Brussels: The European Union has allocated EUR 466,400 to support the sustainable maintenance of cultural heritage sites in the city of Famagusta, underscoring its commitment to the protection of Cyprus's cultural heritage.
According to Cyprus News Agency, this funding, through a European Commission supply contract, facilitated the delivery of specialised vehicles, machinery, and equipment to the local community between October 2025 and January 2026. The investment aims to enhance the capacity for routine maintenance following restoration works.
This initiative builds on over a decade of EU-funded restoration efforts led by the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage (TCCH) in Famagusta. Since 2015, the TCCH has restored prominent landmarks such as the Othello Tower, city walls, bastions, gates, religious sites in the historic centre, and archaeological sites including Salamina, Kampanopetra, and Agios Epiphanios. The newly provided assets will bolster local capabilities for regular and preventive maintenance, promoting a more sustainable approach to heritage management.
The EU's approach to cultural heritage preservation integrates restoration with long-term maintenance, fostering local ownership of historic sites. Since 2012, the EU has invested EUR 32.5 million in preserving cultural heritage under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.