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Cyprus to Allocate €1.2 Billion for Co-Financed Projects Over the Next Three Years

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 25, 2024

The government of Cyprus has announced plans to allocate €1.2 billion for co-financed projects over the next three years. These projects, supported in collaboration with the European Union, are aimed at promoting economic growth, modernising infrastructure, and fostering sustainability across key sectors of the Cypriot economy.

This funding aligns with Cyprus’ strategic goals, particularly in driving green development, digital transformation, and social welfare improvements. The projects will draw from EU financial instruments such as the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and the Cohesion Fund to help member states meet their economic and environmental targets.

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Distribution of Funds Across Ministries

Ministry of Transport, Communications, and Works: A significant portion of the funds will be directed toward improving Cyprus’ infrastructure. Investments will focus on upgrading the road network, enhancing public transportation, and modernising ports and airports to boost trade and connectivity. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on sustainable transport solutions, including infrastructure for electric vehicles and the adoption of smart transportation technologies to reduce carbon emissions and enhance efficiency.
Ministry of Energy, Commerce, and Industry: As Cyprus continues its shift towards renewable energy, this ministry will benefit from substantial funds to expand renewable energy capacity, particularly solar and wind projects. The investments will also support energy efficiency initiatives across industries and the public sector, accelerating Cyprus’ decarbonisation efforts. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, Cyprus is working to meet its EU climate commitments and strengthen its energy security.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport, and Youth: Co-financed projects will focus on modernising educational infrastructure and expanding digital learning platforms. The aim is to prepare students for the digital economy through improved access to technology and innovative learning tools. Investments will also support research and innovation, fostering a culture of creativity and preparing youth for future economic challenges. In the cultural and sports sectors, funds will be allocated to enhancing facilities and promoting social inclusion through cultural and athletic initiatives.
Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment: A portion of the budget will be dedicated to sustainable agricultural practices, water management, and environmental protection. Projects in this ministry will aim to enhance biodiversity, reduce environmental degradation, and support the country’s transition to greener, more sustainable farming methods.
Ministry of Labour, Welfare, and Social Insurance: This ministry will focus on social welfare improvements, including expanding healthcare services, and social housing, and providing more robust support for vulnerable populations. These projects aim to ensure that economic growth benefits are distributed equitably across society.

Cyprus’ €1.2 billion allocation for co-financed projects highlights the government’s commitment to sustainability, economic growth, and social development.

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Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

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Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.