The “eunite” launch event, organized to introduce the new partnership established between the European Commission and GIZ International Services, took place on 4 October 2023 in Nicosia.
At the opening event, attended by representatives of the European Commission and local bodies, detailed information was given about the EU-funded project, with a special focus on the EU support for upgrading public and animal health in the Turkish Cypriot community, especially in view of the Halloumi/ Hellim PDO scheme implementation.
Judit Rozsa, Director of the European Commission DG Reform Support Unit, made the opening speech of the event and said: “Today I am proud to be officially launching our new partnership with the German Agency for International Cooperation. The first phase of our partnership with GIZ will focus on supporting the implementation of the Halloumi/Hellim PDO scheme. Our goal is to help ensure that the first PDO compliant Turkish Cypriot produced Halloumi/Hellim will be traded across the Green Line and into the EU market by 30 June 2024. This is why we regard the Halloumi/Hellim PDO scheme as a mini-reunification lab because it offers immediate benefits for producers in return for compliance with EU standards.”
GIZ International Services Europe Regional Manager Stefanie Klein emphasized the following:
‘‘The ultimate goal of our cooperation is clear: to foster trade over the Green Line. The Green Line should not be a barrier; it should be a bridge that connects communities and businesses. By supporting the Halloumi/Hellim PDO Scheme implementation, we are not only stimulating economic growth but also fostering understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect among communities.”
