July 3, 2026
As part of the Annual Performance Review Meeting of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021–2027“, held on 3 July 2026, representatives of the European Commission [Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion (DG EMPL) and the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO)], visited on 2 and 3 July 2026, a number of projects co-funded by the Programme in Nicosia and Larnaca districts.
Nicosia District:
The two European Commission delegations (DG EMPL and DG REGIO), accompanied by officials from the Directorate General Growth, visited on 2 July 2026 the following: “Apollon” Photovoltaic Park, “University of Cyprus Faculty of Engineering Research Laboratories”, “Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre” and Medicover Genetics Cyprus. On 3 July 2026, the DG EMPL delegation also visited the project “New Network of Social Inclusion Services for Persons with Disabilities”.
“Apollon” Photovoltaic Park
As part of the broader Operation of Strategic Importance Project (OPI) “Green and Smart Energy Management at the University of Cyprus”, with a total budget of €8.1 million, the “Apollo” Photovoltaic Park is a 5 MW solar power facility equipped with a 3.3 MWh energy storage system. It forms part of the University’s strategic plan to transform its campus into a sustainable and smart city. The Park has been fully operational since September 2025, contributing significantly to clean energy generation and the project’s sustainability objectives.
Project “Research Laboratories of the Faculty of Engineering, University of Cyprus”
The project concerns the construction of the Research Laboratories within the new premises of the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Cyprus. The new facilities accommodate the faculty’s teaching, administrative, and office requirements, while the state-of-the-art research laboratories and their supporting infrastructure are expected to substantially strengthen Cyprus’ research capacity.
The co-funded project is a phasing project. Specifically, €23.7 million was co-funded under the Cohesion Policy Programmes 2014–2020, while €20.8 million is being co-funded under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021–2027“.
Project “Wildlife Rehabilitation and Recovery Centre”
With a total budget of €720,000, the project involves the development of modern facilities in Geri to upgrade wildlife rehabilitation and recovery services. The new infrastructure significantly enhances the capacity to rescue, treat, and reintroduce wild animals into their natural habitat, representing an important investment in the conservation of Cyprus’ biodiversity.
Medicover Genetics Cyprus
The research activities of NIPD Genetics Biotech Ltd (now Medicover Genetics Cyprus) were presented as a highly successful example of leveraging European and national funding to transform a Cypriot research initiative into an internationally recognised biotechnology and genetic diagnostics company. The project highlights the contribution of investments in research and innovation to strengthening the competitiveness of the Cypriot economy. Through this funding, the company developed pioneering DNA analysis technologies and next-generation diagnostic tests that significantly advanced prenatal and oncology screening.
The research project, with a budget of €980,000, was co-funded by the EU under the INNOVATE call of the RESTART Research and Innovation Programmes of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), which form part of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021–2027“.
Project “New Network of Social Inclusion Services for Persons with Disabilities”
The visit took place at the premises of the Cyprus Confederation of Organizations of the Disabled (CCOD) in Strovolos. With a total budget of €10 million, the project provides modern, high-quality services to persons with disabilities across Cyprus, including supported decision-making, personal assistance, training, and empowerment services aimed at promoting their social and labour market inclusion.
Larnaca District:
The European Commission delegation, accompanied by officials from the Directorate General Growth, the Mayor of Larnaca, and officials of the Municipality of Larnaca, visited the following 2 projects: “Creation of a Multifunctional Park in Tsiakkileros” and “Construction of a New Municipal Home for the Elderly”.
Project “Creation of a Multifunctional Park in Tsiakkileros”
With a total budget of €2.3 million, the project involves the development of a multifunctional urban park featuring extensive green areas, sports facilities, a children’s playground, cycling paths, pedestrian walkways, and an open-air amphitheatre. The project contributes to improving the urban environment, promoting sustainable mobility, and fostering social inclusion.
Project “Construction of a New Municipal Home for the Elderly”
With a total budget of €6 million, the project concerns the construction of a modern and functional residential care facility for older persons in Larnaca, with a capacity of 48 residents. The new facilities will provide safe and dignified living conditions while significantly upgrading the Municipality’s social infrastructure and elderly care services.
