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Written by Efi Thoma * The cement industry plays a crucial role in the infrastructure development of both Greece and Cyprus. However, this essential sector also carries a significant environmental footprint. From quarrying raw materials to the energy-intensive production process, cement companies face increasing scrutiny and stringent legal obligations aimed at mitigating their impact on the environment. This article delves into the key environmental issues and the pertinent legal frameworks in Greece and Cyprus that cement manufacturers must navigate. Both Greece and Cyprus, as members of the European Union, are bound by a substantial body of EU environmental law. This includes cornerstone directives such as the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Directive, the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED), the Waste Framework Directive, and legislation addressing climate change and biodiversity. These EU regulations are transposed into national law in both countries, forming the bedrock ...

written by Efi Thoma, Lawyer, LL.B. | LL.M. | IMES The  Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA)  is part of the European Union's broader effort to ensure a safe and resilient digital financial ecosystem. DORA applies to a wide range of financial institutions, including banks, insurers, investment firms, and CASPs (Crypto-Asset Service Providers)  which are directly related to the rapidly growing sector of crypto-assets. DORA  is a key regulatory framework adopted by the European Union (EU) to enhance the operational resilience of financial institutions and markets, particularly in the face of increasing reliance on information technology (IT) systems and digital tools. The EU Regulation, which was introduced as part of the EU's Digital Finance Package, aims to ensure that financial institutions can withstand and recover from a variety of disruptions, including cyber attacks, system failures, and other digital operational risks. DORA applies to a broad range o...

Written by Efi Thoma, Lawyer, LL.B. | LL.M. | IMES The EU Competitiveness Compass and the EU’s Climate Mitigation Projects are both integral to the European Union’s strategy for fostering a resilient and sustainable future. While the Competitiveness Compass focuses on strengthening the EU's global competitiveness, the Climate Mitigation Projects aim to address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainability. More specifically, the EU Competitiveness Compass is a strategic tool developed by the European Commission to evaluate and track the EU's global competitiveness across key sectors. The goal is to ensure that the EU maintains and enhances its competitive edge in the global economy while meeting its climate goals. It is a part of the European Union’s broader economic and industrial policy to align competitiveness with sustainability. The EU Competitive Compass promotes innovation and digitalization acro...

By Efi Thoma, Lawyer, LL.B. | LL.M. | IMES Fintech plays an increasingly important role in addressing climate change, especially in the context of public-private partnerships (PPPs). These collaborations can leverage the power of technology to drive innovation in sustainable finance and environmental impact.  Below are several significant fintech-driven projects in climate-focused public-private partnerships that are shaping the future of climate action: Green Bonds and Climate Financing | Project: European Investment Bank (EIB) and Green Bond Platform EIB has partnered with fintech platforms to develop green bond issuance systems. Green bonds are a key financing mechanism for funding projects that have environmental benefits. In collaboration with fintech companies, the EIB and other financial institutions are working on improving transparency, increasing efficiency in the issuance process, and expanding the green bond market to ensure capital is directed towards...