The draft law of the Environment and Energy Ministry for the use and production of energy from renewable sources was approved by majority vote in the parliament plenary.
Environment and Energy Minister, Stavros Papastavrou, stressed that all provisions of the bill have a common goal: serving the interests of the country and its citizens, both in the present and in the future:
– by promoting energy sustainability through the modernisation of the regulatory framework for renewable energy sources,
– by simplifying, accelerating and enhancing the transparency of licensing procedures,
– by strengthening energy democracy, including through the rollout of balcony photovoltaic installations,
– by establishing clear rules within the Natura network, which protects biodiversity while also supporting the 425,000 permanent residents living in 2,300 settlements within Natura-designated areas,
– by advancing energy diversification, transition and security for both today and the future.
Energy security, he added, is now synonymous with national security. "Our country, with its existing infrastructure and energy policy, now constitutes an indisputable pillar of stability and resilience in the wider region."