The EU Cohesion policy has significantly strengthened Cyprus's research, innovation and sustainability efforts while enhancing public services, urban spaces, and overall quality of life, clearly reflecting the EU’s solidarity and long-term commitment to achieving balanced development across all regions, Maciej Berestecki, Spokesperson of the European Commission, has said.
In an interview with the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Baresecki noted that since its accession to the EU in 2004, Cyprus received approximately €2.5 billion from the European Union’s Cohesion policy through the European Structural and Investment Funds.
He specifically said that during the 2014–2020 programming period, it is estimated that investments co-financed by the European Cohesion Policy Funds contributed to a cumulative increase of 6% in national GDP and the creation of 24,000 new jobs.
"Cohesion policy funds have supported key areas such as digitalisation, research and innovation, SME competitiveness, and environmental protection", he said.
Baresecki referred to notable projects which include the establishment of the national healthcare information system (GESY), improvements in town planning, the development of 12 new research infrastructures, grants for 1,500 SMEs, and energy upgrades for 1,800 households. Additionally, approximately €100 million was allocated for COVID-19 medical support.
"Landmark developments like Eleftheria Square, the Stelios Ioannou Library, the Larnaca Municipal Market, and energy-efficient urban renovations have showcased tangible improvements across cities and communities", he told the Cyprus News Agency.
2021-2027 programming period support
For the 2021–2027 programming period, Cyprus will receive substantial support from the Cohesion policy, amounting to approximately €967 million through the Thalia programme.
EC Spokesperson noted that when combined with national contributions, the total investment is estimated to be around €1.5 billion, pointing out that the Thalia programme is dedicated to fostering a competitive, environmentally sustainable, and digitally progressive economy.
Key investment areas include research, innovation, SME competitiveness, renewable energy, sustainable mobility, and social inclusion.
"Noteworthy projects include the development of the University of Cyprus Engineering Faculty’s Research Laboratories, the transformation of Nicosia’s Old GSP Stadium into a green public space, the implementation of the Land Information System, the Akamas National Forest Park plan, the “Pay-As-You-Throw” waste system, and the construction of the Nicosia South Orbital Motorway", he said.
Baresecki underlined that these initiatives are expected to yield significant benefits, such as the creation of 885 new research positions, the provision of enhanced digital services for 133,000 users, and the addition of 1,775 new jobs across various sectors.
He also said that the programme also aims to increase the share of renewable energy use from 11.7% to 30%, improve the water supply for 130,000 residents, and extend wastewater services to 8,500 people, thereby enhancing sustainability, connectivity, and overall quality of life throughout Cyprus.
Replying to a question Commission's Spokesperson explained that Cohesion policy projects are collaboratively managed by the national authorities and the European Commission.
He further explained that the Cypriot Managing Authority is responsible for selecting and overseeing projects, ensuring they are executed properly and remain aligned with agreed-upon objectives.
"Occasionally, adjustments during implementation are necessary due to cost increases, technical issues, or shifting investment priorities, and these changes must be clearly explained and documented", he said.
He further noted that the European Commission plays a crucial role in ensuring that the programme achieves its intended results and that EU funds are spent correctly and transparently. It conducts regular monitoring, annual reviews, and a final assessment upon the programme’s completion.
"When issues arise, the Commission and Cypriot authorities collaborate on remedial measures that must be implemented before final payments are made. This system maintains the flexibility needed to adapt, while ensuring accountability and the proper utilisation of EU funds to support Cyprus's development goals", he said.
Climate crisis and how cities cope
Replying to another question about the climate crisis and how it mostly affects the Mediterranean region, he said that indeed the region is increasingly confronted with challenges such as high temperatures and water scarcity, necessitating cities to adapt their design and infrastructure accordingly.
Baresecki admitted in his interview that many urban areas are not yet fully equipped to handle these conditions, adding that cohesion policy offers valuable support in this adaptation process by investing in water-sensitive urban design, including initiatives like rainwater harvesting, sustainable drainage, and efficient irrigation systems.
He specifically said that through the EU Urban Agenda’s Partnership on Water-Sensitive Cities, EU promotes strategies aimed at improving water management and enhancing climate resilience.
"By integrating these principles into urban planning, Cohesion policy helps cities evolve into greener, more sustainable, and heat-resilient environments. Moreover, it encourages collaboration among Mediterranean cities, facilitating the exchange of expertise, testing of innovative solutions, and replication of successful models throughout the region. In doing so, Cohesion policy not only bolsters local responses to the climate crisis but also enhances the long-term sustainability and liveability of Mediterranean cities", the Spokesperson said.
Additionally, he recalled that with the recently adopted Mid-term Review Regulation of Cohesion policy, Member States are encouraged to redirect funding toward new dedicated priorities, including 'water resilience.' Those who do so stand to benefit from more favourable prefinancing and co-financing rates.
"By the end of the year, the European Commission will adopt an EU agenda for cities. This will strengthen the EU’s approach on sustainable urban development. The agenda will streamline access to EU support for urban areas and integrate cities’ interests better in EU policymaking. This will assist cities to address multiple challenges including hot climate and water scarcity", he said.
EU Regions Week 2025 and issues discussed
Asked about the EU Regions Week 2025 that took place recently in Brussels and focused, inter alia on affordable housing and cities sustainability, the EC official note that the event vividly underscored the crucial role of collaboration and innovation in shaping Europe's urban and regional landscapes.
"The focus on affordable housing and urban sustainability highlighted the increasingly intertwined nature of social inclusion and environmental resilience within EU policymaking. This event provided a valuable platform for regions and cities to share experiences, showcase best practices, and explore new ways to advance Cohesion policy objectives, reinforcing the vital role of local and regional governance in effective European administration", he said.
Baresecki also noted that key discussions highlighted the importance of integrating water-sensitive and climate-resilient solutions into affordable housing projects, ensuring that sustainability complements rather than compromises accessibility, adding that the Urban Agenda’s thematic partnerships offer cities the opportunity to incorporate elements such as rainwater harvesting, green spaces, and energy efficiency directly into housing and urban planning.
"Participants further stressed the benefits of holistic, cross-sectoral approaches that blend affordable housing, green infrastructure, and smart city technologies. By promoting innovative partnerships and knowledge sharing, the EU Regions Week 2025 reaffirmed that resilient, inclusive, and sustainable cities are attainable through collective learning, targeted investments, and effective multilevel governance", he said.
What Cohesion Policy is
Cohesion policy is the European Union’s main investment policy, aimed at promoting balanced development, reducing regional disparities, and strengthening economic, social, and territorial cohesion. Through this policy, the EU supports a variety of regional development projects in areas such as innovation, environment, transport, and employment.
Cohesion policy concretely assists EU Member States and regions in developing their economies by reinforcing competitiveness, creating jobs, enhancing infrastructure, and improving resilience to climate change. It ultimately enriches living standards and fosters solidarity across regions. For EU citizens, this means better living conditions, increased employment opportunities, improved infrastructure, and a stronger ability for territories to withstand climate change.
(Source: CNA)
