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Cyprus Risks EU Penalties Over Unclosed Landfill Sites
Cyprus is at risk of incurring penalties from the European Union due to its failure to shut down two landfill sites discovered to be polluting water sources and creating risks to public well-being. The EU determined that the dumps at Kotsiatis and Vati violated its regulations back in 2013. Despite pledges to close the locations and rehabilitate the land, both remain operational.
EU Alleges Non-Compliance with Landfill Directive
The EU stated, “In 2013, the court judged that the Vati landfill in Limassol and the Kotsiati landfill in Nicosia were not compliant with the landfill directive.” Following this verdict, the European Commission issued a formal notification to Cyprus on April 28, 2017, under Article 260 TFEU. Cyprus subsequently decided to cease operations at these two landfills, the statement added.
“Even though no waste has been deposited in these landfills for over six years, they have still not been restored and closed, as mandated by the landfill directive,” the Commission continued.
“Moreover, Cyprus has repeatedly deferred the timeline for implementing the judgment. The landfills, therefore, continue to pose a hazard to both human health and the environment.”
The declaration concluded by stating that the matter would be returned “to the Court of Justice of the European Union, calling for the imposition of financial sanctions.”
Cypriot Official Expresses Optimism, Cites Remediation Plan
Despite the firm stance from the Commission, Theodoros Mesimeris, director of the Cypriot Environment Department, believes the nation can avert the financial penalties.
“For the first time, we have a comprehensive strategy for managing all waste streams and preventing unlawful waste disposal practices,” Mesimeris stated.
Details of the Waste Management Plan
He disclosed that the strategy includes upgrading management operations in Kotsiatis and at 71 other landfill sites in Nicosia by 2026. Simultaneously, the Vati site and the remaining 47 sites in Limassol will undergo a complete overhaul, anticipated to conclude by 2029.
- Kotsiatis & Nicosia Sites: Management upgrades by 2026.
- Vati & Limassol Sites: Complete revamp expected by 2029.