Nicosia: The European Commission has adopted the 2026 EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, committing £34 million to foster socio-economic development and aid the reunification process in Cyprus. This initiative focuses on critical areas to enhance social and economic conditions and promote cohesion between communities.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the programme prioritizes aligning the Turkish Cypriot community with EU standards in food safety and animal health, continuing support for the Halloumi/Hellim Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) scheme. It also aims to invigorate economic growth by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering innovation, and enhancing trade, particularly through Green Line trade.

The funding will bolster significant projects in energy, school infrastructure, and water treatment systems, including initiatives for reusing treated water from the bicommunal Nicosia Wastewater Treatment Plant. Additionally, it supports the Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage, the Committee on Missing Persons, other bicommunal technical committees, and civil society organizations. Two flagship EU scholarship programmes will also continue: the bicommunal scholarship programme for Cypriot youth to attend United World Colleges and a programme for Turkish Cypriots studying at universities across the EU.

Over the past two decades, the EU has devoted more than £794 million to the Aid Programme, highlighting its longstanding commitment to supporting the Turkish Cypriot community and promoting trust, cooperation, and reconciliation in the region.