The European Commission has stepped up legal action against Cyprus over delays in adopting European Union rules intended to make it faster and easier to approve renewable energy projects.
Brussels announced it has issued an additional reasoned opinion after determining Cyprus has not fully incorporated key parts of the revised Renewable Energy Directive into national legislation. The updated directive took effect in November 2023, and EU member-states were required to implement the provisions by July 1, 2024.
The rules are designed to reduce administrative delays for renewable energy developments and the grid infrastructure needed to connect new power generation capacity. They include fixed time limits for permit approvals, stronger one-stop-shop application systems via specific contact points, and provisions that classify renewable energy projects and grid infrastructure as being in the overriding public interest.
The Commission first opened infringement proceedings against Cyprus in September 2024. A reasoned opinion followed in February 2025 after authorities failed to notify Brussels of any measures implementing the directive.
