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Cow farmers raise halloumi production issues with the EU

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 8, 2024

Cyprus’ Cow Farmers’ Coordination Committee and the Deputy Head of the EU Delegation in Cyprus, Nikolaos Isaris discussed during a meeting they had in Nicosia critical issues surrounding the production of halloumi cheese and the conditions imposed by European Regulation 591/2021, which registers halloumi as a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO).

According to the Regulation, the production of halloumi must be carried out under the same standards and conditions throughout Cyprus, regardless of the market destination. However, the farmers pointed out that the cheese produced in the Turkish-occupied territories of the island and bearing the name “Halloumi” does not abide by the PDO specifications, and therefore cannot bear the official name “Halloumi – Hellim”.

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During the meeting, the European Union’s position that the production of halloumi can be a bridge of cooperation between the two sides of Cyprus, helping to build a climate of mutual trust, was underlined. Therefore, it was proposed to find a common formula for the production of the product by both communities, and the EU’s assistance in this direction was requested.

The producers are asking the EU and the Republic of Cyprus for equal treatment of the dairy sector both in the government-controlled and occupied areas of the island, pointing out that the same conditions and criteria for the production of halloumi should be applied on both sides until a final solution is found and the reunification of the island is achieved.

At present, they say, there is unequal treatment between producers in the government-controlled and occupied areas. While producers in the occupied territories can trade halloumi without restrictions on the use of goat and sheep’s milk in third countries, producers in the government-controlled areas are subject to strict adherence to quotas on the milk mix and PDO specifications, regardless of the destination of the product. This, they argue, increases production costs and creates conditions of unfair competition.

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Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.