Ladies and gentlemen,
It is with great pleasure and honour that I address the opening address of the online workshop organised by EUFORES in cooperation with the House of Representatives. I warmly congratulate EUFORES and my friend Mr. Charalambos Theopeptou, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on the Environment, for this remarkable initiative.
At this critical juncture, the issue of energy transition is more topical than ever. The dramatic consequences of the Russian invasion of Ukraine have highlighted the urgent need to decouple from fossil fuels, remove energy isolation and enhance security of energy supply. In this context, I welcome the "REPowerEU" project recently announced (May 2022) by the European Commission, aimed at eliminating the EU's dependence on Russian fossil fuels and accelerating the green transition.
The transition to a green economy and achieving climate neutrality is a strategic objective of paramount importance for Cyprus based on its commitments under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the Green Deal and the National Recovery and Resilience Plans and on Energy and Climate. The Resilience Plan includes radical reforms on green taxation, liberalisation of the electricity market, acceleration of electrification, as well as investments to enhance energy efficiency and optimal use of renewable energy sources (RES). The project also finances the implementation of the "EuroAsia Interconnector" project for the Cyprus-Greece-Israel electricity interconnection, which is expected to make a catalytic contribution to lifting Cyprus' energy isolation, developing a competitive electricity market and increasing electricity production from RES.
Admittedly, the energy transition is a cross-cutting issue that touches on all policies. It cannot therefore be implemented overnight. The successful implementation of the climate targets resulting from the international and European commitments of the Republic of Cyprus requires the adoption of a holistic approach and the multi-level coordination of all stakeholders. Furthermore, it requires the immediate abolition of the linear economic model of production and consumption and a firm commitment to the principles of the circular economy.
Worth mentioning are the three bills recently passed by the House of Representatives (2/6/2022), which mark the overhaul of Cyprus' energy policy. Among other things, these Laws, with a view to achieving our national binding targets, promote and encourage the use of RES, simplify and accelerate the licensing procedures for RES projects, provide for the establishment of a one-stop-centre to guide and facilitate applicants throughout the licensing process for RES projects and improve the operation and efficiency of the RES and RES-E Fund.
I reaffirm the readiness of the House of Representatives to assist in every possible way in accelerating the energy transition of our country, through the timely enactment of the necessary legislative reforms stemming from the international and European commitments of the Republic of Cyprus as well as the exercise of sufficient parliamentary control for the timely implementation of the ambitious milestones and targets. Also crucial is the timely completion of projects on track to achieve our current targets, which need to be adjusted to keep pace with emerging challenges.
The House of Representatives, as the ultimate voice of the people's will, can play a catalytic role in ensuring that citizens share the multiple benefits of the energy transition process. Ensuring a fair and inclusive transition, for both households and businesses, is undoubtedly crucial in order for citizens to enjoy the benefits of this process on an equal footing.
Friends,
In conclusion, I wish the work of this remarkable workshop every success. I am convinced that the discussions that will follow will be extremely productive and will contribute significantly to public policy feedback.
(Text as sent by the House of Representatives)
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