The European Commission decided today to refer Cyprus to the Court of Justice of the European Union due to its failure to comply with the directive on habitats (Directive 92/43/EEC).
According to the habitats directive, Cyprus has officially designated 37 sites as special conservation areas but has not yet established the necessary conservation measures for 28 of them. Additionally, the conservation objectives for 5 sites are inadequate, meaning that the species and habitats in these areas are not adequately protected.
The Commission sent Cyprus a warning letter in June 2021 and subsequently, in April 2022, a reasoned opinion.
Despite the progress made regarding the designation of sites as special conservation areas, Cypriot authorities have not fully addressed the concerns.
The Commission considers the efforts made by Cypriot authorities to date to be insufficient and therefore refers Cyprus to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
The habitats directive is a significant act of European legislation for biodiversity protection.
It establishes the Natura 2000 network, a pan-European network of protected natural areas consisting of special conservation areas and special protection areas for birds under the Birds Directive (Directive 2009/147/EC).
Each member state identifies and proposes sites that are important for the conservation of species and habitats occurring naturally within its territory.
The Commission then approves them as sites of Community importance.
Subsequently, member states have up to six years to designate them as special conservation areas and establish the necessary site-specific conservation objectives, as well as measures for the conservation or restoration of the species and habitats occurring in those sites.
Biodiversity protection and restoration in line with the biodiversity strategy for 2030 are among the goals of the European Green Deal.
The Commission has initiated infringement proceedings against 16 member states regarding the designation of special conservation areas and the establishment of conservation objectives and measures.
