The announcement by the European Public Prosecutor's Office that it is investigating the LNG terminal scandal in Vasiliko comes as no surprise to those who have closely followed the issue for months. 

Financial overruns and waste, extended timelines, and a project still literally up in the air after so many years are just some of the key aspects highlighted by the Audit Office’s report in January 2024 and subsequent journalistic investigations, documents, and evidence that came to light in its aftermath.

The investigation by the European Public Prosecutor's Office is a positive development. But let's not have any illusions. The mandate of the European Public Prosecutor's Office concerns the potential mismanagement of European funds disbursed for the LNG Terminal, and this is under a limited scope since the powers of this particular office reach only so far.

What is equally unsurprising, unfortunately, is that this potential scandal has not been investigated with the same rigor by the responsible institutions in Cyprus. The pressing question now is, "Isn't it time that every scandal in Cyprus is seriously investigated domestically? Instead of making noise for two or three days and then being silenced?"

Many serious public figures in the country have attempted to raise this question, but they often hit a wall, closed ears, and sometimes even closed mouths.

Deep, radical, and courageous reforms are needed in the areas of Cypriot justice, transparency, accountability, and the functioning of the rule of law. There is no plan B when it comes to European integration, the upgrading and fortification of the state, equality before the law, the smooth functioning of institutions, and the protection of democracy itself.

This will not be an easy process. The basic problems lie in the very architecture of the Cypriot Constitution, created under different terms and conditions, with checks and balances that were pioneering for their time but do not apply today. Additionally, the presence of enclaves within the state that often forget they act in the name of the Republic of Cyprus, choosing selectively what to investigate, is obvious.

While some are chasing parody accounts and others 'want' to protect journalists by introducing laws that have the exact opposite effect, we should focus on the real parodies and tragedies. 

Let's be honest. Strong allies are needed in this effort—from organized social groups demanding more justice, to political parties, state officials, and the healthy business sector of the island that understands their business interests cannot be aligned with anything other than the national interest.

This battle is serious. And it deserves our utmost effort to be won.

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