Raising awareness on funding opportunities from the EU and national programmes was the aim of an event organized on Wednesday, at “Filoxenia” Conference Center, in Nicosia.
An internet portal, inaugurated recently, was presented to the public, providing useful information for funding opportunities to all interested parties was presented to the public during the event, organized by the Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development (DG EPCD) and the European Commission Representation in Cyprus.
The portal can be accessed at www.fundingprogrammesportal.gov.cy .
Representatives of National Contact Points for European programs were also present to provide information to citizens.
Addressing the event, Government Spokesman Nicos Christodoulides said it was imperative to utilize European funding and provide the necessary information to citizens and organizations, in order to do so.
He added that Cyprus achieved a significant increase of EU funds earmarked for the country during the 2014-2020 period, that exceeds 1.3 bln euros, while the EU co-financing rate has been increased to 95%.
The Government Spokesman also noted the vast funding opportunities from EU competitive programmes, noting that this could reach 250 to 300 mln euros.
“Development and the creation of jobs is a top priority for all of us” Christodoulides said, underlining the government`s will to continue with reforms that will bring about recovery.
Giorgos Georgiou, the Director General of DG EPCD, said that the efficient use of European funds is a top priority for the government, in order to strengthen competitiveness and create more jobs.
Soon, he added, a series of new funds will be announced, pertaining, among others, SMEs, public sector modernization, education and life long learning.
Giorge Markopouliotis, the Head of the European Commission Representation in Cyprus said that the event provides an opportunity for Cypriots to learn what the EU can do for them.
He noted Cyprus` decisive steps in putting its economy back on track and said that these efforts are being acknowledged by the EU, which stands by Cyprus.
