AKEL MEP George Georgiou asked a written question to the European Commission
A question before the European Commission was asked by MEP George Georgiou not to impose green taxes in Cyprus.
As Mr Georgiou says, while accuracy and huge costs of living are the number of a social problem in Cyprus, while energy poverty is inflated and the country is immersed in energy uncertainty, as a result of the absence of strategic and appropriate infrastructure, the government insists on the “water” and the water solution.
“Taxes for which the previous Anastasiadis government pledged through the Recovery and Resilience Fund. And the Government of Christodoulides, despite making various other changes to the plan, did not call for the removal of “green” taxes but, on the contrary, maintained them, “he said.
Taking into account the very difficult conditions in which the majority of households and small and medium -sized enterprises in Cyprus live in Cyprus, as well as the fact that Cyprus is relatively behind its green transition, AKEL MEP George Georgiou asked a written question to the European Commission.
He asked the Commission to answer whether the Cypriot Republic’s suggestions for green taxes are binding, as it is not a directive or regulation of the EU and whether this measure can be reviewed given the lack of infrastructure, precision and energy poverty in Cyprus to minimize Cyprus.
“The shift to green development is inevitable and necessary. It requires strategy and tangible projects. That didn’t happen. It is certain that it cannot be done at the expense of social prosperity, at the expense of Cypriot citizens, “he concludes.
It is recalled that Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, in his statements following the meeting of the Counseling Committee (SOE), which was involved in tax reform, confirmed a previous “citizen” report.
We do not stop, he said, our efforts to diversify the milestone for application next May of Green Taxes related to fuel, water and waste for which there is a commitment.
Specifically, asked if green taxes will be implemented next May, Mr Keravnos said that for green taxes on fuel, water and waste “there is a commitment because they have been included in the durability and growth plan and specific milestones have entered”.
“The milestones were in November 2022” and “through many efforts we managed to bring them until May 2025,” he said, adding that “we were able to deduct carbon taxation from businesses so as not to create inflationary other pressures and also persuaded only two years.”
“Efforts are continuing and I hope there is the best possible result for both the tax burden on society but also to create a mentality that we can perceive and deal with the most appropriate way and the problems of the environment and climate change that is a worldwide phenomenon that concerns everyone.”
Called to clarify whether it will be examined whether they will be imposed in May or whether they are extended, Mr Keravnos said that “the milestone is in May, but that does not mean that our efforts to diversify.”