The European Commission on Friday approved an EU aid programme worth €34 million for 2026 to support the socioeconomic development of the Turkish Cypriot community and facilitate the reunification process in Cyprus.
According to a Commission statement, the programme will invest in key areas aimed at improving social and economic development and strengthening ties between the communities.
The aid will support the Turkish Cypriot community in aligning with EU standards on food safety and animal health, including continued support for the island-wide Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) system for halloumi.
It will also contribute to economic growth by strengthening small and medium-sized enterprises, promoting innovation and expanding trade opportunities, including trade across the Green Line.
Energy, schools and waste treatment
The new funding will also support major projects in energy, school infrastructure, and wastewater and waste treatment facilities.
These projects include initiatives promoting the reuse of treated water from the Nicosia Bi-communal Sewage Treatment Plant.
Support for bicommunal initiatives
The programme will continue to support the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the Committee on Missing Persons, other bicommunal technical committees and civil society organisations.
It will also continue two flagship EU scholarship programmes: the bicommunal scholarship programme supporting Cypriot young people attending United World Colleges, and the scholarship programme for Turkish Cypriots studying at universities across the EU.
More than €794 million allocated over 20 years
Over the past 20 years, the EU has allocated more than €794 million through the aid programme.
The European Commission said the funding underlines its strong commitment to supporting the Turkish Cypriot community and promoting trust, cooperation and reconciliation.
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