Report from the Commission to the Council - Annual Report on the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) 866/2004 of 29 April 2004 and the situation resulting from its application {SEC(2009) 1182}
Date: 2009-09-14
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Cyprus, accession to the European Union, activity report, application of EU law, border control, customs regulations

EN 

EN 

   EN 

 
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 14.9.2009 
COM(2009) 478 final 

REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL 

Annual Report on the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) 866/2004 of 29 April 
2004 and the situation resulting from its application 

{SEC(2009) 1182} 

EN 

   EN 

 
 
  
 
 
REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE COUNCIL 

Annual Report on the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) 866/2004 of 29 April 
2004 and the situation resulting from its application 

Introduction 

The Council Regulation (EC) 866/2004 of 29 April on a regime under Article 2 of Protocol 10 
to the Act of Accession1 (hereafter: Green Line Regulation, GLR) entered into force on 1 May 
2004. It defines the terms under which the provisions of the EU law apply to the movement of 
persons, goods and services across the Line between the areas of the Republic of Cyprus in 
which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control and the 
areas in which it does. 

This report covers the period 1 May 2008 - 30 April 2009. 

1. 

AMENDMENTS TO THE GREEN LINE REGULATION 

On 16 June 2008 the Council adopted a Regulation amending the Green Line Regulation to 
further facilitate trade on the island of Cyprus.2 

The  amending  Regulation  provided  for  a  general  lifting  of  duties  on  agricultural  products 
originating in the northern part of Cyprus when being traded across the Line. Furthermore, the 
total maximum value of goods contained in the personal luggage of persons crossing the Line 
was  increased  from  € 135  to  € 260  so  as  to  encourage  the  economic  development  of  the 
Turkish Cypriot community. Goods up to this amount can now be introduced free of customs, 
excise duties and taxes across the Line into the government-controlled areas of the Republic 
of Cyprus or the UK Sovereign Base Area3. This rule does not apply to cigarettes and alcohol 
for which the limits are defined in Article 6 (2) GLR. Finally, the amendments regulated in a 
transparent way the temporary introduction of goods (for up to six months) from the northern 
part of Cyprus into the government-controlled areas or the SBA. 

The  amendments  to  the  GLR  have  been  implemented  without  problems.  They  have  not, 
though, led to a noticeable increase in trade of related products or of the provision of services 
by Turkish Cypriots across the Line. 

With regard to the temporary introduction of goods, national Cypriot rules (in the form of a 
Circular  by  the  Customs  Department;  mirrored  by  the  SBA  Administration)  have  been  in 
place  since  1  November  2008.  Since  then,  in  total,  73  cases  have  been  recorded;  27  cases 
concerned goods to be repaired, 14 goods to be exhibited and one case concerned professional 
equipment. A further 31 cases concerned means of transport (registered in other countries) of 
persons  who  had  entered  the  government-controlled  areas  via  a  port  in  the  northern  part  of 

1 

2 

3 

OJ L 161, 30.4.2004, p. 128. Regulation as last amended by Council Regulation (EC) No 587/2008 (OJ 
L 163, 24.6.2008, p.1). 
OJ L 163, 24.6.2008, p. 1. Council Regulation EC No 587/2008 of 16 June 2008 amending Regulation 
(EC) No 866/2004. 
Hereafter: SBA 

EN 

2 

   EN 

                                                 
Cyprus and who stated an intention to stay in the government-controlled areas for less than six 
months. So far no guarantee has been required for the temporary introduction. 

2. 

IMPLEMENTING MEASURES 

On  21  January  2009,  the  Commission  adopted  a  Decision  on  the  appointment  of  additional 
phytosanitary experts to carry out inspections in the areas of the Republic of Cyprus not under 
the effective control of the Government (see below point 4.6) 

3. 

CROSSING OF PERSONS 

3.1. 

Crossing at authorised crossing points 

The Regulation  provides a stable legal framework  for  the  free  movement  of  Cypriots,  other 
EU citizens and third country nationals who cross the Line at the authorised crossing points. 
According  to  the  available  data  from  the  Republic  of  Cyprus,  730,310  (previous  year: 
633,163)  Greek  Cypriots  in  193,909  vehicles  (previous  year:  426,990)4  crossed  from  the 
government-controlled  areas  to  the  northern  part  of  Cyprus  and  1,287,126  (previous  year: 
1,162,739)  Turkish  Cypriots  in  451,334  vehicles  (previous  year:  602,992)  crossed  from  the 
northern  part  of  Cyprus  to  the  government-controlled  areas  during  the  reporting  period.5 
According to data from the Republic of Cyprus, during the reporting period a further 739,097 
non-Cypriot EU citizens and third country nationals crossed the line (figure for the previous 
year not available). 

These  figures  do  not  include  data  on  persons  and  vehicles  crossing  at  the  Pergamos  and 
Strovilia  crossing  points,  both  under  the  authority  of  the  SBA  Administration.  No  detailed 
statistics are kept by the latter for these two crossing points. Average annual figures for this 
reporting period are estimated by the SBA Administration as 94,000 Greek Cypriots crossing 
to the northern part of Cyprus and 243,000 Turkish Cypriots crossing to the SBA for Strovilia 
and  34,000  Greek  Cypriots  crossing  to  the  northern  part  of  Cyprus  and  168,000  Turkish 
Cypriots crossing to the SBA for Pergamos.6 

The number of Republic of Cyprus Police (hereafter: CYPOL) personnel working directly at 
the crossing points was slightly decreased from 67 (2008) to 63 (2009). 

No major incidents were reported as regards the daily crossing of people at the check points. 

4 

5 

6 

According  to  statistics  received  from  the  Republic  of  Cyprus,  the  average  monthly  flow  of  Greek 
Cypriot vehicles to the northern part of Cyprus was 50,000 to 60,000 until November 2007 and then fell 
sharply to about a third (15,000 to 20,000 vehicles) and stayed on that low level thereafter, including 
during this reporting period. This drop results mainly from the exclusion from the reported statistics as 
from  November  2007  of  vehicles  crossing  at  the  Pergamos  and  Strovilia  crossing  points  (both  under 
SBA Administration authority). 
The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus do not keep records for the return of Greek Cypriots to the 
government-controlled areas and for the return of Turkish Cypriots to the northern part of Cyprus (see 
Annex VII).  
According  to  information  from  the  Turkish  Cypriot  community,  during  the  reporting  period,  645,091 
Greek Cypriots in 200,892 vehicles crossed from the government-controlled areas to the northern part 
of Cyprus and 1,708,919 Turkish Cypriots in 645,303 vehicles crossed from the northern part of Cyprus 
to the government-controlled areas. 

EN 

3 

   EN 

                                                 
3.2. 

Illegal migration across the Green Line 

The  high  number  of  third  country  nationals  crossing  the  Line  illegally  remains  an  area  of 
serious  concern.  In  the  reporting  period,  data  from  the  Republic  of  Cyprus  indicate  that  the 
total number of apprehended illegal immigrants decreased slightly in comparison to last year's 
record level (from 5844 to 5560) – Annex IV 

CYPOL  reported  that  out  of  these  5,560  illegal  immigrants,  only  35  directly  entered  the 
government-controlled  areas  whereas  5,525  entered  the  government-controlled  areas  across 
the Green Line. Out of these 5,525 illegal immigrants, 5,347 were apprehended by CYPOL 
and 178 by the SBA Police and subsequently handed over to CYPOL. According to CYPOL, 
illegal  immigrants  originated  mainly  from  the  following  countries:  Syria  (48 %),  Iran  (9%) 
and  West  Bank  and  Gaza  strip  (9 %).  A  large  number  of  third  country  nationals  who  enter 
illegally later apply for asylum (2,226 out of 5,560). Similarly, a significant number of illegal 
immigrants departed voluntarily (2,415, in comparison to 1,509 last year).7 

The assessment of the entry route into the government-controlled areas by CYPOL is based 
on the same criteria as in previous years8, primarily through documents and statements made 
by the immigrants themselves. 

As regards documents, figures from CYPOL indicate a worrying trend that 65 % (last year: 
47 %) of those illegal immigrants who are reported to have entered the government-controlled 
areas across the Line (3,486 out of 5,347) had either a Turkish or a Turkish Cypriot entry or 
exit stamp (36 % and 28 % respectively9), a visa issued by Turkey which allowed the transit 
into the northern part of Cyprus (1 %) or a 'visa' or a 'residence permit' of the 'TRNC' (0.2 %) 
in their passports.10 

According  to  information  from  the  Republic  of  Cyprus  authorities,  131  illegal  immigrants 
(mostly Syrians and Iraqis) were identified as having used a direct ferry link from Latakia in 
Syria  to  Famagusta  in  the  northern  part  of  Cyprus,  thus  avoiding  transit  through  Turkey. 
However, they suspect that a much larger number of illegal immigrants used this route. 

Several unauthorised  "crossing points" in or  near  the village of Pergamos (located partly in 
the SBA and partly in the northern part of Cyprus), which are still used by local residents and 
farmers, are particularly difficult to control. In this context, the SBA Administration informed 
the  Commission  that  the  SBA  Police,  SBA  Customs  and  Immigration  Department  and  UK 
military resources continue to work closely together to combat illegal migration. In addition, a 
special intelligence team was established by the SBA Customs and Immigration Department, 
the  latter  has  also  recruited  seven  additional  operational  officers,  patrols  in  general  are 
conducted  more  frequently  (in  total  2816  patrols  during  the  reporting  period),  additional 
training  was  provided  and  various  technical  assets  (in  particular  for  night-vision)  were 
purchased.  The  SBA  Administration  also  continues  to  successfully  share  intelligence  and 
maintain a good cooperation with both sides. 

7 
8 

9 
10 

See Annex VI 
See  in  particular  last  year's  Green  Line  Report  (Communication  from  the  Commission  of  27.8.2008, 
COM(2008) 529 final), page 4. 
The percentages are calculated as components of the 65 % figure. 
See Annexes VI and VIII 

EN 

4 

   EN 

                                                 
According to information from the Turkish Cypriot community, during the reporting period, 
2,713  third  country  nationals  were  not  allowed  to  enter  the  northern  part  of  Cyprus  (1,146 
were from Turkey)11; 582 illegal immigrants were detained (most of them coming from Syria) 
and 564 return decisions were taken (though no deportations were actually carried out). 

The Commission has maintained a constructive dialogue with the relevant authorities of the 
Republic  of  Cyprus  and  the  Sovereign  Base  Area  Administration  at  working  level.  A  joint 
workshop  and  other  meetings  were  held  focusing  in  particular  on  the  problem  of  illegal 
migration across the Line. 

On this occasion, the representatives of the Republic of Cyprus informed the Commission of 
measures taken during the reporting period. These measures included the adoption by CYPOL 
of a four-year Strategic Plan (2008-2011) of which combating illegal migration forms a part, 
using  additional  staff  of  local  Police  Stations  and  other  Police  Services  in  patrolling  the 
Line12, the permanent presence of a Special Police Squad in the vulnerable area of the villages 
of  Pergamos  and  Pyla,  signing  of  a  Memorandum  of  Understanding  by  CYPOL  and  the 
Cyprus  National  Guard  in  April  2009  aiming  at  closer  cooperation  and  the  use  of  two 
helicopters13 for the surveillance of the Line. 

Both the Republic of Cyprus and the SBA reinforced their surveillance of the Line during the 
reporting period. The Republic of Cyprus remains careful to avoid any measure which could 
lead to the Green Line taking on the appearance of an external border. No direct exchange of 
information  between  the  Greek  Cypriot  and  the  Turkish  Cypriot  communities  took  place 
during  the  reporting  period.  However,  within  the  framework  of  the  bi-communal  Technical 
Committee  on  Crime and Criminal Matters operating  under UN auspices, the  leaders of  the 
two communities did agree in principle to establish a unit for exchange of information. 

Control at the crossing points is assessed as effective. However, in view of the still worryingly 
high  flow  of  illegal  immigrants,  the  Commission  is  of  the  opinion  that  strengthened 
surveillance  of  the  Line  between  the  crossing  points  conducted  by  the  Republic  of  Cyprus 
pursuant to Art 3 GLR and by the Sovereign Base Area Administration pursuant to Art 2 (5) 
GLR will be an important contribution to help tackle the problem of illegal migration into the 
EU. Contacts between the two communities should not be hindered. 

4. 

CROSSING OF GOODS 

4.1. 

Value of trade 

Pursuant  to  Art  8  of  the  Commission  Regulation  (EC)  1480/200414,  the  Turkish  Cypriot 
Chamber of Commerce (hereafter: TCCoC) reported on a monthly basis on the type, volume 
and value of goods for which it has issued accompanying documents. 

11 
12 

13 

14 

Only 17 of which at the Green Line crossing points. 
In total, a minimum total of 129 man hours (last year: 110) per day were used for patrolling the Line 
between  the  crossing  points  by  328  local  Police  officers  (last  year:  241);  (increase  partly  due  to 
intensified  reporting  obligations).  Additionally,  other  Police  Services  carry  out  special  operations  as 
well as regular and random patrols. 
During  the  reporting  period, two  helicopters  (one  the  previous  year)  carried out  in  total  100 hours  of 
patrols of the Line (last year: 90 hours). 
Commission Regulation (EC) No 1480/2004 of 10 August 2004, OJ L 272, 20.8.2004, p. 3. 

EN 

5 

   EN 

                                                 
The authorities of the Republic of Cyprus also communicated the type, volume and value of 
goods  that  have  crossed  the  Line  in  monthly  reports  to  the  Commission.  Those  reports 
included  goods  that  entered  the  government-controlled  areas  through  the  crossing  points  of 
Pergamos and Strovilia, which are under the authority of the SBA Administration. 

According  to  reports  from  the  TCCoC,  the  total  value  of  goods  for  which  accompanying 
documents were issued in the reporting period amounted to €8,573,421 whereas the value of 
goods actually traded was €5,471,465. 15 

In  comparison  to  the  previous  reporting  period,  these  figures  show  an  increase  in  the  total 
value of goods crossing the Line. According to the reports provided by the authorities of the 
Republic of Cyprus, the total trade value of goods which actually crossed the Line increased 
by more than a third to €6,111,030, compared to  € 4,473,408 in the previous reporting period. 
It should be noted that trade in potatoes accounted again for almost 30% of the overall trade 
value and is the main component of the increase in Green Line trade. 

In  October  2008,  goods  worth  more  than  € 830,000  crossed  the  Line.  This  was  the  highest 
level recorded since the GLR came into force. The main component was potatoes, worth more 
than € 450,000. 

Green Line trade as a percentage of overall trade of the Turkish Cypriot community has been 
steadily increasing, reaching in 2008 a record level of almost 12 %. 

Although  not  covered  by  the  scope  of  the  GLR,  it  may  be  noted  that  trade  from  the 
government-controlled  areas  to  the  northern  part  of  Cyprus  amounted  to  a  value  of 
€ 1,095,060 in the reporting period compared to 
€ 1,015,340 in the previous one according to 
figures  from  the  Cyprus  Chamber  of  Commerce  and  Industry.  Trade  from  the  government-
controlled  areas  to  the  northern  part  of  Cyprus  therefore  remained  about  the  same  and 
amounts to about a sixth of the trade in the opposite direction (in the previous reporting period 
it was still about a quarter).16 

The  Turkish  Cypriot  community  continues  to  apply  a  trade  system,  which,  in  principle, 
"mirrors"  the  restrictions  of  the  Green  Line  Regulation.  However,  the  2008  amendments  to 
the GLR have not been mirrored particularly as regards the increase in the duty free facilities 
for  travellers  from  135  €  to  260  €  (see  point 
1).  The  Turkish  Cypriot  trade  regime  is  not 
always  consistently  applied,  making  it  difficult  to  establish  sustainable  trade  relations. 
Protection  of  the  local  economy  is  openly  stated  by  the  Turkish  Cypriot  side  as  the  main 
reason. For instance, several Turkish Cypriot potato growers were not permitted to bring seed 
potatoes  into  the  northern  part  of  Cyprus  in  summer  2008  through  the  Green  Line.  This 
problem was not of a scale to have a major impact on the potato production there. 

4.2. 

Type of goods 

The figures on the types of traded goods show a limited number of new products crossing the 
Line into the government-controlled areas, fresh fish being the most prominent one. As in the 

15 
16 

See Annexes I, II and III 
Statistics  on  credit  card  expenditure  suggest,  though,  that  Turkish  Cypriots  spent  several  millions  of 
Euro (and increasingly more) in the supermarkets and other stores in the government-controlled areas, 
which is not reflected in official Green Line statistics. 

EN 

6 

   EN 

                                                 
previous reporting period, vegetables constituted the main group of products traded, this year 
followed by building materials and articles of stone.17 

Trade across the Line during the reporting period was with one single exception solely for the 
purpose  of  intra-island  trade.  In  May  2008,  samples  of  soil  and  water  (with  no  commercial 
value) crossed the Line and were then flown to Germany to be tested. However there continue 
to  be  suspicions  (as  reported  to  the  Commission  by  the  independent  phytosanitary  experts) 
that  Turkish  Cypriot  potatoes,  originally  declared  as  being  destined  for  consumption  in 
Cyprus, were repacked in the government-controlled areas and sold abroad. 

4.3. 

Irregularities 

Since May 2008, eight cases of irregularities (involving a trade value of in total € 7,166) have 
been reported by the Republic of Cyprus authorities in which the goods were not allowed to 
cross the Line. In three cases fresh fish was confiscated and destroyed as Republic of Cyprus 
veterinary authorities found that these consignments did not meet food safety standards (total 
related trade value € 2,137). Ot her reasons for rejecting goods included: products reportedly 
not  according  to  marking  requirements  (e.g.  building  materials  and  cables),  the  risk  of 
carrying contagious diseases (grapevine leaves) and the prohibition to trade citrus, eucalyptus 
and pine wood. 

Further, on the basis of an identified risk of the transmission of foot-and-mouth disease, the 
Commission in April 2009 banned Green Line trade in hay and straw. 

In April 2009, during a debate in the Parliament of the Republic of Cyprus, some Members 
claimed  that  the  Green  Line  Regulation  was  misused  to  introduce  products  from  Turkey. 
Relevant authorities of the Republic of Cyprus are investigating this. No confirmed cases of 
irregularities have been brought to the Commission's attention either in the framework of their 
monthly reports to the Commission or through other official channels. 

4.4. 

Positive developments concerning movement of goods 

During  the  reporting  period,  positive  developments  lifted  some  barriers  which  previously 
limited trade across the Line. These developments include: 

•  In March 2009, the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and the Turkish Cypriot community, on 
the  occasion  of  an  event  jointly  organised  by  the  TCCoC  and  the  Cyprus  Chamber  of 
Commerce and Industry (CCCI), issued a joint statement encouraging Green Line trade.18 

•  At  the  same  joint  event,  the  UNDP-ACT  funded  'Interdependence'  project  was  launched 
aiming  to  increase  intra-island  trade  and  business  cooperation,  enhance  of  economic 
interdependence,  encourage  cooperative  planning  and  create  more  opportunities  for 
partnerships. 

•  Continued  'Round  Table  Meetings'  of  the  three  chambers  (CCCI,  TCCoC,  and  Cyprus 

Turkish Chamber of Industry, CTCI). 

17 
18 

See Annexes IV and V 
For joint statement see http://www.ktto.net/interdependence/index.html 

EN 

7 

   EN 

                                                 
•  Under the auspices of the USAID funded EDGE Project, various actions have been carried 
out aiming at facilitating Green Line trade. These included facilitation of the purchase of 
seed potatoes and agricultural machinery by the Turkish Cypriot community, detailed trade 
analyses to discover further trade potential, launch and promotion of an interactive website 
('Cyprus  Producers'  Network'  web  portal)  and  assistance  in  the  preparatory  work  for  the 
establishment of a bi-communal Green Line Arbitration Mechanism. 

•  Potato trade continued smoothly at a high level. 

4.5. 

Still existing obstacles and difficulties concerning the movement of goods 

Despite  these  positive  developments,  several  obstacles  for  trade  across  the  Green  Line 
continue to exist. 

No  progress  can  be  reported  on  the  transport  issue  since  last  year.19  Turkish  Cypriot 
commercial vehicles and in particular lorries and buses still cannot move freely through the 
island. More flexibility on both sides in this regard would enhance economic co-operation. 

Also  no  progress  can  be  reported  with  regard  to  other  trade  barriers  as  reported  to  the 
Commission  by  the  Turkish  Cypriot  Chamber  of  Commerce.  Turkish  Cypriot  traders 
continued  to  report  difficulties  in  stocking  supermarkets  and  advertising  their  products  and 
services  in  the  press  in  the  government-controlled  areas.  There  still  seems  to  be  a 
psychological  barrier  for  some  buyers  south  of the  Green  Line  to  purchase  Turkish  Cypriot 
products  if  they  are  marked  as  such  which  are  less  pronounced  when  the  products  are  (re-) 
packed without showing the precise origin.20  21 Concerning Cyprus' International Trade Fair 
in 2009, Turkish Cypriot participation is reported to have been very limited. 

Finally,  smuggling  of  goods  across  the  Line  remains  widespread  (although  possibly  at  a 
slightly lower level due to reduced price differentials). Informal comments and press reports22 
still suggest the value of smuggled goods exceeds legal trade several times over. On the basis 
of the goods seized by the Republic of Cyprus and SBA Customs, the most smuggled goods 
remain  cigarettes  and  other  forms  of  tobacco;  other  goods  smuggled  include  commercial 
quantities of fresh fish and snails.  

The problem of smuggling of goods underlines the continued need for effective surveillance 
of  the  Line  by  the  Government  of  the  Republic  of  Cyprus  and  the  SBA  Administration. 
Moreover, stricter supervision by the Sovereign Base Area Administration of the nature and 
quantity  of  the  goods  supplied  to  the  Turkish  Cypriot  population  of  the  village  of  Pyla, 
located  in  the  Buffer  Zone  (Art  4  (10)  GLR)  and  stricter  controls  of  the  informal  "crossing 
points" in or near the village of Pergamos would probably be helpful as well. 

4.6. 

Facilitation of trade 

The following measures have been taken to facilitate trade in certain products: 

19 
20 

21 
22 

For detailed analyses see last year's Green Line Report. 
For  more  details  see  Mete  Hatay,  Fiona  Mullen,  Julia  Kalimeri,  "Intra-island  trade  in  Cyprus  – 
Obstacles, oppositions and psychological barriers", Prio Cyprus Centre 2008 
This is also confirmed by the independent phytosanitary experts. 
See  for  instance  statements  of  the  President  of  the  CCCI  reported  in  the  Cypriot  press  on  12  and  13 
January 2009. 

EN 

8 

   EN 

                                                 
Potatoes 

Potatoes  are  not  subject  to  tariffs;  each  lorry  needs  to  be  accompanied  by  a  Report  of 
Phytosanitary  Inspection,  issued  by  independent  phytosanitary  experts  in  accordance  with 
Annex III of Commission Regulation (EC) No 1480/200423. In order to facilitate potato trade 
across the Line, the Commission ensured the permanent presence of these experts during the 
two main harvest seasons. 

With the increasing demand for their services, the Commission appointed an additional seven 
independent phytosanitary experts to help carry out potato inspections. 

Citrus fruits 

In October 2008 the first ever significant consignment of citrus fruits crossed the Line. It was 
followed by several consignments and there is potential for further growth. 

Honey and fish 

Trade in fresh fish commenced at the end of June 2008 and, despite some initial problems, in 
the end proved successful. In April 2009, fish worth more than € 82.000 was traded across the 
Line.  Independent  Member  State  experts  appointed  by  the  Commission,  in  accordance  with 
Annex  I  of  Commission  Decision  2007/330/EC24,  inspected  further  Turkish  Cypriot  fishing 
vessels. 

Trade of honey could not start during the reporting period for reasons of consumer and health 
protection due to unsatisfactory results of the analysis of honey samples. 

Tomatoes and onions 

Independent Member State experts carried out random field inspections in order to estimate 
the respective total crop in support of TCCoC efforts to improve traceability and surveillance. 

5. 

CONCLUSIONS 

Control of the Green Line at the authorised crossing points is satisfactory. 

Both the Republic of Cyprus and the UK Sovereign Base Areas reinforced their surveillance 
of the Green Line during the reporting period. However, the number of third country nationals 
crossing the Line illegally still remains an area of serious concern, although the total number 
of apprehended illegal immigrants slightly decreased during the reporting period, compared to 
the  previous  year's  record  level.  The  Commission  assesses  that  further  strengthening  of  the 
surveillance of the Line between the crossing points conducted by the Republic of Cyprus and 
the  Sovereign  Base  Area  Administration  would  be  important  to  help  tackle  the  problem  of 
illegal migration. The Republic of Cyprus remains careful to avoid any measure which could 
lead to the Green Line taking on the appearance of an external border. 

As  regards  goods  crossing  the  Green  Line,  in  comparison  to  the  previous  reporting  period, 
reported  figures  show  again  an  increase  in  the  total  value  of  goods  crossing  the  Line. 

23 
24 

Commission Regulation (EC) No 1480/2004 of 10 August 2004, OJ L 272, 20.8.2004, p. 3. 
Commission Decision 2007/330/EC of 4 May 2007, OJ L 123, 12.5.2007, p. 30. 

EN 

9 

   EN 

                                                 
According to the reports provided by the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus, the total trade 
value  of  goods  which  crossed  the  Line  increased  by  more  than  a  third  and  was  about 
€6,111,030,  compared  to  €4,473,408  in  the  previous 
reporting  period.  Almost  30 %  was 
accounted for by trade in potatoes. 

Last year's amendments to the GLR have been implemented smoothly. They have not, though, 
led to a significant increase in trade or of the provision of services by Turkish Cypriots across 
the Line. 

The overall scale of Green Line trade still remains limited, in part due to the restricted scope 
of the Regulation itself. However, Green Line trade has increased its share of overall Turkish 
Cypriot trade.25  

There were positive developments concerning the movement of goods. However, obstacles to 
Green Line trade remain. Turkish Cypriot commercial vehicles, in particular lorries and buses, 
cannot move freely across the island. In addition, no progress can be reported with regard to 
other  barriers  to  trade.  Finally,  it  appears  that  smuggling  of  goods  across  the  Line  remains 
widespread. 

The Commission has carried out various measures aiming at facilitating trade across the Line, 
particularly trade in potatoes, citrus fruits and fish. 

The  overall  conclusion  is  that  the  Green  Line  Regulation  continues  to  provide  a  workable 
basis for allowing the passage of persons and goods to the government-controlled areas of the 
Republic  of  Cyprus.  The  Commission  will  continue  to  monitor  the  implementation  of  the 
Regulation. 

25 

During the five years since the GLR is in place, the share increased from about 2% to 10%. Overall, the 
annual value of Turkish Cypriot exports is estimated at around 50 M€. 

EN 

10 

   EN