turkish cypriots — The Cypriot government has proposed a significant €389 million in EU support for the Turkish Cypriot community, aiming to enhance socioeconomic development from 2028 to 2034. This funding, submitted as part of the European Union’s multiannual financial framework, is intended to provide nearly €56 million annually.
This proposal aligns closely with the European Commission’s previous recommendations and marks a notable increase from the €240 million allocated for the current financial period of 2021 to 2027. Although this amount represents just 0.02 percent of the proposed total EU budget of €1.73 trillion, it underscores a commitment to fostering growth in the Turkish Cypriot community.
Turkish cypriots: Recent Funding Initiatives
Last September, the European Commission allocated €33.7 million to support the Turkish Cypriot community, highlighting its commitment to promoting socioeconomic development and facilitating the reunification of Cyprus. The aid programme is designed to encourage trade between the two communities by ensuring Turkish Cypriot products meet EU standards, particularly in the dairy and agricultural sectors.
Support for Business and Education
The EU’s funding is not limited to trade facilitation; it also aims to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises in the Turkish Cypriot community. Efforts will be made to assist entrepreneurs in expanding their businesses. Additionally, there is a focus on enhancing the skills of workers, educators, and children with special needs, along with continued EU-funded scholarships for Turkish Cypriots pursuing studies in EU member states.
Environmental and Cultural Initiatives
Environmental sustainability is another key area of focus in the proposed funding. The allocation includes support for projects aimed at energy efficiency, renewable energy use, and environmental protection. This encompasses bicommunal initiatives, such as the rehabilitation of Nicosia’s main riverbed.
Moreover, the proposal includes direct financial support for the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and the bicommunal technical committee on cultural heritage. The EU has noted that since 2006, it has allocated over €43.7 million to the CMP, representing more than 80 percent of its total funding during this timeframe. For the cultural heritage committee, the total support has reached €35 million.
A Long-term Commitment
Since 2006, a total of more than €760 million has been allocated to the Turkish Cypriot community through various EU funding programmes. This long-term commitment reflects the EU’s aim to not only support economic growth but also to foster unity and cooperation across the divided communities of Cyprus.
