Official member state since: 1st of May 2004
On May 1, 2004, Cyprus, alongside nine other countries (Czech Republic, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, Malta, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia), officially became a member of the European Union. This historic event marked the largest single enlargement to date, both in terms of the number of countries and the population, expanding the EU from 15 to 25 member states.
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First European Elections where Cypriots could vote (2004):
Between the 10th and 13th of June 2004, Cypriots participated in their first European Parliament election. Across the entire EU, a total of 342 million people were eligible to vote, making the 2004 EP elections the second-largest democratic electorate globally, following India. With a turnout of 71.19%, Cyprus successfully elected its first six Members of the European Parliament.
http://results.elections.moi.gov.cy/English/EUROPEAN_ELECTIONS_2004/Islandwide
The first Cypriot winner of a European Heritage prize (2005)
In 2005, a Cypriot project won the first European Heritage Prize for restoring the Omeriye Ottoman Baths in Nicosia. The project’s primary objective was to restore the building, redesign its immediate exterior space, and maintain its traditional use as a hamam. The prize, awarded in the category of Conservation, acknowledges the project, with the jury elaborating on its significant contribution to the respect, preservation, and promotion of the multicultural character and history of the city.
https://www.europeanheritageawards.eu/winners/omeriye-ottoman-baths-nicosia/
Aid for the Turkish Cypriot community (2006)
The EU initiated Aid Regulation 389/2006 in 2006, allocating €259 million over five years to support social and economic development in the Turkish Cypriot community.
https://cyprus.representation.ec.europa.eu/about-us/turkish-cypriot-community_en#aid-for-the-turkish-cypriot-community
Cyprus adopted the Euro: 1st of January 2008
Cyprus officially adopted the euro on January 1, 2008, four years after joining the EU, replacing the Cyprus pound as its official currency. For a brief dual circulation period until January 31, 2008, both the Cyprus pound and the euro were accepted for payments. After this, the euro became the sole official currency in the Republic of Cyprus.
First Cypriot writer to win the European Union Prize for Literature (2010)
Myrto Azina Chronides became the first Cypriot to win the European Union Prize for Literature in 2010, showcasing Cyprus’ literary talent on the international stage, with her book To Peirama (The Experiment). Since 2010, three other Cypriot writers have won the EUPL.
Architectural Heritage of the Buffer Zone in the Walled City of Nicosia (2011)
Cyprus received recognition in 2011 for its research project exploring the Architectural Heritage of the Buffer Zone in Nicosia’s Walled City. Implemented as part of the bi-communal Nicosia Master Plan Project (NMP), initiated in 1980 by both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, the study aimed to enrich the architectural legacy within the division of the walled city. The study encompassed historical analyses, building and public space surveys, emergency support studies, restoration proposals, and an extensive digital database for future projects. The project was seen as an excellent example of a conservation project in a sensitive area of Europe and was unanimously acclaimed by the jury as a fine and comprehensive study.
First presidency of the Council of the EU: 1st of Jul-Dec 2012
Cyprus assumed the presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2012.The presidency of the Council operates on a rotating system, meaning that every EU member state, regardless of size, takes its turn. The country holding the presidency has the responsibility of advancing the Council’s efforts in EU legislation, maintaining the consistency of the EU agenda, overseeing organized legislative processes, and fostering collaboration among member states. In order to fulfil these duties, the presidency is required to serve as a fair and impartial mediator. During the Cyprus presidency, several significant milestones were achieved, including historic agreements on the Unitary Patent Package and the Single Supervisory Mechanism. Additionally, Cyprus played an important role in advancing negotiations on the Multiannual Financial Framework and made substantial progress on the Common European Asylum System. The next time Cyprus will hold the presidency is during the first half of 2026.
European Heritage award for Home for Cooperation (2014)
he Home for Cooperation, an Educational Centre in the Buffer Zone, received a European Heritage Award in 2014 for its role in promoting unity and collaboration between Cypriot communities. Unlike neighboring structures in the buffer zone that still echo conflict, the Home for Cooperation was seen as an embodiment of unity, hosting educational programs, research, and dialogues aimed at fostering critical thinking and citizenship. The jury recognized its easy accessibility from both sides of the divide, marking it as a symbol of collaboration between Cypriot communities and the international community.
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Paphos is European Capital of Culture in 2017
Paphos earned the title of European Capital of Culture in 2017, becoming the first Cypriot city to achieve this honour. Being the European Capital of Culture brings advantages such as international recognition and numerous cultural, social, and economic benefits. Operating under the motto ‘Linking Continents – Bridging Cultures,’ Paphos aimed to unite residents, visitors, and migrants, transforming the city into a shared space for all its citizens. Currently, three Cypriot cities—Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca—are in the race to win the prestigious title in 2030, with hopes of following in Paphos’ footsteps.
EU funding contributes to decrease in youth unemployment (2017)
EU funding contributed to a significant decrease in youth unemployment in Cyprus between 2013 and 2017, supporting job creation schemes and empowerment programs. Following a dramatic increase of youth unemployment triggered by the economic crisis, funded job-creation schemes for unemployed youth were implemented, along with Human Resource Development Authority (HRDA) programs aimed at empowering the female workforce and encouraging participation in apprenticeship programs. This collective effort resulted in a reduction of youth unemployment to 26% by 2017.
Second place Eurovision Song Contest, highest placing in the tournament (so far) for Cyprus (2018)
Cyprus achieved its highest Eurovision Song Contest ranking in 2018 with Eleni Foureira’s song “Fuego,” earning second place with 436 points.
European Commission registers Χαλλούμι/Halloumi/Hellim as a Protected Designation of Origin (2021)
of Origin (PDO) in 2021. With this distinction, the valuable name is safeguarded from imitation and misuse throughout the EU, entailing that only Halloumi produced in Cyprus, according to the specified product criteria, is permitted to use the registered name. Through this recognition, both the cultural value and the economic significance of the national cheese of Cyprus were acknowledged.
Commission launched new ‘EU One Stop Shop’ to boost Green Line trade in Cyprus (2023)
In 2023, the European Commission launched the ‘EU One Stop Shop’ service in Cyprus. This service was designed to offer information and technical assistance to businesses and individuals involved in or interested in trading across the Green Line. The launch reflected the potential to foster economic opportunities and build trust between communities. The ‘One Stop Shop’ provides accessible information on Green Line trade procedures and EU standards, with experts proficient in Greek, Turkish, and English. It was financed through the EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, with €688 million allocated since 2006.
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15.000.000 million EU contribution to Protection of critical infrastructure in Cyprus from natural disasters (23 nov. 2023
The EU contributed €15 million to the protection of critical infrastructure in Cyprus from natural disasters. In response to the need for resilient critical infrastructures (CIs), the KIOS Centre of Excellence in Cyprus was established with EU Teaming funding. The Centre uses intelligent systems to enhance efficiency, security, and resilience in various sectors, including power, water, transportation, and healthcare. Through technologies like artificial intelligence, KIOS develops innovative solutions to tackle emerging challenges and promote sustainability. Collaborating with national and international partners, KIOS ensures its solutions address both local and global concerns, driving forward the digital transformation of Cyprus’s CIs and contributing to a safer, more sustainable future.
Largest EU funded project for the Turkish Cypriot community was completed (2024)
The Famagusta Sewerage Network, the largest EU-funded project for the Turkish Cypriot community, was successfully completed in 2024. With a value exceeding 20 million euros, the project aimed to address Famagusta’s long-standing wastewater problem, benefiting nearly 50,000 people.