EU Allocates 5 Million Euros to Support Turkish Cypriot Community
The European Commission has today adopted the 2024 Annual Action Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, allocating 5 million euros in new EU funding. This financial support aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus and bolster the socio-economic development of the community.
The 2024 Action Programme builds upon the existing Aid Programme, providing further assistance to flagship projects. These include the Halloumi/Hellim Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) programme and initiatives to enhance Green Line trade.
The Halloumi/Hellim PDO is a landmark achievement, being the first PDO in Cyprus accessible to Turkish Cypriot producers as well as those in government-controlled areas. The 5 million euro programme will support Turkish Cypriot producers in meeting EU food safety and animal health standards, enabling them to market their products within the EU. This initiative is crucial for economic growth and cross-community collaboration within the agricultural sector.
A grant support scheme targeting stakeholders in the dairy and agri-food sectors will assist producers in meeting the necessary standards to trade PDO-compliant Halloumi/Hellim across the Green Line and benefit from this trade. This will not only enhance their market access but also promote higher quality production standards within the Turkish Cypriot community.
Reflecting the EU’s Green Deal objectives, the programme earmarks funding for the construction of a bi-communal solar power plant, should both communities agree. This project will foster cooperation between the two communities in the crucial areas of energy efficiency and green electricity generation. Such collaborative projects are vital for building trust and addressing shared challenges in sustainable development.
To support private sector development, grants and technical assistance will be available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs. This funding aims to help them grow and strengthen their businesses, fostering a more robust and competitive economy within the Turkish Cypriot community. These initiatives are designed to create jobs and stimulate economic activity.
In education, specific support and technical assistance, including laboratory equipment, will be provided to enhance the skills of teachers and educators in lifelong learning and special needs education. Investing in education is fundamental to the long-term development and prosperity of the Turkish Cypriot community, ensuring access to quality learning opportunities for all.
In the 2024 funding period, supporting the bi-communal scholarship programme remains a priority. Joint support will be provided to Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot students participating together in the International Baccalaureate programme at a peace-oriented United World College (UWC). This initiative fosters understanding and cooperation between future generations from both communities.
The programme will also continue its support to the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus and for the restoration of Cyprus’ cultural heritage, aiming to build trust between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities. This support seeks to promote reconciliation and increase respect for Cyprus’ diverse cultural and religious heritage.
Quick Facts
The Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community aims to contribute to the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. It supports a range of projects that promote confidence-building measures, civil society engagement, and the alignment of the Turkish Cypriot community with the EU. It also facilitates the adoption of EU standards and procedures through expert assistance from the EU.
Between 2006 and 2024, the EU Aid Programme has allocated 728 million euros to projects. The EU Aid Programme is managed by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM).
For more information
Annual Action Programme for the Turkish Cypriot Community
EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community
Annual reports on the implementation of the Aid Regulation for the Turkish Cypriot community
Quote(s)
“The Commission continues to deliver on its commitment to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus through specific programmes every year, aimed at supporting the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, building trust between the two communities and supporting the important work of civil society. This year’s Action Programme, focusing on flagship initiatives such as the Halloumi/Hellim PDO programme and Green Line trade, aims to make concrete contributions to pave the way for the resumption of reunification talks under the UN framework.”
Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Elisa Ferreira