Cyprus FM alarmed over EU cut in rural aid

Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou told the General Affairs and External Relations Council in Brussels on Monday that Cyprus disagrees with the energy aspect of the EU stimulus plan and that the 150 mln euro reduction in funds for rural development will hurt Cyprus because of the prolonged drought on the island.
In the framework of the discussion on the European Economic Recovery Plan and the provision by the EU of financial investment in infrastructure projects in the fields of energy and rural development, Kyprianou said that Cyprus welcomes the Presidency’s efforts to reach an agreement on this issue. He noted, however, that although there are positive elements in the proposal, there are also some provisions that do not satisfy Cyprus.
In particular, Kyprianou said that the proposed provisions for the projects in the field of energy do not satisfy Cyprus. The Cyprus Government, he stressed, has taken the decision to address the new energy and climate challenges with the construction of the Energy Centre in Vasiliko. Noting that Cyprus, due to its geographic position, cannot benefit from the funding of joint energy projects with other EU member states, the Foreign Minister stressed that the proposed funds for Cyprus are inadequate and called on the EU Presidency to reconsider its proposals.
Regarding rural development, Kyprianou expressed disappointment for the reduction in the funds from 1.25 bln euros to 1.1 bln euros. Noting the need for flexibility in the allocation of the funds, the Foreign Minister stressed that the EU must take into account the real needs of member states such as Cyprus, which has to face serious challenges due to the drought, which is a result of climate changes.
Among other issues that the 27 Foreign Ministers discussed was the preparation of the Spring European Council, which will take place on Thursday and Friday in Brussels, the situation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, Belarus and Sudan, the current developments in the Middle East, as well as preparation for the informal EU-USA meeting, which will be held in Prague on April 5.