The EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community turns six today, and as the European Commission has noted it has brought tangible benefits to the Turkish Cypriots and has been a catalyst in bringing the Turkish Cypriot community closer to the EU.
According to a European Commission press release, “since 2006, the EU aid programme for Turkish Cypriot community totalled 292 million euro. The programme is implemented by the European Commission, either directly, or in cooperation with international organisations. The Council Regulation establishing an instrument of financial support for encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community (no. 389/2006) entered into force on 10 March 2006.“
The programme aims at facilitating the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community. It focuses in particular on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparations for the transition to the EU`s legal order.