Cyprus successfully
exits its financial assistance programme today
Brussels, 31 March
2016
Today, the
financial assistance programme for Cyprus formally concludes after three years.
This programme was designed to achieve three main objectives: stabilise and
reform the Cypriot financial sector, ensure sound fiscal consolidation, and
implement reforms to support competitiveness and growth. Thanks to the efforts
of the Cypriot authorities to implement the necessary structural reforms,
confidence has returned and a lot has been achieved: growth is picking up, the
banking system has further healed and the fiscal outlook has remarkably
improved. Ahead of this milestone for the Cypriot economy, Vice-President Dombrovskis, responsible for the Euro and Social Dialogue, said: "I commend and congratulate Cyprus on its commitment to do what was needed in terms of structural reforms to turn the economy around and to return to economic growth and job creation. Cyprus has implemented the programme with clear determination and positive results: financial stability is restored, unemployment is declining and we expect Cyprus to continue to grow in the coming years."
Commissioner Moscovici, responsible for Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs, added: "This is a good day for Cyprus and for Europe. With the conclusion of the programme, the country has moved beyond the crisis. Through efforts by the Cypriots and with the support of the European and international communities, the Cypriot economy has returned to growth and the country is now in a stronger position. We are confident that Cyprus will be able to face any remaining challenges."
The European Commission is ready to support Cyprus in achieving sustainable economic growth. With the programme at an end, Cyprus will be reintegrated into the regular cycle of Economic Policy Coordination – i.e., the European Semester – and subject to Post Programme Surveillance as foreseen by the Two-Pack Regulation. It will also continue to benefit from support in implementing ongoing reforms from the Commission's Structural Reform Support Service.
