European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has clarified the status of EU agricultural support in the areas of Cyprus where the Republic does not exercise effective control.
Her response followed a letter from Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela concerning agricultural aid and the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island.
Commission clarifies CAP funding
No payments under the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) are being made, or have previously been made, to livestock farmers in the north, von der Leyen said in her response to the DISY and European People’s Party MEP.
According to a statement from Hadjipantela, the Commission president also made clear that the EU executive would continue supporting measures aimed at eradicating foot-and-mouth disease across Cyprus.
Veterinary protocols under scrutiny
In his letter to the European Commission, Hadjipantela raised concerns about compliance with European veterinary protocols and rules governing animal health, animal welfare and food safety in the north.
He warned that possible gaps in inspections could pose risks to the Republic of Cyprus, neighbouring member states and the EU single market more broadly.
The MEP also requested clarification from the Commission on the status of European funding and the measures being taken to contain the spread of the disease.
Hadjipantela calls for full compliance
Following von der Leyen’s response, Hadjipantela welcomed the Commission’s position and said protecting animal health, food safety and the single market required the full application of European rules.
“The application of European rules cannot have gaps,” he said.
“I will continue to monitor the issue closely and intervene at the European level to protect Cypriot livestock farmers, consumers and public health, while ensuring the proper and full application of European rules.”
