Nicosia: No payments from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are made to farmers in areas of the Republic of Cyprus not under the effective control of the government, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated in a letter to Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela, as seen by CNA.

According to Cyprus News Agency, the letter dated 16 July 2026, was a response to Hadjipantela's inquiry about potential EU agricultural payments to animal farmers in regions outside the government's effective control. In the letter, Von der Leyen reassured that no CAP payments have been or are being made to farmers in these areas. She explained that CAP funds for Cyprus are managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, following the 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan.

Von der Leyen also discussed the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus, emphasizing that addressing the outbreak necessitates compliance with EU animal health legislation across the island. She indicated that her services maintain close contact with the Republic of Cyprus government to aid in managing the outbreak and commended the cooperation between the two Cypriot communities through the Sub-Committee on Veterinary Issues of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Health.

In closing, Von der Leyen reiterated the Commission's commitment to supporting efforts aimed at eradicating foot-and-mouth disease throughout Cyprus promptly.