Nicosia:Cypriot Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have emphasized the importance of safeguarding EU funding for Cyprus, particularly in agriculture and cohesion policy. They expressed concerns over a proposal to shorten the upcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for 2028-2034 in statements to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
According to Cyprus News Agency, the MEPs, including Loucas Fourlas and Michalis Hadjipantela of DISY, Giorgos Georgiou of AKEL, Costas Mavrides of DIKO, and Geadis Geadi of ELAM, highlighted the unique challenges faced by Cyprus due to its island status, geographical isolation, and the ongoing Turkish occupation. These factors, they argue, necessitate special consideration in EU funding decisions.
Loucas Fourlas opposed proposed budget cuts impacting farmers, local authorities, and researchers, advocating for a 10% increase in the EU budget and a doubling of Erasmus+ funding. He prioritized funding for agriculture, fisheries, SMEs, and infrastructure, while also seeking dedicated support to address irregular migration in frontline member states. Fourlas emphasized the need for a stable financial framework with a substantial mid-term review.
Michalis Hadjipantela stressed the protection of agricultural funding in light of Cyprus' water shortages and rising production costs. He also prioritized healthcare investment and the establishment of a European Agency for Rare Diseases. Hadjipantela warned against potential uncertainties from a shorter MFF and advocated for fair funding allocations for small island states.
Giorgos Georgiou cautioned against increased military spending that could weaken cohesion and agricultural funding. He called for resources for local authorities, rural communities, and SMEs, emphasizing the need for guarantees against cuts to social and development programs. Georgiou supported fairer contributions from major economic interests to EU funding.
Costas Mavrides argued that a reduced EU budget would undermine essential policies and prioritized infrastructure, social policy, agriculture, and the green transition for Cyprus. He called for an assessment of the proposed shorter MFF's feasibility, noting that the current framework allows long-term planning.
Geadis Geadi stressed the importance of protecting agricultural and cohesion funding. He opposed across-the-board cuts and additional EU tax burdens, advocating for stable and predictable funding that reflects each member state's circumstances. Geadi also called for an assessment of the potential benefits of greater flexibility in the MFF.
These statements underscore the Cypriot MEPs' collective demand for careful consideration of Cyprus' unique needs in the EU's financial planning.