Participation of Cyprus in EU Programmes

The participation of Cyprus in EU programmes and initiatives enables the island and its population to benefit from such programmes, while contributing substantially to closer relations with the EU. These programmes also provide individuals, NGO’s and other organizations, with specific examples of how the EU can provide help and assistance, as well as the benefits of cooperation within the EU.

On 6th March 1995 the EU General Affairs Council decided in the participation of Cyprus in a number of EU programmes. Since then the programmes open to participation by Cypriots have been expanded. The objective being to achieve the best possible utilization of EU programmes and funding, both by the private and the public sector, and to contribute to the following:

• closer relations of Cyprus with the EU in all economic sectors.
• the attainment of valuable experience.
• the harmonization of laws and institutional arrangements with the EU.
• the modernization of the Cyprus economy.

Fundings is primarily aimed at international cooperation schemes such as studies, research, vocational training, education, pilot schemes etc. Financing of investments and infrastructure is not generally included.

There are two types of programmes:

1. Those that relate to third countries (i.e. non-EU members), and
2. Those that the EU applicant states may participate in, on condition that a bilateral agreement is signed, and the state undertakes, to make a financial contribution covering the additional funds required for participation in the programmes.

1. Programmes for Third Countries (contribution by participants not required).

1. LIFE: This programme relates to environmental protection and promotes schemes which aim to facilitate the shaping of environmental policy and the creation of the necessary institutions for sustainable development. Funding is mainly available for studies and pilot schemes. It is estimated that between 1992 and 1998 grants of ECU 2 million (C£1.2 mln) have been provided for such studies.

2. EC - Investment Partners Scheme: This Programme aims at the encouragement of joint ventures between businesses in the EU and third Countries. This programme mainly finances feasibility studies and has operated in Cyprus since 1990, through the Cyprus Development Bank. More than 25 schemes have been financed, primarily in the manufacturing and service sectors, for a total cost of about ECU 1,850,000 (C£1,083,000).

3. INCO-DC: International Scientific Cooperation: This programme finances joint research schemes in various sectors by the EU and Third Countries. Research centres such as the University of Cyprus, the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, and the Department of Geological Survey have received funding from this programme. Over the period 1994 - 1998 ECU 1,300,000 (C£761,000) has been provided.

4. SYNERGY: This programme concentrates on the energy sector, and funds studies and cooperation in the sector. Among other projects, an action plan for improved efficiency has been financed, while other schemes involving local authorities have been undertaken. It is estimated that C£200,000 has been allocated to Cyprus under this scheme.

5. COST: The aim of the programme is to promote cooperation in Research and Technology. The University of Cyprus and the Agricultural Research Institute participate in joint research networks funded under this programme. Twenty-two European countries participate in this programme.

6. MEDA - EuroMediterranean Partnership: The primary objective of the MEDA programmes is to further the Euromediterranean Partnership through a funding programme involving ECU 3.4 billion over the period 1996 to 1998. Cyprus, Malta and Israel are entitled to funding only with respect to «horizontal / regional cooperation» which involves schemes, works and programmes in the environment, energy, research and technology, mass media, interregional cooperation, small and medium enterprise and other sectors. Only 10% of MEDA funds are allocated for such schemes. Cyprus is not entitled to a share of the major portion of MEDA funds, because of assistance provided from the Fourth Financial Protocol and because of its comparatively high standard of living.
   
   Cyprus has up to now participated in all meetings involving regional dialogue. Three such meetings on Sea Transport, Research and Technology, and Information Technology were organized in Cyprus.
   
   Over the last few years, local authorities, educational institutions, Chambers of Commerce and other organizations have actively participated in the «Cooperation on Mediterranean Decentralization Programmes», which have been included in the EuroMediterranean Partnership. These programmes include MED-CAMPUS involving cooperation among universities / colleges, MED-URBS involving local authorities, MED-INVEST involving small/medium enterprises, MEDA-DEMOCRACY relating to Human Rights, MED-HERITAGE relating to the cultural heritage, and MED-TRANSPORT relating to transport. Grants are provided within the framework of these for schemes, which involve cooperation from organizations of at least two Mediterranean countries and two EU member States.

7. MEDA - LOANS (European Investment Bank): In parallel with the MEDA grants, the European Investment Bank created a special EUROMED financing facility for infrastructural works in the environment, transport and communications sectors. Cyprus has utilized effectively the available funds. Cyprus has borrowed ECU 16 million from the MEDA-LOANS facility at low interest rates in order to finance sewerage works at Ayia Napa / Paralimni and Limassol, and an agreement has been signed for a loan of ECU 19 million for the Paphos Sewerage scheme.

2. Programmes based on Bi-lateral Agreements and Financial Contributions of Participating States

Cyprus participates in three such programmes, LEONARDO DA VINCI SOCRATES and YOUTH FOR EUROPE, and contributes funds for such participation. The main aim of these programmes is to encourage cooperation between organizations and people from different countries. For the period 1997-1999 Cyprus will contribute ECU 3.5 million.

1. LEONARDO DA VINCI: The programme covers vocational training, career orientation, distance learning and training, and is designed for enterprises, social partners, training organizations, universities, state authorities research centres, intergovernmental research / study centres and placement programmes and exchanges.
   
   The Industrial Training Authority of Cyprus has been appointed the appropriate authority for these programmes. Participating organizations are required to cooperate with organizations of EU member states.

2. SOCRATES: This programme aims at the improvement in the quality of education at all levels (primary, secondary, tertiary). At the tertiary level exchanges of students and staff are encouraged, as well as the development of joint European programmes, while at school level the main aim is cooperation between schools of different countries.
   
   The Ministry of Education and Culture has been appointed the appropriate authority for this programme. This programme has proved to be very popular in Cyprus.

3. Youth for Europe: The programme aims at bringing together young people (ages 15-25) from different countries in order to jointly tackle the problems of youth. Funding is provided for exchanges, support of non-profit making organizations and cooperation between national institutions.

The Youth Organization of Cyprus has been appointed the appropriate organization for this programme.

3. Programmes Currently Under Negotiation

It is anticipated that Cyprus will soon be in a position to announce its participation in the following EU programmes:

1. MEDIA II which relates to audio/visual programmes (joint production of films, training etc).

2. Third Multiyear Programme for Small-Medium Enterprises.

3. Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development (which is a comprehensive research programme).

4. KAROLUS, a programme placing public sector officials from various countries in the service of other member countries with the aim of encouraging a more homogeneous approach to acquis implementation.

5. FISCALIS a programme which aims at closer cooperation between the customs and VAT (value added tax) authorities of member states.

Participation in a number of other programmes is being examined notably in public health, energy saving, culture, justice and internal affairs, and general issues.