Nicosia: Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, and European Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, emphasized the importance of reducing water consumption across the EU, with a specific focus on Cyprus, as part of the broader European strategy for water resilience. Their discussion came ahead of the Informal Council of EU Ministers of Environment in Nicosia, which aims to tackle these pressing issues.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting between Panayiotou and Roswall centered on key topics such as water resilience, the circular economy, the simplification of environmental legislation, and strategies for preventing and combating wildfires. Minister Panayiotou highlighted that Cyprus is leveraging the European Commission's technical support to enhance its water resilience. She also mentioned the EU's objective to cut water consumption by 10% by 2030, a target that Cyprus is also striving to meet through technologies like desalination and improved monitoring of water-supply network losses.
Panayiotou underscored the goal of promoting collective European solutions to achieve environmental resilience and strategic autonomy. She cited the significance of both technical support and targeted funding for vulnerable areas in Cyprus. Simplifying environmental legislation is flagged as a horizontal priority under the Cyprus Presidency, and discussions are also being raised around supporting the bioeconomy and enhancing fire protection.
Commissioner Roswall acknowledged the challenging period for Europe due to external factors like the war, trade wars, and climate change, noting that Cyprus is presiding over the EU Council during this time. She articulated the interconnectedness of the environment, economy, and security, and highlighted the circular economy as a means to boost competitiveness. Water security in Cyprus is a critical agenda item, and efforts are being made to advance the water resilience strategy through actionable steps.
Panayiotou reiterated the necessity of reducing water consumption and improving water efficiency by 10% by 2030 across the EU. She noted the allocation of £10.5 million to local authorities for better management of water-supply network losses and mentioned the role of renewable energy-powered desalination units in increasing water supply sustainably.
Commissioner Roswall concluded by stressing the need for efficient water use across all sectors, urging mindfulness in water usage to ensure sustainability.