EU Comission Representation in Cyprus Reports 9.6% Increase in GLT to €16 Million in 2023

The European Commission published two annual reports on Thursday illustrating the European Union’s “continued support for Cyprus’ reunification”.

“Since 2006, a total of €688 million in EU funding has been allocated to the aid programme, which supports Cyprus’ reunification by financing confidence-building measures and supporting the socio-economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community,” said the report on the implementation of the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot Community in 2023.

“Thanks to this EU funding, the first three Turkish Cypriot Halloumi/Hellim producers and 15 milk farms were approved under the protected designation of origin (PDO) scheme in 2023,” the commission said.

The commission also assisted the Turkish Cypriot community in complying with EU food safety and animal welfare standards, a condition for placement of products on the EU market.

The green line report shows that trade across the green line in 2023 increased by 9.6 per cent to a record value of €16 million, adding that 7.1 million authorised crossings were recorded in 2023, steadily increasing from 6.1 million in 2022.

“The commission welcomes the further measures announced by the government of the Republic of Cyprus in January 2024, to admit another six processed foods of non-animal origin to green line trade (admitted in April 2024) and to increase staffing and reduce congestion at crossing points,” the report said.

“These measures will positively contribute to green line trade going forward.”

The year 2024 marks 20 years since the adoption of the EU’s Green Line Regulation for Cyprus.

Source: Cyprus Mail