Transport Minister Evi Tsolaki opposes any changes to Nicosia's Makarios Avenue that risk the return of EU funds. An official from her ministry told the House Transport Committee that Tsolaki firmly rejects alterations that could breach the project's sustainable mobility conditions. Evi Anagiotou, head of the ministry's Sustainable Mobility Branch, conveyed this position orally during the hearing, citing her direct contact with the minister. Committee chairman Sotiris Ioannou asked whether the ministry agreed with opening the avenue to private vehicles, and Anagiotou confirmed the ministry is waiting for the municipality to send the relevant studies.
The European Commission has warned that any modifications to the avenue could lead to the recovery of part of the EU funding used to redevelop the city's commercial triangle. The redevelopment cost 24.7 million euros in total, with the EU contributing 21 million euros and the remaining three million euros coming from national and local funds. Alexios Konstantinides, representing the Finance Ministry and the European Commission Representation in Cyprus, stated that repaying the EU would be examined if changes were judged to affect the nature of the project and the way it was co-financed. He noted, "We will negotiate with the European Commission's auditors, who are tough and inflexible," adding that more studies from the municipality and the government would make those negotiations easier.
The municipal council originally decided to open the avenue to all vehicles in both directions from Monday to Friday, from 7am to 9pm, with only authorised vehicles allowed from 9pm to 7am and throughout the weekend. The municipality's package of proposals, aimed at reviving the area, includes opening the avenue with a small change to that decision. Mayor Charalambos Prountzos told the committee that the municipality had carried out an internal study assessing the funding indicators, and he would give further details once the proposals go before the municipal council at its upcoming meetings. He emphasized that the municipality was trying to be part of the solution and called for a calm debate rather than division and strong views. Shopkeepers and small business owners in the area backed opening the avenue immediately, as originally decided, saying they go home poorer every day. "Our businesses are suffering. They are closing one after another," they said.
Anagiotou said the avenue's current design had been planned over many years and was based on strategic studies and transport policy. She pointed out that "Every year, 8 per cent more cars come into the city," suggesting that increasing traffic flow contradicts the original sustainable mobility goals. She also argued that trade in the area was linked not to traffic but to city malls, the growth of online shopping and demographic change.