€8 Million Allocated to Tackle Water Shortages in Cyprus

The Council of Ministers has approved €8 million in emergency state aid to combat the ongoing water shortage in Cyprus. The funds will be distributed to local district organizations (EOA) to support water resource management for the next year.

According to Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou, this investment will help upgrade local infrastructure and improve water management efficiency, addressing growing challenges posed by the climate crisis.

Upgrading Water Supply Systems

As part of this initiative, €8 million will be allocated to EOA communities to modernize outdated water supply networks. Additionally, an extra €1 million per year has been set aside for the next three years to support remote areas not covered by EOA jurisdiction.

The Minister also announced subsidies for small private desalination units in hotels, along with a simplified licensing process for their installation. The modernization of water supply infrastructure will be primarily funded through EU grants.

Support for Remote Areas & the Hospitality Sector

For the period 2025–2027, the government has approved an annual €1 million allocation for remote communities. Additionally, as part of the emergency measures, the Council of Ministers has approved €3 million in grants for the hospitality sector to install private desalination plants, aiming to reduce the strain on public water resources.

A streamlined licensing system has been introduced for small desalination units (up to 1,500 cubic meters), benefiting hotels, local authorities, and farmers. The Minister encouraged interested parties to contact the ministry, as the licensing and funding approval process has been fast-tracked and will now be completed within a week.