Nicosia, Cyprus. European Commission representatives toured multiple sites funded under the Thalia 2021-2027 programme in Cyprus last week during an annual review, according to an announcement issued on Monday. Several of the projects are nearing completion or have already been completed.
Programme overview
Thalia 2021-2027 is a €1.8 billion development programme aimed at promoting jobs and economic growth in Cyprus through the green and digital transitions. It is funded partly through EU Cohesion Policy funds and partly through Cyprus national funds.
Visits in Nicosia
Representatives from the EU general directorate for regional and urban policy, DG REGIO, and the EU general directorate for employment, social affairs and social inclusion, DG EMPL, visited the Apollon solar panel park at the University of Cyprus and new facilities at the engineering school in Nicosia.
The Apollon park became operational in September last year and is expected to cover nearly half of the university’s energy needs. At the engineering school, new research facilities opened last May following €20.8 million in funding, in addition to previous funding received during the 2014–2020 Cohesion Policy period.
The representatives also toured the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, where a €720,000 project is being funded for animal rehabilitation and reintroduction.
Visits in Larnaca
In Larnaca, the representatives visited the Tsiakkileros multifunctional park, a green space that opened in April and includes sports facilities and other outdoor activities. They also visited the Evanthia Pieridou senior care home, which was demolished and reconstructed using Thalia funds and inaugurated in January.
Other project meetings
DG REGIO representatives also met with projects in the areas of water management and research and innovation. DG EMPL representatives visited a programme aimed at supporting independent living for people with disabilities.
Scale of the programme
Thalia 2021-2027 remains the largest public development programme in Cyprus.