The European Commission has launched a new series of infringement procedures against Cyprus, as the country has been included in a number of decisions concerning the incomplete and delayed transposition of EU directives into national law. The cases concern labour migration, environmental protection, the transport of dangerous goods, capital markets, financial services, hazardous substances in electronic equipment, agriculture, equality bodies and internal market emergency measures.
Cyprus must respond
All procedures are currently at the initial stage of the infringement process, with the Commission having sent letters of formal notice and invited the Cypriot authorities to notify their compliance measures within two months. Should Cyprus fail to provide a satisfactory response, the Commission may proceed to the next stage by issuing a reasoned opinion, before any potential referral to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
More specifically, Cyprus is among the 17 member states that received a letter of formal notice for failing to fully transpose the revised Single Permit Directive (EU 2024/1233), which strengthens the EU framework for legal labour migration from third countries. The directive introduces a faster procedure for granting a single residence and work permit, setting a maximum deadline of 90 days for processing applications, while also enhancing workers' rights through the possibility of changing employers, complaint mechanisms and protection against exploitation.
In addition, the Commission notified Cyprus of an infringement procedure concerning the incomplete transposition of the Environmental Crime Directive (EU 2024/1203). Cyprus is among the 23 member states that failed to inform the Commission of the full implementation of the new rules, which strengthen the EU legal framework on serious environmental offences and provide for tougher penalties in cases causing significant, widespread or long-lasting environmental damage. The Commission expects corrective measures to be communicated within two months.
Formal notice
Cyprus also received a letter of formal notice for failing to fully transpose new EU rules on roadside inspections of vehicles carrying dangerous goods, under Commission Delegated Directive (EU 2025/1801). The directive updates inspection procedures, replaces the standard roadside checklist and revises the categories of risks associated with possible infringements. This case is likewise at the first stage of the infringement procedure, with Cyprus being given two months to comply.
The Commission has also opened infringement proceedings against Cyprus over the incomplete transposition of the Listing Act Directive (EU 2024/2811), which aims to enhance the attractiveness of EU public capital markets and improve access to financing for smaller companies. The procedure remains at the formal notice stage, as Cyprus has yet to communicate the necessary implementing measures.
The same applies to the incomplete transposition of the EMIR Targeted Review Directive (EU 2024/2994), which introduces amendments relating to the management of risks arising from derivative transactions, the operation of investment entities and the supervision of financial institutions. Cyprus is among the 21 member states that have not yet completed the incorporation of these changes into national legislation and is now required to notify the Commission of the measures adopted.
Multiple infringmenet proceedings
At the same time, Cyprus is among the seven member states facing infringement proceedings for failing to transpose amendments to the RoHS Directive concerning restrictions on hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The amendments renew time-limited exemptions for the use of lead in certain applications without lowering existing environmental and health protection standards. This case also remains at the letter of formal notice stage.
Cyprus has further been included in infringement proceedings over the incomplete transposition of Commission Implementing Directive (EU 2025/2449) concerning examination procedures for certain varieties of agricultural plant species and vegetable species. The Commission has requested the Cypriot authorities to address the identified shortcomings within the prescribed deadline.
Moreover, the Commission has sent Cyprus a letter of formal notice for failing to fully transpose the new directives establishing standards for equality bodies (Council Directive (EU) 2024/1499 and Directive (EU) 2024/1500). These rules set minimum requirements regarding the independence, resources and powers of national bodies responsible for combating discrimination. Cyprus is required to demonstrate full compliance within two months.
Initial stage
Finally, Cyprus is among the 24 member states that received a letter of formal notice for failing to fully transpose Directive (EU) 2024/2749, which establishes emergency procedures relating to product conformity assessments, market surveillance and the functioning of the internal market during crises. This case is likewise at the first stage of infringement proceedings.
Overall, the European Commission launched 15 infringement decisions on Wednesday, nine of which concern Cyprus. All of the new cases against Cyprus are currently at the initial stage of the EU infringement procedure, namely the letter of formal notice stage. The Commission expects Nicosia to provide full information on its national implementing measures within the two-month deadline. If Cyprus fails to respond adequately, the Commission may proceed to the next step by issuing reasoned opinions.
Source: CNA
