Cyprus: EU Council Amendments to the Green Line Regulation

The Green Line Regulation provides for special rules concerning goods, services and persons crossing the line between those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control ('the areas') and those areas in which it does exercise effective control.

The amendments focus on three measures and aim at enhancing trade and economic integration on the island on the basis of the experience gained so far.

In more detail, the duties on agricultural products originating in 'the areas' are lifted thus avoiding cumbersome procedures. Furthermore, the temporary introduction of goods (for up to six months) from 'the areas', into the areas, in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control, is regulated in a transparent way. This should encourage the provision of services across the Line, facilitate participation in trade fairs or similar events and also permit the repair of equipment in areas in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control. Finally, the total value of goods contained in the personal luggage of persons crossing the Line is substantially increased from 135 € to 260 € so as to encourage economic interaction on the island.

The aforementioned amendments to the Green Line Regulation are also expected to contribute to the favourable climate on the island, facilitate crossings of persons across the Line, and support the ongoing process towards reaching a comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus problem within the UN framework and in line with the principles on which the Union is founded, as laid down in Article 6(1) of the EU Treaty.

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• EU Council Conclusions on General Affairs (16/6/2008)
• EU and Turkey: Constructive dialogue and a spirit of compromise are key for the accession process (27/5/2008)
• Cyprus and Malta: Countdown to the Euro (27/11/2007)