European Commission confirms no common agricultural policy funds for occupied Cyprus

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed that no payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are being, or have been, provided to farmers in the areas of Cyprus not under the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus. In a letter dated July 16, 2026, addressed to Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantelas (EPP/DISY), the President clarified that all CAP funds for Cyprus are managed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment in accordance with the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan.

The correspondence was prompted by concerns raised by MEP Hadjipantelas regarding the potential distribution of agricultural subsidies in the occupied territories, particularly amidst an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease. The MEP had warned that gaps in the implementation of European veterinary protocols and animal welfare standards in these regions pose risks to the Republic of Cyprus and the integrity of the European Union's single market.

Regarding the disease outbreak, the Commission emphasized that the eradication of foot-and-mouth disease requires the consistent application of EU veterinary legislation across the entire island. President von der Leyen expressed support for the ongoing efforts to combat the disease, specifically highlighting the collaboration between the two communities facilitated by the bicommunal Technical Committee on Health.