The European Commission Representation in Cyprus announced that trade via the Green Line will increase by 9.6 percent in 2023, reaching €16 million, Yeniduzen reports.
The Representation highlighted that since 2006, the European Union (EU) has allocated €688 million to the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.
In a statement, the European Commission Representation in Cyprus revealed the publication of two reports: the 2023 report on the implementation of the Green Line Regulation in Cyprus and the annual report on the implementation of the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.
The Green Line Report indicated a 9.6 percent increase in Green Line trade in 2023, totalling €16 million. Additionally, the number of Green Line crossings rose from 6.1 million in 2022 to 7.1 million in 2023.
The Commission welcomed new measures announced by the government in Southern Cyprus in January 2024. These measures include the addition of six processed foods of non-animal origin to Green Line trade and increased staffing at crossing points to reduce congestion. “These measures will positively impact Green Line trade going forward“, the statement said. It also noted that 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the EU’s adoption of the Green Line Regulation for Cyprus.
The statement also highlighted the second report released today, which pertains to the Aid Programme. This programme, designed to finance confidence-building measures to support the reunification of Cyprus and the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community, has received €688 million from the EU since 2006, with €31.7 million allocated for 2023.
“Thanks to these EU funds, the first three Turkish Cypriot Halloumi/Hellim producers and 15 dairy producers were approved under the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) programme in 2023“, the statement said, adding that the Commission is helping the Turkish Cypriot community comply with EU food safety and animal welfare standards required for placing products on the EU market.
Furthermore, the statement noted the completion of three EU-financed infrastructure projects in the Turkish Cypriot community in 2023, including the construction of the Kormacit Cooperation Centre and the expansion of the Güzelyurt Wastewater Treatment Plant.
