The cancellation of the agreement with the management company of Larnaca Port and Marina has led to unexpected expenses for the Cyprus Ports Authority, which has assumed the management of the port to ensure its seamless operation.

So far, it should be noted, there have been no significant issues observed in the port's operations. However, the Cyprus Ports Authority will require an additional budget of approximately €8 million, primarily for equipment rental and court-awarded compensations. These matters will be discussed in today's (July 8) meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance.

Specifically, the largest expense concerns the rental cost of equipment, provision of loading and unloading services, towing, and other related services amounting to €2.4 million. Additionally, the cost for providing port and other necessary support services for the smooth operation of the ports is €1.8 million. There is also a €400,000 expense for the rental and operation of radiographic machines and other port/mechanical equipment, along with €1.4 million for court-awarded compensations.

In parallel, the Parliamentary Committee on Finance will also review the government's supplementary budget of approximately €351 million, which was approved by the Council of Ministers last week.

The most significant expenses include €103.6 million for the purchase of medicines and vaccines, and €60 million for increased state contributions as a third party in insurance plans.

An amount of €58.1 million is allocated for the purchase of water for the operation of desalination plants. Another €31.5 million is earmarked for defense expenditures. Additionally, a subsidy of €13.5 million is included for the increased cost of electricity consumption.

Other expenses include €12.2 million for compensations and litigation costs of the Public Works Department, €11.1 million for hiring temporary teaching staff at all educational levels, €10 million for compensations for the resumption of operations at the Mia Milia Wastewater Treatment Plant, and an increased government grant of €10 million to the University of Cyprus.

An amount of €8 million is allocated to the Amalthea Plan, which, however, will be returned. Support measures for agricultural and livestock products amount to €2.2 million, a grant for the maintenance of occupied temples and monuments totals €1.5 million, and there is €1.1 million for employing additional aides/escorts for children with special needs.