The "Green Line" in Cyprus is turning 20

On Monday, April 29, it will have been exactly 20 years since the adoption of the European Union resolution on the "Green Line." The regulatory act governs the movement of people and goods between the two sides of Cyprus.

The resolution was adopted in response to the failure of the Annan Plan referendum five days earlier, which resulted in Cyprus being prepared to join the EU while still being divided.

According to the European Union statement, since the adoption of the "Green Line" resolution, there have been over 64 million crossings in both directions.

The statement notes that Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots cross the Green Line for various reasons, including shopping, visiting restaurants, cultural monuments, and visiting friends.

Moreover, entrepreneurs often cross the "Green Line" to meet with their partners from the other community, as well as Turkish Cypriots who work or study in the Republic of Cyprus.

"The Green Line" has played a crucial role in ensuring that residents of both parts of the island can freely enjoy their daily lives and take advantage of the many benefits that both communities can offer," the EU said in a statement on the anniversary.

It is also noted that the volume of trade across the "Green Line" in 2023 amounted to 16 million euros. However, in 2021, this amount was only 6.2 million euros.

The EU added that a support scheme of 4 million euros, launched earlier in April this year, will help "maximize trade across the Green Line" by providing financial grants and technical assistance to small and medium-sized Turkish Cypriot businesses.

The "EU Single Window," established last year, supports Cypriot businesses in trading across the "Green Line."