€140,000 spent on limousines to hosts EU leaders

The government spent around €140,000 to rent 12 armoured limousines for the transport of EU leaders during this week’s informal summit, with costs expected to be reimbursed through the EU budget.

According to Politis, the vehicles, all BMW 7 Series models, were brought from Germany for a 10-day period.

The total cost equates to approximately €14,000 per day, or about €1,166 per vehicle daily.

The summit, held over two days at Ayia Napa marina and the Philoxenia conference centre in Nicosia, required high-security transport for heads of state and senior European Commission officials.

Authorities said the tender specifications were confidential due to the security requirements involved.

Officials indicated that such vehicles are designed to meet high-level security standards, with protection ratings typically ranging across internationally recognised armour classifications.

The cars will be returned abroad following the completion of their use.

Alongside the summit, a separate public tender awarded earlier this year covers the rental of 60 BMW 5 Series vehicles for use during Cyprus’ EU council presidency period.

That contract amounts to approximately €1 million for a seven-month lease.

These vehicles are intended to support logistical needs, including the transportation of officials, delegations and administrative staff throughout the presidency term.

This is not the first time BMW vehicles have been selected for such purposes in Cyprus.

During the country’s previous EU presidency in 2012, a similar arrangement saw dozens of BMW models leased for official transport duties.

Following that period, a number of the vehicles were later sold on the market.

A comparable process is expected after the current contract concludes, with the vehicles likely to be returned and potentially offered for resale.

Authorities indicated that the majority of expenses linked to the organisation of the EU presidency, including transport and logistics, are expected to be covered by the European Union budget.