Building bridges and promoting dialogue towards Cyprus’s reunification: Five years of unwavering support through the EU Aid Programme

Growing trade between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots and the registration of the famous Cypriot cheese Halloumi/Hellim as an EU Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) of the entire island are two of the successes singled out in the publication “Delivering on EU Support for a Cyprus Settlement: Legacy and Vision”, which was released today. 

The publication looks back at the achievements of the past five years and the role of the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and the EU’s Green Line Regulation in facilitating Cyprus’ reunification. 

It highlights how the EU Aid programme has provided opportunities to young Turkish Cypriots through scholarships for university studies in the EU, and funded confidence-building measures such as the bicommunal restoration and preservation of Cyprus’ shared cultural heritage. It emphasises the EU’s role in promoting the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community and in improving living conditions through support for the private sector as well as measures enhancing the quality of education and infrastructure projects protecting the environment. The publication also describes the benefits of the cooperation through the eyes of people who have benefitted from the EU funded projects or contributed to their implementation, including many bicommunal initiatives.

“The Aid Programme is a key EU instrument to bring Turkish Cypriots closer to the EU, facilitate Cyprus’ reunification and support the UN-facilitated settlement process. Through the Aid Programme and  concrete initiatives on the island the European Union has encouraged exchange and cooperation between the two communities, bringing them closer to each other. The publication released today reflects what we have accomplished, but our joint work symbolises more than that. It is a strong call for continued cooperation between the two communities and for a brighter future of a reunited Cyprus within the EU.”

Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

The Aid Programme has contributed to increasing trade across the Green Line in Cyprus to EUR 16 million in 2023, which is an almost four-fold increase compared to the annual results recorded until 2020. 

The Halloumi/Hellim PDO registered by the Commission in 2021 is the first Cypriot PDO that can be produced across Cyprus, including in the Turkish Cypriot community. Once this community reaches compliance with EU food safety and animal health standards, Turkish Cypriot producers will be able to sell the PDO-protected cheese across the Green Line in the EU market. The economic potential is significant: in 2023, the EU Halloumi/Hellim market was worth EUR 115 million. 

Since 2006, the EU has allocated close to EUR 700 million to the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.