Strasbourg:Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela is advocating for annual EU compensation for property owners who are unable to utilize their properties in the Turkish-occupied areas of Cyprus. He discussed these efforts with Cypriot journalists on the sidelines of the European Parliament's plenary session.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Hadjipantela has included a provision for financial support for displaced property owners in a report concerning the EU's 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). This initiative has been underway since January. Hadjipantela emphasized that this report is not yet legislation and highlighted ongoing efforts to introduce a legal provision that would enable affected property owners to receive annual compensation, regardless of their nationality. He noted that while legal hurdles exist, developments are anticipated in the coming months and the compensation amount is still undetermined.

In addition to property compensation, Hadjipantela proposed the creation of a European agency for rare diseases and suggested that Cyprus could potentially host it if the proposal progresses. He also called for EU funding for long-term care facilities for individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly those lacking family support.

Regarding the EU's 2027 budget, Hadjipantela expressed optimism about securing a majority in an upcoming vote, which would facilitate negotiations with the Council and European Commission. As a rapporteur, he sees potential in these negotiations to obtain additional funding for Erasmus+, civil protection, and projects that benefit Cyprus. He underscored projects that aid both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, such as the Mia Milia wastewater treatment plant and church restorations in occupied areas. Furthermore, Hadjipantela advocated for funding a pipeline to allow treated wastewater from Mia Milia to be utilized in government-controlled areas.