EU releases £38.1 million for Turkish Cypriots

THE EUROPEAN Union said yesterday it was sending 38.1 million euros in aid to the Turkish Cypriots. The funds are to be used for infrastructural projects, economic and social development.

In a statement after the adoption of the financing decision, Enlargement Commissioner Olli Rehn said he welcomed the decision “that enables us to realise concrete projects bringing the Turkish Cypriot Community closer to Europe”.

“It is another step by the EU towards putting an end to the isolation of this community and thus facilitating the reunification of Cyprus. I also encourage the member states to take the next step and adopt our proposal from 2004 on direct trade between the EU and the Turkish Cypriot community,” the Commissioner added.

In February 2006, the EU member states adopted an Aid Regulation of 259 million euros. The overall objective of the financial assistance provided by the European Union is to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community with particular emphasis on the economic integration of the island, on improving contacts between the two communities and with the EU, and on preparation for the gradual adoption of the European Union’s legal order.

Earlier this year, 139 million euros from the total was handed to the Turkish Cypriots.

The new 38-million euro tranche is due to be spent on a solid waste sector programme, a feasibility study for the rehabilitation of the Lefka mining area and upgrading the management of the energy sector.

The improvement of urban and local infrastructure and support for private sector development within the Turkish Cypriot community are also on the cards, Brussels said.

More EU funds are expected to be made available later in this year.

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