Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-001004/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Costas Mavrides (S&D)
The Nicosia Waste Water Treatment Unit began operations in 2013, using advanced membrane technology to produce safe, recycled water for irrigation purposes. It treats waste water from the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. The project, which has a total cost of around EUR 29 million, is being co-financed by the Nicosia Sewerage Council (70 %) and the European Commission (30 %) and is being implemented by the United Nations Development Programme.
Since the start of the project, the two communities have worked together so that this water can be reused for agricultural irrigation. However, for some time now, a large part of the recycled water produced has ended up coursing down the Pedieos river into the sea close to the occupied area of Famagusta. This is because the occupying authorities have prevented repayment of the debt to the managing company. The value of the lost water for the 2020-2024 period alone is estimated to be EUR 28 million.
In view of this, can the Commission say:
- 1.Is it aware of the stance taken by the occupying regime and, if so, what steps has it taken to put an end to this unfortunate development?
- 2.Has the European Court of Auditors been informed of the breach of the project contract terms, given that the project is being co-financed by European funds?
Submitted: 7.3.2025