92001E2017

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2017/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) and Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(13 July 2001)

Subject: Bi-communal projects on Cyprus

What allocation of funding towards bi-communal projects on Cyprus has been made in each financial year since an allocation was first agreed?

How much of this funding has been spent in each of these years?

How much is currently committed towards future or existing projects agreed by all relevant parties?

What bi-communal projects have been completed and what are currently being undertaken? (Please list by name and nature of project).

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2001)

Bi-communal projects are considered a main element for the reconciliation of the two Cypriot communities. Therefore the Commission supports any operations which may contribute to such an objective.

In the past and under the Mediterranean Development Assistance Programme (MEDA), the Commission signed four Financial Protocols in the framework of financial co-operation with Cyprus.

In the Second Financial Protocol 3,9 million were allocated to the Nicosia Master Plan* (rehabilitation and revitalisation of the centre of old Nicosia, especially pedestrian areas), and 2,4 million to improve the Nicosia sewerage system.

Since 2000 and the new Council Regulation on the pre-accession strategy for Cyprus and Malta (2000-2004) (Council Regulation (EC) No 555/2000 of 13 March 2000 on the implementation of operations in the framework of the pre-accession strategy for the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Malta(1)), one third of each annual allocation for Cyprus is dedicated to bi-communal activities: 1/3rd of 57 million = 19 million.

Only the funds committed under the past Financial Protocols have been spent until now. The funds committed since 2000 (see below), have not been spent yet but the 2000 budget for the Nicosia Master Plan has been contracted.

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(1) OJ L 68, 16.3.2000.