Sigma Live

Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Need for Full Implementation of EU Regulations, Say G/C, T/C Parties

Published March 26, 2026, 14:12
Foot-and-Mouth Disease: Need for Full Implementation of EU Regulations, Say G/C, T/C Parties

G/C and T/C political parties issued a joint statement calling for the strengthening of existing joint mechanisms to protect nature and all living things, as well as for the full implementation of EU regulations throughout the island, in response to the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease epidemic. The statement emphasizes the need for cooperation in light of geopolitical tensions and the risks they create, as well as the importance of jointly addressing disasters such as fires, diseases, and wars. It is pointed out that Cyprus’s geographical location and the presence of British Sovereign Base Areas create a situation of exposure to security risks. The parties appeal for peace and emphasize that safety and the response to natural disasters are only possible through cooperation. They stress that Cyprus is a single ecosystem and that disasters do not recognize borders. In addition, they call for strengthening existing joint mechanisms and fully implementing EU regulations to address foot-and-mouth disease, through the Bi-communal Technical Committees. They emphasize that cooperation is crucial to strengthen preparedness and address similar challenges in the future.