Nicosia: The Ministry of Defence hosted the 1st Meeting on Circular Economy and Sustainability in the Defence Sector through the Implementation of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS), titled CEDSEMAS, from 15 to 19 September. The meeting marked a significant step towards integrating environmental sustainability within military practices.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting is part of the funding of the CEDS-EMAS project (‘Circular Economy and Defence Sector Sustainability through Eco Management and Audit Scheme implementation’) by the European Defence Agency (EDA), selected from among 18 submitted proposals. A press release issued by the Ministry stated that the Grant Agreement between the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) was signed on 1 April 2025. The project, set to last 15 months, is expected to conclude in June 2026, with a total budget of £180,000.
The project is being implemented in collaboration with the Centre for Renewable Energy Sources and Saving (CRES) from Greece, acting as the Project Coordinator, and AEOLIKI LTD from Cyprus, serving as the Project Partner. The initiative involves representatives from four camps of the National Guard of Cyprus, three military facilities of the Hellenic Ministry of National Defence, and three of the Portuguese Ministry of Defence. This joint European effort aims to promote environmental sustainability in the defence sector and bolster the implementation of EMAS in military structures and organizations.
The meeting was inaugurated on behalf of the Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, by the Diplomatic Attach© of the Ministry, Elena Rafti. She underscored the importance of environmental responsibility and the circular economy in modern defence strategy. During the meeting, practical applications and examples of the Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) by the Armed Forces of the participating countries were showcased. Additionally, the integration of circular economy principles into military procedures and infrastructures was analyzed, alongside discussions on policies and technical tools for the successful implementation of EMAS in military facilities.
A core element of the meeting was the training provided to participants on a digital tool developed under the project. This tool aims to support the systematic and effective development of Environmental Management Systems in the Armed Forces. It is designed to guide military personnel in gradually adopting the EMAS by providing practical guidance, standard documents, and assessment methodologies. The tool facilitates the recording, monitoring, and improvement of the environmental performance of military facilities, contributing to compliance with European environmental requirements and enhancing environmental responsibility within the defence sector.
Organizing this meeting is part of the Republic of Cyprus’s strategic plan to promote green transition, environmental management, and transnational cooperation in the field of defence. This aligns with the goals of the European Green Deal and international environmental commitments.