Executive Vice-President Margrethe Ribera, in a written answer on 8 July 2026, told MEP Michalis Hadjipantela that Cyprus may tap into its existing Cohesion Policy programme 'Thalia 2021-2027' to support small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector, provided the aid complies with programme priorities and EU rules. The answer stops short of declaring a 'serious disturbance' under Article 107(3)(b) TFEU, which would unlock a broader crisis state-aid framework, but notes that the Commission is in contact with Cypriot authorities to identify an appropriate legal basis for granting aid.
The question, submitted by Hadjipantela (EPP), cited cancellations and reduced bookings after recent security incidents near British bases on the island. Ribera's response offers no new EU-level crisis instrument but points to flexibility within existing shared-management funds: Cyprus can reallocate resources through programme amendments, subject to Commission assessment. The answer is largely procedural, reaffirming that member states select operations under cohesion policy, and does not commit to a specific timeline or additional financial envelope. The Commission's ongoing dialogue with Cyprus suggests a case-by-case approach rather than a pre-emptive EU-wide tourism support scheme.