Dialogos

AKEL: €207 Million from Pollution Without Green Impact – Government Exposed

Published January 22, 2026, 06:03
AKEL: €207 Million from Pollution Without Green Impact – Government Exposed

AKEL is criticizing the government's management of revenues from pollution auctions, arguing that €207 million collected in 2023 and 2024 has not been channeled into the green transition and tackling energy poverty, as stipulated by European legislation. The party points out that part of the revenue remains in state funds and the allocation of the rest does not meet the needs of society. AKEL states that consumers in Cyprus have paid approximately €700 million in surcharges and penalties for pollution over the past three years, while over 50,000 households – representing 15.1% of the total – are struggling with energy poverty. It believes there is a mismatch between the revenue collected by the state and the measures implemented to support citizens. The party proposes the promotion of new grant schemes for energy upgrading of buildings and domestic energy storage, as well as the implementation of a comprehensive plan for public transport and investments in nature protection. It emphasizes that pollution revenues should be returned to citizens and the environment. AKEL's criticism focuses on the need for more effective and equitable management of pollution revenues, with the aim of promoting the green transition and addressing energy poverty.