The European Commission has allocated €14 billion in the second tranche of financial assistance to nine EU countries through SURE (a mechanism to support the reduction of unemployment risks in an emergency situation). In particular, Cyprus receives 250 million euros, which will be directed to measures to protect the labor market from the negative impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.

After completion of all SURE payments in nine EU countries currently covered by such support in the form of concessional loans, Croatia will receive €1 billion, Greece €2.7 billion, Italy €27.4 billion, Latvia €192 million, Lithuania €602 million, Malta €244 million, Slovenia €1.1 billion and Spain €21.3 billion. A total of €479 million has been allocated to Cyprus; the remaining €229 million is expected to reach the state budget in early 2021.

The support will help countries cope with the sudden increase in government spending on employment support. In particular, it will cover costs directly related to financing national short-term work programs and other similar measures taken due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including for self-employed citizens.