The European Commission has established a new bicommunal working group to unite the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities through their shared love for Halloumi (or Hellim) cheese. This initiative aims to tackle production challenges and foster economic collaboration, symbolizing hope for reconciliation and unity in Cyprus.
What is the purpose of the new bicommunal Halloumi/Hellim working group initiated by the European Commission?
The new bicommunal working group aims to strengthen cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities through the common cultural and economic interest in Halloumi/Hellim cheese. It seeks to address production issues, encourage economic collaboration, and serve as a symbol of reconciliation and unity for Cyprus.
The Formation of the Working Group
The European Commission has recently initiated the process to form the second bicommunal working group focused on the traditional cheese known as Halloumi in Greek and Hellim in Turkish. This step comes as the initial two-year mandate of the first assembly has concluded. The group’s purpose is to foster cooperation between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities through the shared cultural heritage and economic interest in Halloumi/Hellim production.
Prospective candidates are invited to apply for a position in the new assembly. The application details, including the procedure and terms of reference, are thoroughly outlined and available for interested parties. With a deadline set for October 6, 2024, applicants have a clear time frame to submit their expressions of interest to the specified email address provided by the Commission.
A Collaborative Effort
The working group is expected to consist of no more than ten members, ensuring equal representation from both the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. This balanced representation aims to strengthen the collaborative spirit and mutual understanding between the two communities. The selected members will be drawn from various sectors, including commerce, agriculture, dairies involved in Halloumi/Hellim production, professional interests, and civil society organizations, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
Meetings of the working group will be scheduled periodically, providing a regular forum for discussion and decision-making. It is envisioned that through these meetings, both communities will be able to work together on common goals, overcoming challenges and forging a path toward increased economic cooperation and cultural exchange.
Support and Aims
The initiative is backed by the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, a funding mechanism designed to promote economic development and facilitate the reunification of Cyprus. By investing in such initiatives, the European Union demonstrates its commitment to supporting efforts that bring the island’s communities closer together, both economically and socially.
The ultimate aim of the working group is not only to address the practical aspects of Halloumi/Hellim production but also to serve as a beacon of cooperation, exemplifying how shared interests can lead to constructive dialogue and reconciliation between divided communities. Through this collaborative approach, the European Commission hopes to contribute to a more unified and prosperous future for Cyprus.
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What is the purpose of the new bicommunal Halloumi/Hellim working group initiated by the European Commission?
The new bicommunal working group aims to strengthen cooperation between Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities through their common cultural and economic interest in Halloumi/Hellim cheese. It seeks to address production issues, encourage economic collaboration, and symbolize reconciliation and unity for Cyprus.
How can individuals apply to join the bicommunal Halloumi working group?
Prospective candidates are invited to apply for a position in the new assembly. Application details, including the procedure and terms of reference, are available for interested parties. The deadline to submit expressions of interest is set for October 6, 2024, and applicants can refer to the specified email address provided by the European Commission for submissions.
How many members will be part of the working group, and how will they be selected?
The working group is expected to consist of no more than ten members, ensuring equal representation from both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Members will be selected from various sectors, including commerce, agriculture, dairies involved in Halloumi/Hellim production, and civil society organizations, reflecting a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
What support does the European Commission provide for this initiative?
The initiative is supported by the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, which aims to promote economic development and facilitate the reunification of Cyprus. The European Union’s backing of such initiatives reflects its commitment to fostering economic and social cooperation between the island’s communities, ultimately contributing to a more unified and prosperous future for Cyprus.
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