CYPRUS is almost at the end of its road towards EU accession which started back in 1973, more than 30 years ago now. As we have now passed the 100-day mark in the run up to EU membership, it is a good moment to reflect upon – and thank all those working so hard in Cyprus to bring about – the second momentous event in the history of Cyprus after its independence. Accession will bring the island within a big European family of 25 member countries.
In these last stages, important decisions are to be made. Commitment goes right to the top. President Tassos Papadopoulos has taken personal responsibility to ensure that everything is in place before May 1. There are about another 200 laws to be adopted. New administrative structures, such as those for agriculture and energy are to become fully operational. This is to ensure that the benefits of EU membership are delivered to farmers, business people, workers and consumers alike. Special attention is to be paid to improve maritime safety. Further progress will be reviewed with experts of the European Commission in the days to come.
For me it is perfectly normal that, during these last days before accession, Cypriots have begun to take notice that changes are taking place, and have started to wonder. In fact, I consider this a healthy development as long as the whole picture is presented. For example, the tax reform in Cyprus was accompanied by a special package for the financially weaker groups in Cyprus. I missed these elements in the recent discussions. But there might be a misunderstanding developing as to the kind of long-lasting positive impact that EU membership will have on everyone’s lives. For Cyprus’ entry to the EU means that it is adopting European norms and standards aimed at raising the quality of life of its citizens – a modernisation process Cyprus had to undergo anyway. It will mean safer and better quality food, cleaner air and a higher standard of living. Some of this does come at a price – there is no free lunch. Yet this price has been acceptable to EU citizens from other countries who have enjoyed EU membership and an ever-increasing prosperity. No country has lost out on EU membership.
Improvements will be felt in many areas. Here are just a few pointers. There will be a new, open market of almost half a billion consumers for Cypriot products and services. Halloumi, Zivania and Commanderia will be marketed under their own names. Cypriot pharmaceutical and other companies will be able to trade freely in the EU’s single market. This will increase their competitiveness and, by accepting higher EU norms and standards, those benefits will be passed onto ordinary Cypriots as well. There will be one single procedure for product approval in all 25 Member States, which should significantly reduce the costs and timing of bringing new, higher quality products on the market. The quality of food will improve in the shops. Cypriot farmers will profit from the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy and will receive direct income support accompanied by 75 million euros for the next three years to implement a rural development policy. The environment will be better protected, helping conservation and making Cyprus more attractive to tourists. The image of Cypriot shipping will also benefit from stricter quality controls which will allow Cypriot-flagged vessels to be more welcomed in ports around the world, increasing trade.
Of course, Cyprus is also joining a Europe where solidarity counts. Richer countries help poorer ones. For example, Ireland has done wonders with the assistance it has received from its EU membership, boosting its economy to the degree that it is one of the wealthiest countries per capita in the Union now. For Cyprus, the benefits from EU Structural and Cohesion Funds will total over one hundred million euros, starting this year, until 2006.
Irrespective of the EU funding, what really counts is that companies from all over the world will be encouraged to invest in the new Member States as they will know that their investments will be safe. High standards and norms apply. Those same companies will know that their market is not limited by the small size of Cyprus but extends to the European Union as a whole.
Of course, that vital investment would be even more encouraged by a lasting comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem before May 1, 2004. EU Enlargement Commissioner Gunter Verheugen expressed his clear views on this matter in this Friday’s Financial Times.
Everybody needs to know what EU membership is all about. The nearer we get to the big E-Day, the more will be happening. Much information can be gathered from the Delegation’s website and free weekly e-newsletter which can be subscribed at: http://www.delcyp.cec.eu.int. We also have a brochure ready on ‘Cyprus in the EU’, which gives a handy overview of what is happening.
A big new adventure is about to start for Cyprus. Let’s all get ready to make the most of it.
Adriaan van der Meer is Head of the European Commission Delegation to Cyprus
