Filenews 23 December 2023 - by Nicoletta Christoforou
From Eleftherias Square, the NHS IT system, the green spots to the library of the University of Cyprus, there are dozens of ambitious projects that have improved our lives in recent years, many of which we do not know have been implemented with the co-financing of the European Union.
More beautiful cities, upgraded infrastructure, more competitive businesses... Cyprus has gained many benefits through the European Union's Cohesion Policy.
This policy is addressed to all regions and cities in the EU to support job creation, economic growth and sustainable development, as well as to improve citizens' quality of life, especially in countries whose development is lagging behind, in order to reduce disparities.
Specifically, Cyprus, since 2004 and its accession to the EU, has benefited from more than 2.5 billion, according to relevant statements by Anthi Filippidou, Director of Cohesion Policy and Multiannual Financial Framework, with our country being in the top five member states in the absorption of European funds.
In fact, the implementation of the Cohesion Policy Programme "THALEIA 2021-2027", amounting to €1.8 billion. is expected to contribute to the further modernization and economic and social development of the country, with positive effects on Cyprus' GDP growth of approximately 5.9% and employment growth, with the creation of approximately 8,500 new jobs.
The projects of strategic importance of the "THALEIA 2021-2027" Programme include the Extension of the Land Information System of the Department of Lands and Surveys, the Sustainable Development Plan of the Akamas National Forest Park, the Implementation of the "Pay as You Fly (PDO)" System with a prepaid bag, the Nicosia Perimeter Motorway and the Restructuring of Social Welfare Services.
Thea Pieridou, Press Officer of the European Parliament Office in Cyprus, also told "F" that in its long-term budget, the EU added the largest recovery package ever, amounting to around €800 billion, to address the economic consequences of the pandemic COVID19 – the so-called EU Recovery and Resilience Plan, "Next Generation EU". Therefore, in addition to the funds of the long-term EU budget, Cyprus will also receive from the Recovery Fund almost €1.1 billion. in subsidies for reforms aimed at a competitive economy and smart and sustainable growth, mainly in the areas of green growth and digital transition. All Cypriot citizens are encouraged to be informed about funding opportunities on the Funding Programmes Information Portal: https://www.fundingprogrammesportal.gov.cy/el/home
It is also noted that in previous years, through the programs "Competitiveness and Sustainable Development" and "Employment, Human Resources and Social Cohesion", dozens of projects have been implemented to strengthen entrepreneurship, integration of vulnerable people into society, financing of e-government (IT system for the operation of the GHS), development actions of local authorities (Eleftherias Square, Extension of Garyllis Linear Park), development of transport infrastructure (e.g. Limassol Port vertical road), environmental protection (recycling of municipal waste), climate change (flood protection works), energy upgrading of homes and businesses and research and innovation (Stelios Ioannou Library).
Below are indicative examples of major projects implemented in Cyprus with EU co-financing:
Limassol Port Vertical Road
Co-financed by the EU Cohesion Fund, the construction of a Vertical Road connecting the new Limassol Port with the Limassol-Paphos Motorway was promoted, a project with a total budget of €100 million and multiple benefits, such as reducing the travel time of heavy vehicles to and from Limassol Port.
Restoration of Nicosia Municipal Theatre
The Nicosia Municipal Theatre, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, was transformed into a modern theatre, with appropriate infrastructure for high quality theatrical and musical performances, while being the largest theatre in Cyprus, with a total capacity of 1000 seats.
The project is considered a milestone for the promotion of the cultural infrastructure of the city of Nicosia, as well as the creation of a modern timeless space for the production of culture.
Regeneration of Larnaka Municipal Garden
With the co-financing of the European Regional Development Fund, the renovation of the Larnaka Municipal Garden was also promoted, which includes, among others, tree planting to upgrade and enrich green areas, pedestrian streets, square spaces, playgrounds, etc. The project contributes to the aesthetic and environmental upgrading of the urban center of the city and to the improvement of the quality of life of residents.
Upgrading of Misiaouli and Kavazoglou infrastructure in Limassol
With funds from the aforementioned Fund, the renovation of Misiaouli and Kavazoglou streets, which is a key road axis of the city, was also promoted. It is carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainable mobility, including widening of sidewalks, access to disabled people and blind people, construction of a continuous cycle path network, construction of pedestrian crossings and upgrading of traffic junctions.
Restoration of Ibrahim's Inn in Paphos
Ibrahim's Inn, located in the historic centre of Paphos, used to be a hotel of the time frequented by merchants and merchants, who moved from province to province. After the 60s, Hani was abandoned, resulting in its premises being converted into workshops.
Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, this site and some adjacent ones were restored, turning Ibrahim's Inn into a destination for visitors, bringing back memories of the past.
Information Center – Library "Stelios Ioannou"
The Information Centre – Library "Stelios Ioannou" of the University of Cyprus, a project aimed at strengthening infrastructure and capacities to develop excellence in research and innovation, was also completed through co-financing from European funds.
The building, in the form of an artificial hill, was developed vertically on five levels, while 900 study spaces are equipped with modern technology and group study spaces. The Library is open to all citizens and aims to serve all scientists and researchers in the country, as the main research library.
Subsidy Schemes for the Enhancement of Youth and Women Entrepreneurship
Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund, youth and female entrepreneurship was strengthened by providing sponsorships to young people from 20 to 40 years old and women from 18 to 55 years old, for the creation of new sustainable, dynamic, evolving and competitive SMEs.
School and Social Inclusion Actions (DRASE)
In order to address the negative consequences of the economic crisis on education and students, the Program "School and Social Inclusion Actions (DRASE)" was implemented in 96 school units with the co-financing of the European Social Fund
Free programs of remedial teaching and creative activities for students and parents, additional psychosocial support services for students and parents, through the creation and operation of Information and Psychosocial Support Centers and supportive/technological equipment in schools, were part of this Program.
