Page contentsPage contents GoalCyprus joined the EU in 2004 as a de-facto divided island. On 26 April 2004 the Council of the European Union stated its determination to "put an end to the isolation of the Turkish Cypriot community and to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community".Against this background, the Commission implements an aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community based on the Aid Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 389/2006). The programme is managed by the Commission's Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support. EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot communityThe programme 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 islandimproving contacts between the two communities and with the EUthe preparation for the EU body of laws (also referred to as the EU acquis) following a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.In the period 2006-2024, the EU allocated EUR 728 million to projects in support of the Turkish Cypriot community.Specific programme objectivespromote social and economic development in the Turkish Cypriot communitydevelop and refurbish infrastructurefoster reconciliation, build confidence and support civil societybring the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the EU, through information and contacts between Turkish Cypriots and other EU citizenshelp the Turkish Cypriot community prepare for the implementation of EU law once a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue is agreedThe Directorate-General for Structural Reform Support runs a Programme Support Office (EUPSO), in the northern part of Nicosia, to act as a contact with the beneficiary community and to help deliver the assistance. Europe Day celebrations video 2023, 2022, 2019 and 2018. Delivering on EU Support for a Cyprus Settlement: Legacy and Vision Growing trade under the Green Line Regulation 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 on 19 July 2024. The publication looks back at the achievements of the past five years and the role of the Green Line Regulation and the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community in facilitating Cyprus’ reunification. Delivering on EU Support for a Cyprus Settlement: Legacy and Vision FundingThe European Union's Multiannual Financial Framework provides a multi-annual perspective to the Aid Programme with a provision for stable, annual funding, aimed at realising the stated goals and specific programme objectives for the period 2021-2027.Regularly updated information on the support to the Turkish Cypriot community and a complete list of the funding opportunities is available:Check the open and upcoming calls for proposals under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.Check the open and upcoming calls for tenders related to the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.Examples of Aid Programme projectsSince 2006, the European Union has been supporting the social and economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, including the improvement of the economic conditions and quality of life in rural areas. You can visit the dedicated website for more information on the different projects that were financed under the Aid Programme.Watch the videos below to learn about Aid Programme projects, the stories of some of the beneficiaries and more. Cypriot Culinary Experiences DocumentaryThe short documentary is a joint collaboration between the EU Infopoint and the Centre for Visual Arts and Research (CVAR), with the financial support of the European Union. It gives a message of hope, and shows that the people of Cyprus are united in many ways. We thank everyone who participated and contributed to this project. Building Bridges with MusicThe concert, which is organised within the scope of bi-communal activities to reiterate EU’s support to the reunification of the island, hosted Bicommunal Choir for Peace - Lena Melanidou, Yıltan Taşcı & Adamos Katsantonis, Niyal Öztürk & Frederiki Tombazu and “Let's Sing Together” Group, and DJ Yusuf Coşkuner & DJ Andreas Colocassides who built bridges between communities. Virtual tour in the Othello CastleThe EU has provided funding for the restoration of the Othello Castle which was undertaken by the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage with technical assistance from UNDP Cyprus.School Labs (Playlist)International Womens Day Videos (Playlist)PublicationsEmpowering the Private SectorENTRGRTurkish Cypriot Economy: Navigating Through Challenging TimesENTRBrining Cypriot Communities closer together: EU promotes free movement across CyprusENTRGRFighting COVID-19 TogetherENTRGRInvesting in a sustainable, united CyprusENTREducation to boost skillsENTRGR Entities implementing EU funds under indirect management2023United NationsNorthern Ireland Co-operation OverseasBritish CouncilGoethe Institut2022United NationsNorthern Ireland Co-operation OverseasBritish Council2021United NationsNorthern Ireland Co-operation OverseasBritish Council2020United NationsNorthern Ireland Co-operation OverseasBritish Council2019United NationsNorthern Ireland Co-operation OverseasBritish Council2018United NationsNorthern Ireland Co-operation OverseasBritish Council2017United NationsBritish Council2016United NationsEuropean Bank for Reconstruction and Development Follow the latest progress and get involved.EU assistance to the Turkish Cypriot communityOther social networks DocumentsAid Programme financing decisionsTaskforce for the Turkish Cypriot community Aid Programme financing decisionsAnnual reports on the implementation of the Aid Regulation for the Turkish Cypriot communityLaw: Regulation for an EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community - 389/2006 23 JULY 2020DG REFORM brochure - Cyprus settlement support 23 NOVEMBER 2018Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community – selected stories 23 DECEMBER 2016Council conclusions: Minister meeting on Cyprus - 26 April 2004 23 DECEMBER 2016Evaluation of financial assistance programme for the Turkish Cypriot Community 2012 23 DECEMBER 2016European Court of Auditor's special report 2012: EU assistance to the Turkish Cypriot Community Related links Green Line RegulationDirectorate-General for Structural Reform SupportTurkish Cypriot Community - PerformanceFunding opportunitiesThe European Commission Representation in CyprusEU Infopoint
Growing trade under the Green Line Regulation 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 on 19 July 2024. The publication looks back at the achievements of the past five years and the role of the Green Line Regulation and the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community in facilitating Cyprus’ reunification. Delivering on EU Support for a Cyprus Settlement: Legacy and Vision
Aid Programme financing decisionsTaskforce for the Turkish Cypriot community Aid Programme financing decisions
