Cyprus has proven to be one of the best countries in the European Union at using the development money it receives from the bloc. It has reached fourth place in the EU for effectively spending these funds, which are intended for the 2025 program. This success was confirmed during a meeting last Friday for the Thalia 2021-2027 program, where officials announced that the country had met all its financial goals. This achievement shows that Cyprus has become highly skilled at managing complex European funding to support its national development projects.
This strong performance is not a one-time event. Cyprus also successfully used all its available funds in the previous EU budget period from 2014 to 2020. The head of the committee, Penelope Papavassiliou, pointed out that this consistent success demonstrates the country's financial responsibility. It suggests that the government has learned from experience and has built strong, reliable institutions for managing these important projects.
The current Thalia program focuses money on key areas for the country's future. These include building renewable energy systems, supporting the shift to a greener economy, and finding solutions for water security. The program also works to fight long-term unemployment and poverty by investing in social and economic projects. These priorities match both the EU's Green Deal goals and Cyprus's own specific needs as an island nation that faces certain environmental and economic challenges.
During the recent meeting, several specific projects were highlighted. These included plans to turn the old GSP stadium in Nicosia into a green public park and to modernize the country's vocational training centers. Such projects show the program's balanced approach, which aims to improve both the country's physical infrastructure and the skills of its people. The broad involvement of different government ministries and social groups in monitoring the program ensures that many voices are heard.
Looking ahead, Cypriot authorities are already preparing for the next EU funding period from 2028 to 2034. They are strategically connecting this work to the country's upcoming presidency of the European Council in 2026. This forward-thinking approach shows that they understand effective planning is essential. As many other EU nations struggle with delays, Cyprus's growing skill in managing these funds is making it a model for others to follow.