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Final Decision Looms for Developments in Agia Thekla Area – Investors on Edge

Published January 21, 2026, 05:13
Final Decision Looms for Developments in Agia Thekla Area – Investors on Edge

The Environmental Authority is expected to issue a final opinion by February 2026 regarding the Local Plan for Paralimni, Ayia Napa, and Deryneia, determining the future of developments in the Agia Thekla area. The issue concerns the modification of the urban planning regime and the potential burden on the Special Protection Area (SPA) “Agia Thekla – Liopetri”. The assessment is based on a Supplementary Special Ecological Assessment Study (MEOA) submitted by the Municipality of Ayia Napa, which supports the upgrading of the tourist zone. However, the Environmental Authority expresses concerns about the negative impacts on the integrity of the protected area due to increased tourist development. During the discussion at the Parliamentary Committee on Commerce, the CEO of Ayia Napa Marina, Stavros Karamonas, denounced the deception of investors, as the existence of the Natura 2000 network had not been foreseen in the initial terms of the €340 million investment. The government has requested specialized expertise to evaluate the MEOA, aiming for a technocratic and objective approach. The decision is expected to significantly impact investments and tourism development in the area, as well as environmental protection.