Cyprus remains subject to infringement proceedings by the European Commission over its failure to transpose EU Directive 2023/2668 on protecting workers from exposure to asbestos, despite a compliance deadline that expired more than nine months ago.
The directive, which introduces significantly stricter workplace protections, was due to be incorporated into national legislation by 21 December 2025. On 30 January 2026, the European Commission sent formal warning letters to ten member states that had failed to notify implementation measures. Six remain non-compliant, including Cyprus.
Nicosia was given two months from 30 January to respond to the Commission, complete the transposition process and notify the relevant measures. Failure to do so could lead to the next stage of infringement proceedings, including the issuance of a reasoned opinion.
Tougher exposure limits
The revised directive drastically lowers the maximum permissible exposure limit for asbestos dust in the workplace.
The threshold is reduced tenfold, from 0.1 fibres per cubic centimetre to 0.01 fibres per cubic centimetre.
The legislation also introduces stricter requirements for protective equipment, air sampling and medical monitoring of workers involved in construction projects, renovations and demolitions.
Leading cause of occupational cancer
AKEL Famagusta MP and House Labour Committee chairman George Koukoumas sought explanations from Labour Minister Marinos Moushouttas over the delay, noting that asbestos remains one of the most dangerous occupational carcinogens.
In his parliamentary question, Koukoumas said the International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies asbestos as a proven carcinogen linked to asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancers of the larynx and ovaries.
He also noted that asbestos is the leading cause of work-related cancer in the European Union, accounting for up to 78% of occupational cancer cases in member states.
Draft regulations submitted only recently
According to the minister's response, dated 22 September 2026, draft regulations entitled Safety and Health at Work (Protection from Asbestos) Regulations of 2026 were forwarded to parliament only on 7 September for examination by the Labour Committee and subsequent approval by the House plenary.
According to information available, discussion of the regulations is expected to begin at the committee's next meeting on Tuesday.
Government cites workload and legal review
Explaining the delay, the minister said the Department of Labour Inspection initially examined amending the existing 2006 and 2015 asbestos regulations to align them with the new EU directive.
However, authorities concluded that the changes required were so extensive that preparing an entirely new regulatory framework would be more effective than amending existing legislation.
The minister also cited increased responsibilities within the relevant division of the Labour Inspection Department, saying they inevitably affected the timetable for completing the legislative drafting process.
The proposed regulations were submitted to the Legal Service for legislative review on 5 November 2025, with that process completed on 30 July 2026.
According to the minister, repeated meetings and extensive consultations took place between the Legal Service and the Labour Inspection Department during that period to ensure full compliance with EU legislation.
Following completion of the legal review, the Ministry of Labour submitted the draft regulations to the Council of Ministers on 7 August 2026.
The cabinet approved the draft on 25 August and the legislation was subsequently forwarded to parliament on 7 September for priority consideration.
In contact with Brussels
Regarding the infringement proceedings launched by the European Commission, the minister said the Ministry of Labour remains in continuous contact with the Commission's services through the Legal Service and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, providing updates on progress towards implementation of the directive.
