents embodied in imports (SDG 8). Other issues include insufficient investment in research and development (SDG 9), high inequality (SDG 10), low e-waste recycling and plastic waste exports (SDG 12), high CO2 emissions (SDG 13), overfishing, and limited protected areas on land and sea (SDGs 14 and 15), arms exports, and issues with press freedom (SDG 16), and low development aid and poor tax transparency (SDG 17).
The European Report identifies similar challenges, with additional emphasis on climate action and waste management. According to the SDSN, some low scores are attributed to Cyprus’ unique circumstances, such as the divided status of the island affecting wildlife protection, climate change, and geographical location impacting water resource availability.
Despite these challenges, Cyprus has achieved notable successes, particularly in SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 4 (Quality Education), while making strong progress on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). The report suggests that most indicators can be improved through targeted national policy, institutional coordination, and civil society engagement. Priority areas should include Climate Action (SDG 13), responsible consumption and production (SDG 12), and life below water (SDG 14).