WRITTEN QUESTION E-2017/01 by Chris Davies (ELDR) and Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission. Bi-communal projects on Cyprus.
Date: 2001-07-13
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Cyprus, EU programme, accession to the European Union, development aid, financial cooperation, fund (EU)

C 93 E/46

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

18.4.2002

Answer given by Mr Prodi on behalf of the Commission

(8 October 2001)

The White Paper was adopted by the Commission on 25 July 2001 (1). The text is available on the Europa
site (http://europa.eu.int/governance/white_paper/index_en.htm) and will shortly be published in brochure
form by the Publications Office.

The White Paper was drafted by the Commission. Preparatory work involved most departments, meeting
within twelve working parties set up and coordinated by a team reporting to the Secretary-General. The
themes and working methods were adopted by the Commission on 11 October 2000 (2).

Preparatory work included workshops, surveys, consultations and hearings of people outside the
Commission. A detailed report on these consultations has been drawn up. It will be included in the
preparatory documents to the White Paper which will be published shortly. A copy of the report is being
sent direct to the Honourable Member and Parliament’s Secretariat.

The White Paper did not have a budget of its own. The necessary human and financial resources were
financed from administrative appropriations regularly allocated by the budgetary authority to the
Commission in order to carry out its tasks.

(1) COM(2001) 428 final.
(2) SEC(2000) 1547/7 final, published on http://europa.eu.int/comm/governance/work/en.pdf.

(2002/C 93 E/060)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2015/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) and Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Lefke Copper Mines, Cyprus

(13 July 2001)

Has the Commission any concerns about possible future damage to the ecology of the Mediterranean Sea
as a result of cyanide and other pollutants escaping from the workings around the abandoned copper
mines at Lefke in occupied northern Cyprus?

Will the Commission give consideration to the possibility of using funds allocated for bi-communal
activities on Cyprus to carry out a study into this issue?

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(4 September 2001)

The Commission is aware of the Lefke copper mine in northern Cyprus and the environmental fears that
have been expressed from some quarters. The Commission will decide whether there is scope for a
Community initiative in this area on the basis of the results of an assessment study being launched by the
United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

(2002/C 93 E/061)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2017/01

by Chris Davies (ELDR) and Monica Frassoni (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

Subject: Bi-communal projects on Cyprus

(13 July 2001)

What allocation of funding towards bi-communal projects on Cyprus has been made in each financial year
since an allocation was first agreed?

18.4.2002

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 93 E/47

How much of this funding has been spent in each of these years?

How much is currently committed towards future or existing projects agreed by all relevant parties?

What bi-communal projects have been completed and what are currently being undertaken? (Please list by
name and nature of project).

Answer given by Mr Verheugen on behalf of the Commission

(5 September 2001)

the two Cypriot
Bi-communal projects are considered a main element
communities. Therefore the Commission supports any operations which may contribute to such an
objective.

the reconciliation of

for

In the past and under the Mediterranean Development Assistance Programme (MEDA), the Commission
signed four Financial Protocols in the framework of financial co-operation with Cyprus.

In the Second Financial Protocol € 3,9 million were allocated to the Nicosia Master Plan* (rehabilitation
and revitalisation of the centre of old Nicosia, especially pedestrian areas), and € 2,4 million to improve the
Nicosia sewerage system.

Since 2000 and the new Council Regulation on the pre-accession strategy for Cyprus and Malta (2000-
2004) (Council Regulation (EC) No 555/2000 of 13 March 2000 on the implementation of operations in
the framework of the pre-accession strategy for the Republic of Cyprus and the Republic of Malta (1)), one
third of each annual allocation for Cyprus is dedicated to bi-communal activities: 1⁄3rd of € 57 million =
€ 19 million.

Only the funds committed under the past Financial Protocols have been spent until now. The funds
committed since 2000 (see below), have not been spent yet but the 2000 budget for the Nicosia Master
Plan has been contracted.

4th Financial Protocol

Development of Civil Society F Grant scheme for
NGO projects

€ 1,9 million Under way

Translation of the Acquis into Turkish

€ 3,0 million Under way

Pre-accession funds

2000

2001

Nicosia Master Plan (1) F Omeriye and Solemiye areas

€ 3,0 million Under way

Nicosia Master Plan (1) F Phaneromeni, Samanbahce
areas

Support to Trade Unions of both communities on the
Acquis

Communication Strategy

€ 3,3 million

Start in 2002

€ 0,3 million

Start in 2002

€ 0,2 million

Start 10/2001

(1)

The management of EC funded projects under the Nicosia Master Plan is delegated to UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project
Services).

(1) OJ L 68, 16.3.2000.