The European Commission reports that its Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community so far has produced tangible and positive results.
The EU Assistance programme reported this week that in 2014 had been a positive year on a wide range of fields, which have contributed to the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community and could have a similar impact on ongoing reunification talks.
In its Annual Report, the Commission notes the substantial efforts made to support environmental protection. For example in April 2014, the Nicosia wastewater treatment plant, the largest on the island, serving both communities and partly funded by the EU, was inaugurated.
Over 50 grants were awarded for SME development or to local communities and civil society organisations. In 2014, 115 scholarships were granted to Turkish Cypriot students and professionals, giving them an opportunity to study anywhere in the EU.
In collaboration with the UN Development Programme, the EU programme also contributes to confidence-building work between the two communities on the island, through the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and the bi-communal Technical Committee on Cultural Heritage.
Since 2006, a total of €370 million has been programmed under Regulation 389/2006. Most of the money has been used for promotion of social and economic development, development and restructuring of infrastructure, reconciliation and confidence building, bringing the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the EU, preparation of legal texts, and preparation for the implementation of the acquis following a comprehensive settlement.
Cyprus Weekly