European officials gain "positive impressions" of “THALIA2021-2027” implementation, Finance Ministry says

European officials who were in Cyprus last week have gained positive impressions as regards the implementation of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, according to the Ministry of Finance's Directorate General on Growth.

According to a press release issued by the Directorate General on Growth which is the managing authority for the “THALIA 2021-2027” programme, the representatives of the European Commission were in Nicosia on 14 May, within the framework of the Annual Performance Review Meeting as regards the implementation of the Programme. They discussed the progress of the programme, and other issues, as well as the achievements of the previous Cohesion Policy Programmes (2014-2020). On May 15, they visited projects implemented within the framework of the “THALIA” programme, in Limassol and Larnaca.

In Limassol, the EU officials visited the REFLECT exhibition “the largest innovation and technology festival in Cyprus”, where they learned about two innovative research projects, it said. The first concerns the development of a digital platform, an innovative digital tool using Artificial Intelligence that facilitates decision-making for large-scale construction projects, maximising their efficiency and reducing the costs resulting from delays in the implementation of the works. “The platform has already created significant new jobs and has been used in international projects, attracting investments and partnerships”, the press relesae said.

The second project concerns a company that develops plant-based meat substitutes enriched with proteins and vitamins that promote health. “The project contributes to strengthening Cypriot innovation in the food sector with the potential to attract more investors or other companies from abroad”, it added.

Also in Limassol, the EU representatives visited the recently renovated “Ploutis Servas” municipal buildings, “a €6 million project that transformed old and historic buildings into modern social spaces”, it said. It noted that the facilities house a Multipurpose Social Services Centre, a centre for creative activities for children and adolescents and a centre where programmes for young people aged 13-35 are implemented.

The team also visited the Kofinou Primary School, in the Larnaca district, a school with a strong multicultural character, where the DRASE+ programme is implemented. “The visitors closely observed actions implemented for the educational and social integration of children from families with a migrant background”, it said, adding that the programme offers free remedial teaching, creative activities and Greek language lessons to students and parents, essentially supporting intercultural integration. DRASE+ is implemented in 178 schools across Cyprus and has already benefited more than 30,000 students, press release read.

It is recalled that the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA 2021-2027” is a seven-year public investment development plan based on the five key EU objectives and has a budget of €1.8 billion, of which €969 million concern EU contribution and the remaining €842 million come from the state budget.

(Source: CNA)