The Informal Meeting of European Union Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy is taking place today in Nicosia as part of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026.
According to the Secretariat of the Cyprus Presidency, the meeting is being chaired by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos. The European Commission is represented by Executive Vice-President and Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto.
Delegations from all 27 EU Member States are participating, alongside representatives from the European Free Trade Association countries, the European Parliament, the General Secretariat of the Council, the European Court of Auditors, the European Investment Bank, the Committee of the Regions and the European Economic and Social Committee.
Future of regional development on agenda
During the first session, ministers will exchange views on the role of Cohesion Policy in providing incentives, growth prospects and employment opportunities that enable European citizens to remain, prosper and build their future in their home regions.
The discussion will focus on how regional development policies can strengthen economic resilience and improve living standards across the European Union.
Island regions face unique challenges
The second part of the meeting will focus on the specific challenges faced by island regions and how these can be addressed through European policies, particularly Cohesion Policy.
The discussion comes ahead of the forthcoming EU Islands Strategy, which aims to support the sustainable development and competitiveness of island territories across the bloc.
For Cyprus, as an island Member State located on the periphery of the European Union, recognition of the island dimension remains a key policy priority.
The EU Islands Strategy is scheduled to be presented on 26 June 2026 during a high-level meeting in Paphos.
€4 billion invested in Cyprus
Cohesion Policy is the European Union’s main long-term investment policy and has played a significant role in Cyprus since the country joined the EU.
According to the Presidency Secretariat, Cyprus has benefited from approximately €4 billion in public investment through Cohesion Policy programmes.
The funding has supported critical infrastructure projects, business development initiatives, research and innovation programmes, employment measures and social actions, contributing to economic growth, modernisation and social support.
Economic impact highlighted
A study on the economic impact of Cohesion Policy found that investments made between 2014 and 2022 contributed to a 6% increase in Cyprus’ gross domestic product and helped create 24,000 new jobs.
Today, Cohesion Policy in Cyprus is implemented through the THALEIA 2021-2027 Programme, which includes public investments exceeding €1.8 billion across almost every sector of economic and social activity.
Source: CNA
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