Law passed with majority votes
The Cypriot Parliament approved the amendment to allow CYTA to expand its operations into the energy sector, beyond telecommunications and technology. The law passed with 29 votes in favour, 2 against, and 14 abstentions from AKEL and MP Irene Charalambidou. Opposing votes came from Limassol MP Andreas Themistocleous and DIKO MP Pavlos Mylonas.
Scope and restrictions
The legislation permits CYTA to engage in energy-related activities and associated sectors. A verbal amendment from DISY was approved, excluding CYTA from conventional energy production (32 in favour, 14 against). Two AKEL proposals aimed at safeguards and conditions for CYTA’s energy operations were rejected.
Parliamentary debate highlights
Limassol MP Andreas Themistocleous opposed the bill, warning of market distortions and unfair competition with private sector operators, citing the “security” advantage of state organisations.
Independent MP Kostis Efstathiou supported the bill, citing potential for increased competition in electricity, noting oligopolistic traits in the market and criticising EAC’s past practices.
Nicosia MP Irene Charalambidou opposed, calling the initiative “energy alchemy,” arguing it creates a second state presence in the sector and may worsen distortions, while raising concerns about high renewable energy prices and project delays.
DIKO MPs Alekos Tryfonidis, Onouphrios Koullas, and Christiana Erotokritou supported the law, highlighting that CYTA can offer bundled services in line with international trends and that state ownership protects public interest.
EDEK MP Ilias Myrianthou and ELAM MP Sotiris Ioannou supported the law, stressing benefits for consumers and competition in the energy market.
AKEL General Secretary Stefanos Stefanu raised concerns about potential competition between CYTA and EAC, urging transparency, regulatory oversight, and continuous assessment of the law’s impact.
DISY MP Onouphrios Koulla emphasised the law promotes healthy competition and modern energy transition, including renewable energy and smart grids, without engaging in conventional generation.
Implementation and next steps
The law allows CYTA to develop energy initiatives while Parliament retains oversight through budget and regulatory mechanisms, ensuring alignment with public interest and market stability.
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