European Commission Launches New Trade Development Project Across the Green Line in Cyprus

The European Commission has launched a new project to foster business growth for Turkish Cypriots and boost trade across the Green Line in Cyprus. The project, called "eunite: SME," has a budget of 4 million euros.

At the launch event in Nicosia, representatives from the European Commission, local Turkish Cypriot authorities, and the business community gathered to celebrate the initiative.

This two-year project, in collaboration with GIZ International Services, aims to "support the development of the private sector within the Turkish Cypriot community and stimulate trade across the Green Line."

The initiative is expected to "enhance the competitiveness of Turkish Cypriot businesses by supporting their digitalization, sustainability, and compliance with EU standards."

Judith Rozsa, Acting Director-General for Structural Reform Support at the European Commission, highlighted the program's significant benefits, offering "access to grants, personalized mentoring, training, and technical consultations to increase business competitiveness and trade across the Green Line."

Stephanie Klein, Regional Director of GIZ International Services Europe, emphasized the strong partnership between the European Commission and GIZ International Services. She noted, "This new phase of the eunite program, aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and other Turkish Cypriot businesses, consolidates our joint efforts for the benefit of Cyprus. We are proud to work towards unifying Cyprus through business."

Since 2023, the European Commission has partnered with GIZ International Services Europe in Cyprus on various projects, including agriculture, veterinary services, and private sector development, such as the Halloumi/Hellim PDO scheme.

Alongside uniting small and medium-sized enterprises, GIZ International Services manages EU projects worth 13.5 million euros under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community.