2024 – Annual Performance Review Meeting of the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027” and visits to co-funded projects

The meetings were attended by representatives of the National Authorities and Programme Implementing Bodies concerned (DG Growth, the Treasury of the Republic, Internal Audit Service, Intermediary Bodies and Beneficiaries).

The Managing Authority (DG Growth) presented to the EU the progress achieved to date in the implementation of the “THALIA2021-2027” Programme. The implementation of the Programme is on track as, to this day, calls for proposals have been announced and published for a total budget of €670 million, representing 45% of the Programme’s budget. In addition, the total budget of the projects whose implementation has already started exceeds €1 billion, representing 68% of the Programme’s budget. Other technical issues were also discussed at the meeting.

The achievements of the Operational Programmes “Competitiveness and Sustainable Development” and “Employment, Human Resources and Social Cohesion”, co-funded by the Cohesion Policy Funds in the period 2014 – 2020, were also presented at the Annual Performance Review Meeting. It is worth noting that, with the submission of the December 2023 payment request, Cyprus ranked first in terms of absorption of European funds among the 27 EU Member States.

Visits to Projects

On 18/04/2024, as part of their mission, the DG REGIO delegation, accompanied by the Director of Growth and officers of DG Growth, visited three co-funded projects in Nicosia Municipality and four in Larnaca Municipality.

Nicosia Municipality:

Development of “Smart City” Infrastructure and Systems of Nicosia Municipality

The project, which comes under Nicosia Municipality’s broader Smart Cities Strategy 2018-2028, with the strategic goal of “becoming the first integrated smart city in Cyprus by improving services and increasing sustainability”, includes infrastructure and systems for the creation of a Smart City in Nicosia Municipality. The expected benefits from the implementation of the project are numerous and have a multifaceted impact on the daily lives of citizens, entrepreneurship, the environment and the sustainable development of the Municipality. In particular, the project will contribute to improving the quality of life and to the smart improvement and development of the services provided by the Municipality, as well as enhancing the quality and usability of urban municipal infrastructure.

The project, with a total budget of €6.5 million, is implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU. 

Restoration of the Old Municipal Market into a Research and Innovation Centre  

The project concerns the restoration and extension of the Old Municipal Market building of Nicosia Municipality, located at the centre of the walled city, next to the Buffer Zone. The building will host the Business Innovation Centre of the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation (CYENS) and includes laboratories, areas for demonstration of applications, shared workspaces, seminar room, multimedia studio, fabrication lab, space for electronic models, etc. The project is expected to boost the development of a competitive and outward-looking knowledge economy and showcase the wider capital area as a regional hub of creativity, technological progress and business innovation, with benefits extending to the whole of Cyprus.

The project, with a total budget of €6 million, was implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU. 

Creation of a Green and Recreational Area at the Site of the Old GSP Stadium  

The project, located in the central business district of Nicosia, will connect the new city with the historic centre of Nicosia and its primary objective is to transform the landscape of the old GSP stadium into a green area (park) in the heart of the city, offering easy access to citizens. Apart from the park, the project includes the construction of an outdoor amphitheatre, a multi-purpose hall, cafés and other shops, as well as two underground parking levels connected to the public bus network. The project is expected to contribute to the upgrading of the urban environment, by providing an important green and recreational space for the residents and visitors of Nicosia, as well as promoting sustainable urban mobility.

The project, with a total budget of €22.6 million, is implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU. 

Larnaca Municipality:

Creation of the “Salina” Municipal Park

Salina Park is expected to become an oasis of greenery in Larnaca, offering facilities for recreation, rest, sport and social interaction. The project will contribute to the upgrading of the urban environment, by creating an extensive green area in the heart of Larnaca for residents and visitors alike. It is also expected to contribute to improving the environment and quality of life in Larnaca, with benefits related to improving air quality and public health, and promoting social inclusion and accessibility, especially for people with disabilities.

The project, with a total budget of €3.2 million, is implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU. 

Restoration of Square and Landscaping in Zouhouri

The project involves the construction of new paving areas, the creation of green spaces, rest areas and space for small-scale events, facilities for persons with disabilities, the maintenance and restoration of the interior facades of the buildings, the restoration and upgrading of the guest house and the transformation of the ground floor building into an administration and information office. The project aims at the functional and aesthetic improvement of the site, showcasing its historical and traditional character and ensuring the functional connection of the site with surrounding areas in the city centre of Larnaca. The main benefits of the project include the revitalisation and upgrading of the area, as well as the promotion of its historical and traditional character, attracting both locals and foreign visitors.

The project, with a total budget of €3.2 million, was implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU.  

Construction of Traditional Municipal Market in Larnaca

The project includes a ground floor area where the Municipal Market is located. The Market houses 20 shops selling traditional products and fresh produce. An open-air landscaped area hosting an outdoor market (bazaar) for approximately 30 vendors/producers has also been created. The outdoor market is open only once a week (every Saturday), while during the rest of the week the space is used for product exhibitions (e.g. flowers, plants, books, handicrafts). On the top floor, there are four dining areas and a specially designed exhibition hall. A unique green space and a leisure area (roof bar) are to be found on the roof of the building.

The project is part of the overall regeneration plan of the urban centre of Larnaca, which is being upgraded both from an aesthetic and functional perspective, enhancing the attractiveness of the area. It also helps enrich the tourist product, as the Municipal Market offers products from the traditional market of Cyprus that are not available elsewhere, therefore becoming a commercial landmark attracting increased numbers of visitors (both locals and foreigners).

The project, with a total budget of €6.7 million, was co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme “Competitiveness and Sustainable Development 2014-2020”.

Establishment of a Creative Engagement Centre for People with Addiction Issues  

The former residence of Larnaca Police Director, a historical monument, will acquire new purpose and value as a social infrastructure project. The project concerns the conversion of the existing building into a Creative Engagement Centre for People with Addiction Issues. The aim of the Centre is to support and empower individuals with addiction issues as well as enhance their skills. The Centre will provide these vulnerable groups with the means to embrace a productive lifestyle, reintegrate into the labour market and pursue a more active social life.

The project, with a total budget of €1.3 million, is implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU. 

On 19/04/2024, as part of their mission, the DG EMPL delegation, accompanied by officers from DG Growth, visited two co-funded projects in

Limassol Municipality:

Limassol – Paphos Assessment Centre

The Centre is part of the project titled “Extension and Upgrading of the Disability Assessment System”, which aims at the comprehensive assessment and documentation of disability and the necessary support services for the social inclusion and improvement of the quality of life of people with disabilities. Moreover, the project promotes the creation of a scientifically documented database in relation to disability status and the gradual establishment of a National Registry of People with Disabilities in Cyprus. At the same time, the collection of information seeks to achieve more effective targeting and a more rational allocation of State resources, as well as support the drafting of appropriate policies to meet the needs and safeguard the rights of people with disabilities. Three Disability Assessment Centres are operating nationwide under the project. The EU delegation had the opportunity to tour the premises of the Limassol – Paphos Disability Assessment Centre and be informed about the services provided to people with disabilities.

The project, with a total budget of €10.5 million, is implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU. 

Post-Secondary Institute of Vocational Education and Training “Absolute Institute of Technical Education” (ΑΙΤΕ)

The School is part of the project “Development of Technical and Vocational Education and Training”, which aims to establish an integrated, attractive, flexible and high-quality Technical and Vocational Education and Training system that meets the current and future needs of the Cypriot economy and society, as these arise through the ever-changing local and international economic and technological landscape. The Post-Secondary Institute of Vocational Education and Training “Absolute Institute of Technical Education” (AITE), opened its doors in 2023. It is housed in an ultra-modern building with innovative architectural design, the latest material and technical infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology equipment. The EU representatives were given a guided tour of the School’s labs and were informed about the curricula of the Post-Secondary Institutes of Vocational Education and Training. The Institutes are part of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training system and offer high-quality, two-year education and training programmes in developing sectors, aiming to meet the high demand for contemporary professions in the labour market.

The project, with a total budget of €38 million, is implemented under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021-2027”, co-funded by the EU. 

Finally, during a meeting with the Vice Rector of Academic Affairs of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) in Limassol, the EU representatives were informed about the University’s programmes of study and discussed, amongst others, the services provided to students for purposes of guidance, support and assistance in social, psychological and learning issues, the University’s environmental policy, its connection with the labour market, etc. The EU representatives also toured the premises of the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts and met with the Director of  Digital Cultural Heritage Laboratory of TEPAK, who briefed them on the work carried out at the Laboratory. In recognition of its exceptional work, the Laboratory hosts, since 2018, two important chairs of unique international significance, the UNESCO Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage and the EU-ERA Chair on Digital Cultural Heritage.