On 12 June 2024, the European Commission in partnership with GIZ International Services launched the “eunite: SME” project designed to support private sector development in the Turkish Cypriot community and boost Green Line Trade.
With a budget of EUR 4 million over the next 2 years, the eunite: SME project will strengthen the competitiveness of Turkish Cypriot businesses by supporting their digitalization, sustainability and compliance with EU standards. It builds on the success of other private sector support programmes funded under the aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, further supporting the integration of Turkish Cypriot businesses into an island-wide economy.
The launch in Nicosia was attended by representatives of the European Commission, Turkish Cypriot local bodies and members of the business community. Judit Rozsa, Acting Director General for Structural Reform Support at the European Commission, highlighted in her opening speech the significant boost that the programme will provide to the Turkish Cypriot business community by providing “access to grants, bespoke mentoring, training and technical advice to enhance the competitiveness of businesses and to increase Green Line trade”.
GIZ International Services Europe Regional Director Stefanie Klein emphasized the importance of the growing partnership between the European Commission and GIZ International Services: ‘‘This new phase of the eunite programme focusing on support to SMEs and other Turkish Cypriot businesses consolidates our common work for the benefit of Cyprus. We are proud to work for uniting Cyprus through business”.
Starting in 2023, The European Commission has partnered with GIZ International Services Europe in Cyprus to implement projects in the field of agriculture, animal health and private sector development, including the Halloumi/Hellim PDO scheme. With the eunite: SME, GIZ International services is now managing EU projects worth EUR 13.5 million under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot Community.
Background Information
On 12 September 2023, the European Commission adopted the 2023 Annual Action Programme under the EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, allocating EUR 31.7 million to the community. The aid programme aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus. EUR 4 million was earmarked for support to the private sector and Green Line trade. This support will be implemented through the eunite: SME project signed with GIZ International Services in March 2024 and launched on 12 June 2024.
The project focuses on integrating Turkish Cypriot companies into the island-wide economy and the EU single market. SMEs, startups and early stage entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to access grants in addition to training, mentoring, and business development programmes. The support aims to improve production practices and quality to meet EU standards, boost competition, increase digitalization and ensure sustainability.
European Union
The aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, based on Council Regulation 389/2006, aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparation for the EU body of laws (also referred to as acquis communautaire).
GIZ International Services
The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is a federal enterprise with worldwide operations, working in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development. Through GIZ International Services (GIZ InS) GIZ offers a full range of GIZ services to a wider range of clients worldwide: from the European Union and other multilateral institutions, to the German government, bilateral institutions, and companies and foundations. Since 2002, GIZ InS has implemented over 1,000 projects across 120 countries with a portfolio volume worth more than EUR 3.5 billion.
For more information please visit:
Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community (europa.eu)
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Details
- Publication date
- 12 June 2024
- Author
- Representation in Cyprus