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Foot-and-Mouth Disease Threatens Livestock and Halloumi Exports – Cyprus Appeals for EU Support

Published February 25, 2026, 14:14
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Threatens Livestock and Halloumi Exports – Cyprus Appeals for EU Support

Finance Minister Makis Keravnos highlighted the serious impact of the foot-and-mouth disease crisis on livestock, agricultural production, and halloumi exports during his presentation to the Regional Development (REGI) Committee of the European Parliament. He emphasized that geography should not determine opportunities and underscored the need to support agriculture and livestock as a key pillar of Cohesion Policy. The outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease led to the need to cull thousands of animals, causing an immediate blow to producers and cascading effects on the food chain, processing, and industrial production. Specific reference was made to the reduction in raw materials for milk, yogurt, and dairy products, emphasizing the risk to halloumi, one of Cyprus’s most important export products. Mr. Keravnos called on the European Union to maintain the human-centered approach of Cohesion Policy, emphasizing that balanced development particularly concerns regions, remote areas, and island states. He pointed out that Cohesion Policy has contributed to the modernization of infrastructure, support for SMEs, research and innovation, digital transformation, and energy efficiency. Referring to the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency, he emphasized strengthening the EU’s internal resilience and strategic autonomy. He also announced that Cyprus will host an informal ministerial meeting on Cohesion Policy in Nicosia on May 21-22, 2026, focusing on the right to stay and the challenges of islands. Cohesion Policy was characterized as a strategic tool for the future of Europe, calling for close cooperation with the European Parliament.

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