Brussels (The Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The European Commission assumed the 2024 Annual Action Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.
EU Commission assigned €39.5 million in new EU funding to boost Cyprus’ reunification and to sustain the socio-economic development of the community. The 2024 Annual Action Programme offers further backing to implement the Aid Programme’s key flagship schemes, such as the Halloumi/Hellim Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) package and the growing Green Line trade.Â
How Will the Halloumi/Hellim PDO Package Benefit Turkish Cypriot Producers?
The Halloumi/Hellim PDO is the first EU-protected assignment that is not only open to producers from the government-controlled regions of Cyprus but also to Turkish Cypriot producers. Funding from the 2024 programme will help Turkish Cypriot producers comply with EU food safety and animal health measures, a requirement for the placement of their products on the EU market.
An allocation support scheme for stakeholders in the dairy and agricultural food sectors will also help producers complete the required standards to deal with PDO-compliant Halloumi/Hellim across the Green Line and reap the benefits of this trade.
How Does the 2024 Programme Promote Bicommunal Cooperation in Cyprus?
In line with the EU’s Green Deal purposes, the programme earmarks financing for the construction of a bicommunal solar power plant, should the two communities arrange it. The project would improve bicommunal cooperation in the areas of energy efficiency and green electricity production.
Grants and technical contributions will be directed into private sector development, funding small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs to develop and consolidate their businesses.
Technical assistance will be delivered in the area of education, with tailored support and laboratory equipment available for teachers and employees to enhance their skills around lifelong learning and special needs teaching.
Supporting a bicommunal scholarship programme remains a focus for the 2024 wave of funding. Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot students will be offered backing to jointly attend the international baccalaureate programme at one of the peace-oriented United World Colleges (UWC).
To create confidence between the Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot communities, the programme also includes continuous support for the Committee on Missing Persons in Cyprus, as well as the restoration of Cyprus’ cultural heritage. This support seeks to promote reconciliation and care for Cyprus’ diverse cultures and religions.
How Does the 2024 Programme Foster Reconciliation Between Cypriot Communities?
The Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community seeks to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by promoting the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. It keeps confidence-building measures, civil society, and several schemes to bring the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the EU. It also rallies EU experts to help bring standards and practices in line with EU legislation.
Between 2006 and 2024, €728 million has been assigned for projects under the Aid Programme. The Programme is governed by the EU Commission’s Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support (DG REFORM).
