Funding for projects in municipalities and communities is expected to total €3.5 billion during the European Union’s 2028–2034 programming period, said President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides during his speech at the inauguration of the project to revitalize the traditional center of the Menoiko Community.
As the President noted, of the total amount of €3.5 billion, €2.5 billion will come from the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework, through the Cohesion Fund and other European funds, while the remaining €1 billion will come from national resources.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
Mr. Christodoulides stated that by September 2027, the government will decide which projects will be included in the plan and will notify the European Union accordingly.
“It is very important that the projects be well-developed,” he said, calling on local authorities to collaborate with the District Administrations to ensure that projects are brought to maturity in a timely manner, the necessary permits are secured, and available resources are utilized.
Support for Menoikos’s Requests
Referring to the requests made by the Community of Menoikos, the President announced that the construction of a cemetery will be included in the 2027 budgets.
Regarding the reservoir, he noted that he is aware of the problem in the area, including the price per metric ton compared to other areas of Cyprus, and stated that the government is prepared to fund its construction through the Water Development Department once the Community completes the necessary preliminary work.
At the same time, regarding the hall intended, among other things, for use by the younger generation, he called on the Community to secure the plans and permits so that financial funding for the project can proceed.
Here is his speech in its entirety:
Dear friends, regarding the requests you have raised,
As for the issues you’ve raised—first, regarding the cemetery—it will be included in the 2027 budgets.
As for the reservoir, I am aware that there is a problem in the area regarding the price per metric ton compared to other areas of Cyprus; this issue was raised just yesterday, we are ready to address the reservoir issue; please carry out the necessary preliminary work, and we, will proceed financially through the Water Development Department to construct the reservoir.
The other matter concerns the hall, which will be used primarily by the younger generation; you will need to secure the plans and permits and come to me for financial support.
Thank God, the country’s economic situation is very good.
Let me remind you that due to irresponsible policies, we drove the country into bankruptcy in 2012–2013. Today, through responsible policies, we have achieved the highest growth rate in Europe and are able to extend this growth to the world, particularly in the areas of education, health, and the welfare state—you can rely on the government. For us, these are not mere accounting entries or financial expenses; they are an investment in our country’s future. So, we will also move forward with the construction of the auditorium.
It is with great pleasure that I am visiting Menoiko today, together with the Minister of the Interior and the Director of my Office, to inaugurate an important project for the community and its people: the revitalization of the traditional town center, in the area surrounding the Holy Church of Saints Cyprian and Justina.
A project that substantially enhances the appearance, but above all the functionality, of the area and, at the same time, serves the broader and important goal of preserving and highlighting the unique identity of our communities, as well as creating better living conditions for the residents of our rural areas, which is particularly important.
The comprehensive revitalization of the community’s traditional center—a project with a total investment of approximately one million euros—was carried out by the Nicosia District Administration—our friend the District Administrator is doing an excellent job, and we support the efforts and strengthening of his Office; I am aware of the challenges he faces – co-financed by European funds through the Rural Development Program.
The project, which began in October 2023 and was completed in April 2025, includes a series of interventions throughout the region that substantially upgrade the traditional center, enhancing functionality, safety, and accessibility, and gives a new look to a space of unique religious and cultural significance not only for Menoiko but also for our country as a whole.
The project we are inaugurating today is part of a broader effort to comprehensively revitalize the Community of Menoiko. A prime example—words are nice, but they must be backed up by actions—during the term we have undertaken, 2023–2026, the Nicosia District Administration, in collaboration with the Menoikos Community Council, has implemented or promoted projects with a total value of 1.57 million euros.
These include:
· the upgrade of the Menoiko–Kato Moni road, at a cost of 401,000 euros,
· the improvement and maintenance of the community road network, at a cost of approximately 165,000 euros,
· maintenance and improvement projects for rural roads,
· the upgrade of the community park, as well as
· the planned reconstruction of sidewalks on both sides of Agios Kyprianos Street.
These projects, along with the perfectly justified requests made by the Community Leader, share a common goal: to improve residents’ daily lives, upgrade public spaces, and create better conditions for the development of the community and the wider region. Because Menoiko, given the housing challenges in cities, is an ideal location, as are the surrounding communities, to encourage young couples to come and build their lives here, and to tackle the challenges—particularly those related to housing.
All of this is encapsulated in the core of our philosophy, which aims to revitalize the Cypriot countryside, because for us, supporting the countryside is neither a piecemeal policy nor limited to the implementation of individual projects. On the contrary, it is a holistic approach, led by the Minister of the Interior, who is doing an excellent job and always responds to the communities’ requests. An approach linked to the revitalization of our villages, the creation of modern, high-quality infrastructure—particularly in education and health care—along with housing policy, support for the local economy and entrepreneurship, and the promotion of our cultural heritage, which is of particular importance.
All of this creates the conditions for improving the quality of life for our residents.
And I would like to take this opportunity to address the President of this Community—though the presidents of other communities are also here—and to reiterate that by 2027 at the latest, by September 2027, our Government will decide on projects to be carried out during the EU programming period—that is, from January 1, 2028, through 2034—amounting to 3.5 billion euros. 2.5 billion comes from the EU’s Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF)—either through the Cohesion Fund or other funds—from appropriations managed by the ministries, and another 1 billion comes from national allocations, so that this total of 3.5 billion can be allocated to help our municipalities and communities achieve the goals we have set.
That is why it is very important for the projects to be ready; the District Administrator is here to help you bring the projects to fruition so that we, by September 2027 at the latest, can approve and inform the EU about how these 3.5 billion euros will be spent. And we are here to work together, to collaborate; our common goal is to upgrade our communities, to improve the daily lives of our citizens, and I am confident that with significant European funding, as well as national resources, we have the means to achieve our goal.
What I am telling you is not a vague declaration, but is demonstrated through actions and projects.
In the Nicosia District, projects totaling over 5.725 million euros have been completed over the past two years.
At the same time, through mid-2027, we have budgeted—not merely promised, but actually budgeted—an amount nearing 4 million euros for projects in the Nicosia District. Cooperation with the District Governor is crucial; there are often delays, whether due to the readiness of the projects or the securing of permits, so we must work together to make the most of these resources.
I would like to congratulate the District Governor and his staff, the Community President and the Community Council for their cooperation in implementing the project we are inaugurating today and, more broadly, for advancing the existing plan.
Our goal is to create modern and vibrant communities, improve their appearance and functionality, strengthen local economic activity, and, at the same time, to create conditions that make rural areas more attractive for housing, work, business, and tourism, while also highlighting our history, our religious heritage, and our traditions.
All I ask of you, my friend, the President of the community, is that we work together to bring these projects to fruition.
