Europese handelsregels voor Cyprus ingevoerd (en)

Trade across the Green Line dividing Cyprus has now come under EU regulation.

The EU rules were adopted by the European Commission in July but have only now been published in the Official Journal of the European Union with effect from Friday (20 August).

Until now, only products such as oranges have been allowed to cross the Green Line.

For Turkish Cypriots to export their goods into the Greek Cypriot market, they have to comply with EU standards on food safety and plant health.

On top of this, it must be certain that the products actually originate from northern Cyprus - ensuring these criteria will fall to the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

Three-pronged approach

The trade scheme is the first step in a three pronged approach by the EU designed to end the economic isolation of northern Cyprus and to bring Turkish Cypriots closer to the EU.

The next steps in the process will be establishing direct trade between the EU and the Turkish Cypriots and a financial assistance package of 259 million euro for the period 2004-2006 - both proposals are waiting further discussion by member states in September.

The EU promised Turkish Cyprus a partial lifting of an economic embargo if it voted to reunify with its Greek neighbours. While the Turkish Cypriots fulfilled their part of the bargain in a referendum on 24 April, Greek Cypriots rejected a UN solution for the divided island with the effect that EU law only applies in the southern part of the island.

The Greek Cypriot government has threatened the Commission with legal action over its proposals in at bid to block the aid package - saying it is politically motivated.

The island has been divided since 1974.