Goal
Cyprus 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 community
The 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 island
- improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU
- the 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 2006-2023, the EU allocated EUR 688 million to projects in support of the Turkish Cypriot community.
Specific programme objectives
- promote social and economic development in the Turkish Cypriot community
- develop and refurbish infrastructure
- foster reconciliation, build confidence and support civil society
- bring the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the EU, through information and contacts between Turkish Cypriots and other EU citizens
- help the Turkish Cypriot community prepare for the implementation of EU law once a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue is agreed
The 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 2022, 2019 and 2018.
Funding
The 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 funding recipients
Since 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 the stories of some of the beneficiaries and more.
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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. |
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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. |
Publications
Empowering the Private Sector
Turkish Cypriot Economy: Navigating Through Challenging Times
Brining Cypriot Communities closer together: EU promotes free movement across Cyprus
Fighting COVID-19 Together
Investing in a sustainable, united Cyprus
Education to boost skills