Cyprus parliament approves Cyta entry into the energy sector

The Cypriot House of Representatives has passed legislation allowing the state-owned Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) to expand its operations into the energy sector. The bill was approved with 29 votes in favor, two against, and 14 abstentions, primarily from AKEL and MP Irene Charalambidou. An amendment proposed by DISY was also passed, prohibiting Cyta from participating in the production of energy from conventional fuels. Proposals from AKEL aimed at introducing specific safeguards and conditions for these operations were rejected by the parliament. Supporters of the legislation, including independent MP Kostis Efstathiou, argued that the move will reduce oligopolistic market conditions and increase competition in electricity. Conversely, opponents such as MP Andreas Themistocleous and DIKO's Pavlos Mylonas warned of potential market distortions and unfair competition against private businesses. Cyta leadership stated that they aim to transform this mandate into benefits for the public while strictly adhering to the new institutional framework. The organization will now begin integrating energy-related services into its business portfolio.