The state of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Cyprus remains concerning, according to the Cyprus chapter of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The organization analyzed Cyprus’ performance as outlined in the European Sustainable Development Report for 2025, which was published on January 29, 2025.

Cyprus ranked 32nd out of 34 European countries, with an overall score of 62.7, a slight improvement from its 61.0 score in the 2023/24 report, where it held the same position.

“This ranking is far from commendable for our country,” SDSN Cyprus stated, reaffirming its commitment to advancing SDG implementation and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change through education, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and global cooperation.

The report identifies eight SDGs where Cyprus faces significant challenges. Some of the most problematic indicators contributing to the country’s low ranking include:

• Excessive nitrogen use in agriculture (SDG 2)

• Low representation of women in parliament (SDG 5)

• Reliance on compensatory water imports (SDG 6)

• Low municipal waste recycling rates (SDG 11)

• High levels of plastic waste exports (SDG 12)

• CO2 emissions from fossil fuels (SDG 13)

On a positive note, Cyprus has fully achieved SDG 1 (No Poverty) and is making progress on SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). Efforts are also underway to improve SDG performance, including the 2021 release of the Voluntary National Review on Cyprus' SDGs.