Cyprus: substantial increase of trade and crossings across the Green Line

The annual report on the implementation of the Green Line Regulation in Cyprus, adopted today by the Commission, shows that trade across the Green Line in 2022 increased by 138% to a record value of more than €14.6 million. In 2021, the value was close to €6.2 million.

The report also shows a notable increase, to almost 6 million, in crossings of the Green Line by Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, other EU citizens and third country nationals compared to the 2.3 million crossings recorded in 2021. This increase reflects a welcome return to normality after the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Today the Commission also adopted its annual report on the implementation of the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community in 2022. €33.4 million of EU funding was committed for 2022. In that year, the programme funded, among others, the scholarship programme for Turkish Cypriots which has benefited more than 2,000 students since 2007. The 2022 contribution of €5 million will enable around 300 further students to study in the EU. The bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, which has so far restored or protected more than 120 cultural monuments across Cyprus, received €2.6 million to continue its important work. The Commission also continued to assist the Turkish Cypriot community in complying with EU standards on food safety and animal health, so that Turkish Cypriot cheese producers, upon compliance, can benefit from the registration of ‘Χαλλούμι' (Halloumi)/'Hellim' as an EU Protected Designation of Origin and trade it across the Green Line for placement on the EU market.