In a written answer on 10 July 2026, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto defended the European Commission's handling of a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Cyprus, arguing that existing EU financial assistance and veterinary cooperation mechanisms are adapted to the island's unique political circumstances. The answer, addressed to MEP Anna Strolenberg (Verts/ALE), sought to reassure that the Commission applies conditionalities tailored to the situation in areas where the EU acquis is suspended under Protocol No 10 of the 2003 Act of Accession.
The question had raised concerns about structural vulnerabilities in the EU's biosecurity framework after the disease originated in the northern part of Cyprus, where the Republic of Cyprus government does not exercise effective control, and spread to government-controlled areas despite containment efforts. Strolenberg questioned whether EU financial aid to the Turkish Cypriot community should be more tightly linked to compliance with EU veterinary standards.
Fitto's answer did not announce new measures or a tightening of conditionality. Instead, it pointed to existing mechanisms: the EU legal framework for animal health, which incorporates international standards; Council Regulation 866/2004, which sets terms for goods crossing the internal line; and the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, which has supported animal health improvements in recent years. He highlighted the work of the Veterinary Sub-Committee under the Technical Committee for Health, a bi-communal body, as a platform for coordinated disease prevention and response.
The answer contained no numerical targets, deadlines, or legislative proposals. Its policy orientation is one of continuity: the Commission sees the current mix of financial support, technical cooperation, and acquis suspension as appropriate for the island's divided governance. Fitto reiterated that a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus issue, in line with UN Security Council resolutions, remains the best long-term solution.
Institutional follow-up is not specified. The answer signals that the Commission does not currently intend to revise the conditionality framework for the Aid Programme or propose new EU-level biosecurity rules specific to Cyprus. The ball remains with the two communities to engage in the Technical Committee for Health and with the broader UN-led settlement process.