Newsroom
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has confirmed that farmers in parts of Cyprus not controlled by the government of the Republic do not receive payments under the European Union's Common Agricultural Policy.
In a letter dated July 16, 2026, von der Leyen responded to a question from Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela regarding possible EU agricultural support for livestock farmers in those areas.
The European Commission president said that no CAP payments are currently being made to farmers in the areas outside the effective control of the Republic of Cyprus, and that no such payments have been made in the past.
She explained that CAP funding allocated to Cyprus is administered by the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment under the island's 2023-2027 CAP Strategic Plan.
Von der Leyen also referred to the continuing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease on the island, saying that bringing the disease under control requires measures consistent with EU animal health legislation to be implemented throughout Cyprus.
According to the Commission president, EU services remain in close contact with the government of the Republic of Cyprus as efforts continue to contain and eradicate the outbreak.
She welcomed cooperation between the island's two communities on veterinary matters, including work carried out through the Sub-Committee on Veterinary Issues of the bi-communal Technical Committee on Health.
Von der Leyen said the European Commission would continue supporting efforts aimed at eliminating foot-and-mouth disease across Cyprus as quickly as possible.
