EU approves financial aid program to support Turkish community in Cyprus
The European Commission has approved a €31.6 million ($37.3 million) aid program to support the Turkish community in Cyprus.
This was disclosed in a statement released by the EU on Tuesday August 25, 2020.
According to the EU, the aid program includes support for the preparation and financing of key infrastructure projects and for environmental protection.
It states that “Further measures are planned for the improvement of the electricity grid used by the Turkish Cypriot community and for an economic stimulus package with short and longer-term support, focusing on a sustainable and resilient greener economy in response to the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic.”
“Support will also be provided for improving food safety, the provision of statistical data, special needs education and lifelong learning,” it adds.
“The EU allocated €591 million ($697 million) for projects under the aid program for Turkish Cypriots between 2006 and 2020.
“It aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community,” the statement says.