Nicosia: The Informal Meeting of EU Ministers responsible for Cohesion Policy is set to take place on June 4 and 5, 2026, under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. The meeting will be chaired by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, with representation from the European Commission by Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.
According to Cyprus News Agency, delegations from the 27 EU Member States, European Free Trade Area countries, the European Parliament, and other key EU institutions will attend the meeting. The main proceedings, scheduled for June 5 at the 'Filoxenia' Conference Center in Nicosia, will focus on two thematic areas: Cohesion Policy's role in regional development and challenges faced by island regions in light of the forthcoming EU Strategy for Islands.
The event will highlight Cyprus's unique position as an island Member State within the EU. The EU Strategy for Islands is set to be formally presented at a high-level meeting in Paphos on June 26, 2026.
On June 4, a social event will include a visit to a Cohesion Policy co-funded project. Nicosia Mayor Charalambos Prountzos will host the ministers at City Hall, offering a panoramic view of the capital, including its Turkish-occupied section. Attendees will then visit the Old Municipal Market of Nicosia, restored with Cohesion Policy support and now home to the CYENS Center of Excellence, showcasing research, innovation, and development projects.
Cohesion Policy, the EU's primary long-term investment policy, has significantly benefited Cyprus. Since EU accession, Cyprus has utilized approximately 4 billion euro from Cohesion Policy Funds for critical infrastructure, entrepreneurship, research, innovation, and social initiatives. An economic impact study indicates these investments contributed to a 6% GDP increase and created 24,000 jobs during 2014-2022. Currently, 'THALIA 2021-2027' drives Cohesion Policy in Cyprus, with over 1.8 billion euro invested across various sectors.