**Cyprus Proposes €389 Million EU Budget for Turkish Cypriots**
The government of Cyprus has put forward a proposal for the European Union to allocate €389 million in support for the Turkish Cypriot community over the seven-year period from 2028 to 2034. This proposal was submitted as part of the EU's multiannual financial framework, which outlines budgetary allocations for various initiatives and communities within the EU.
The proposed funding amounts to nearly €56 million annually, which aligns with the funding levels previously suggested by the European Commission. This marks a notable increase from the €240 million allocated for the current funding period, which runs from 2021 to 2027. While the proposed budget for the Turkish Cypriots represents only about 0.02% of the total €1.73 trillion budget proposed by the Cypriot government, it signifies a commitment to enhancing support for the community.
In September of the previous year, the European Commission provided €33.7 million to the Turkish Cypriot community. This funding aims to support socioeconomic development and facilitate the ongoing reunification process of Cyprus. The aid program is designed to stimulate trade between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities by aligning Turkish Cypriot products with EU standards, particularly in sectors such as dairy and agriculture.
The proposal also emphasizes support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs within the Turkish Cypriot community, with the goal of fostering business growth and stability. Additionally, improving the skills of workers, teachers, and children with special needs is highlighted as a priority. The continuation of EU-funded scholarships for Turkish Cypriots studying in EU member states is also part of the broader educational support strategy.
Last year's funding allocation included projects focused on energy efficiency, renewable energy utilization, and environmental protection, with a particular emphasis on bicommunal cooperation initiatives, such as the rehabilitation of Nicosia’s main riverbed. The European Union has also provided direct financial support to initiatives like the Committee on Missing Persons (CMP) and the bicommunal technical committee on cultural heritage. The CMP received €2.6 million, while the cultural heritage committee was allocated €2.5 million. Since 2006, the EU has contributed over €43.7 million to the CMP, representing more than 80% of its funding during that period. The total support for the technical committee on cultural heritage has reached €35 million.
Overall, since 2006, more than €760 million has been allocated to the Turkish Cypriot community through various EU programs, reflecting a sustained effort to promote integration and development within the community. The current proposal for a €389 million budget underscores Cyprus's commitment to fostering cooperation and support for the Turkish Cypriots as part of the broader EU framework.