Christodoulides invites communities to propose projects for €3.5 billion funding round

Sykopetra, Cyprus. President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday that communities had been invited to propose projects under a new funding round totalling €3.5 billion. He made the announcement while visiting Sykopetra, a village in Limassol, to inaugurate the Prophet Elias community park and a mini football pitch.

Project proposals sought for September approval

Christodoulides said government decisions in the new funding period would cover projects throughout Cyprus with a combined value of €3.5 billion.

He encouraged the community council to submit proposals independently or jointly with nearby communities, with approval sought next September.

According to the president, the council’s share of contributions towards development projects has been reduced to 5 per cent.

Infrastructure and schools to support village growth

Christodoulides said government projects demonstrated its commitment to rural communities and mountainous areas. He stressed that infrastructure was needed, particularly in Limassol, to enable young couples to return to villages, with the goal of increasing their populations beyond 120 residents.

As an example, he pointed to the decision taken in 2024 to retain Kampos primary school despite its enrolment of just one pupil. Attendance had since risen considerably, he said, because the school had attracted young parents to the village.

Support for local facilities

The president said the community could count on support to equip the clinic at its stadium.

Regarding community toilets, he asked the council to specify the amount required for studies, which would be handled through the commissioner for mountainous communities.