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- Ελληνικά
Following the European Commission's communication on the March 2024 Batch of infringements, two of which relate to nature protection issues in Cyprus, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment provides the following:
On the initiative and instructions of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, for the first time, interdepartmental working groups with specific timetables for the completion of the management framework for the Natura 2000 network sites were established in the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment. This aims to complete the legislative framework governing Natura 2000 sites by issuing Protection and Management Orders, which is the subject of the infringement.
In parallel, the Environment Department has put out a tender for the preparation of the Six-Year Report under Article 17 of Directive 92/43/EEC, upon completion of which (end of 2025) the specific conservation objectives for each Natura 2000 network site will be established, according to updated scientific data collected during the execution of the Convention.
Regarding the Commission's decision to send a reasoned opinion to the Republic on the due assessment of projects likely to have significant effects on Natura 2000 sites, as required by the Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), it is noted that it is expected that the relevant documents will be sent in order to allow the assessment of the data to which the situation will be referred and to address the issues raised. The Republican authorities are in constant contact with the EU authorities in order to take all necessary measures to improve procedures and achieve full compliance with the provisions of the Directive.
The referral to the Court concerns the completion of the legislative framework governing Natura 2000 sites by the adoption of Protection and Management Orders under Article 15 of the Laws on the Protection and Management of Nature and Wildlife of 2003 to 2015. Relevant Orders hold 12 sites, but three of them require revision since they were adopted in 2011.
Since the opening of this case, the authorities of the Republic have been in constant contact with the EU authorities and have continuously informed the Commission about the progress and improvements they are making to complete the framework.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment reiterates once again its commitment to the protection and proper management of Cyprus' nature and its species and habitats and full compliance with the EU Directives.
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