The European Commission has published its annual reports on the implementation of the Green Line Regulation and the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, reaffirming its support for efforts to reunify Cyprus.

The reports point to two parallel developments: a record level of movement between the two communities, and the continuation of EU funding aimed at supporting socio-economic development, trust-building and preparation for the application of the EU acquis in the event of a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue.

According to the Green Line report, 7.79 million authorised crossings to and from the north of Cyprus were recorded in 2025, the highest figure to date. The Commission said the number reflects growing contact between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, even as the island’s political division remains unresolved.

Irregular crossings continued to fall, reaching 2,433. The Commission presents this as a sign of improved management, although Green Line surveillance remains a sensitive issue for the Republic of Cyprus, particularly in relation to migration.

The EU has also funded expansion works at Agios Dometios, one of Cyprus’s busiest crossing points, in order to increase capacity and ease daily traffic flows. The growing use of crossing points has created delays and additional pressure on the authorities.

The Green Line Regulation has been in force since 2004, when the Republic of Cyprus joined the European Union. The line is not considered an external EU border, since the whole island is an EU member state. However, in areas where the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control, the application of EU law remains suspended.

The second report concerns the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. In 2025, €33.7 million was allocated to projects supporting socio-economic development, infrastructure, civil society and confidence-building measures. Funding was directed, among other areas, towards food safety standards and animal welfare, with special reference to emergency measures taken after the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in December 2025.

Investments also continued in water supply and sewerage infrastructure, energy efficiency, air quality and noise monitoring. According to the Commission, these projects are intended to improve living conditions in the Turkish Cypriot community and contribute more broadly to the island’s future cohesion.

The report also highlights education and exchange programmes. A total of 142 Turkish Cypriots studied at universities in EU member states, while 18 students from both communities enrolled in United World Colleges.

Under the ninth grant scheme, “Cypriot Civil Society in Action,” 16 grants worth a total of €2.22 million were awarded. The projects focus on environmental protection, sustainable development, reconciliation, confidence-building and participation by civil society in the Cyprus settlement process.

Beyond the figures, the reports carry a clear political message from Brussels. The European Union continues to present reunification as the ultimate objective, while using financial support and practical cooperation to keep channels open between the two communities.

The picture remains mixed. Daily contact across the island is increasing, but the political divide has not narrowed at the same pace. For the Commission, support for the Turkish Cypriot community is framed not as recognition of a separate political reality, but as preparation for a comprehensive settlement within the framework of the Republic of Cyprus and the European Union.