Environmental Litigation In Cyprus: From Established Protections To A Strengthened Legal Framework

Environmental protection in Cyprus has long been a matter of legal and constitutional interpretation, shaped by evolving case law, statutory regulations, and international commitments. While the Cypriot constitution historically lacked an explicit provision dedicated to environmental rights, legal protections were already present, albeit indirectly. Courts and legal practitioners argued for environmental safeguards based on existing constitutional rights, particularly those concerning life, private and family life, and public health.

The introduction of the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution Law of 2024 represents an important step in strengthening and formalising these protections. By explicitly enshrining the right to a safe and sustainable environment, the amendment provides a clearer constitutional foundation for environmental litigation. Though this development does not mark a complete departure from past legal approaches, it enhances access to justice,