Dialogos

AKEL: Millions from Pollution Auction Should Benefit Society

Published January 21, 2026, 14:01
AKEL: Millions from Pollution Auction Should Benefit Society

AKEL is criticizing the government for the way it is utilizing the revenues from the auction of pollution rights, totaling €207 million during the 2023-2024 period. The party argues that this money should be entirely allocated to actions for environmental protection, green transition, and support for households affected by energy poverty, in accordance with a European directive. AKEL points out that €10 million remained in state funds, while the sectors into which the remaining funds were channeled do not meet the needs of society. At the same time, it emphasizes that consumers have been burdened with approximately €700 million in costs related to pollution over the past three years, while energy poverty has reached alarming levels, with more than 50,000 households unable to cover basic energy needs. AKEL calls for the immediate announcement of new grant schemes for energy upgrading of buildings and domestic energy storage, as well as the planning and implementation of an integrated plan for public transport. In addition, it proposes increased investment in the protection of nature and the countryside. The party stresses that the government has a duty to utilize revenues from pollution for the benefit of society, covering real needs and not accounting gaps, ensuring that the cost of the green transition is not passed on exclusively to citizens.