The European Commission has announced approval for modification of two operating programs for Cyprus, which will free up more than 57 million euros to help the country cope with the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on the economy and health system.

The Employment, Human Resources and Social Cohesion program, co-financed by the European Social Fund, has been strengthened with €36 million to fund short-term work schemes for more than 68,800 people in Cyprus. EUR 21 million from the European Regional Development Fund is being reallocated to support the health sector with appropriate equipment (masks, work clothes, supplies) and personnel.

Nicholas Schmidt, Commissioner for Employment and Social Rights, noted that the European Commission has responded quickly to the coronavirus outbreak by mobilizing all available resources. He welcomed the fact that Cyprus used maximum flexibility in the use of Structural Funds to support almost 70,000 of its citizens and the most vulnerable sectors of the economy, saving jobs and giving people livelihoods.