Cyprus government approves 2026 support subsidies for mountain and remote areas

The Cyprus Council of Ministers has approved a support scheme for residents of mountain and remote communities for the year 2026. The program consists of two primary allowances: an altitude-based payment and a distance-based payment. For the altitude-based scheme, households at 600–800 metres receive €175, those at 801–1,000 metres receive €225, and those above 1,000 metres receive €260, with an additional €165 per household member. Eligibility requires two years of continuous residency for Cypriot and EU nationals, while non-EU citizens, monasteries, and holiday homeowners are excluded. The distance-based allowance targets non-retired workers living at least 40 kilometres from urban centres, or 30–39 kilometres away if situated at an altitude of 700 metres or higher. Minister of Interior Constantinos Ioannou stated that the initiative aims to promote regional development. The scheme serves as a continuation of existing policies previously implemented by the government.