On the practical consequences of Russia's invasion[/B] of Ukraine, and the sanctions imposed by the European Union in the transport sector, were discussed by the relevant EU ministers at an extraordinary Council of Transport Ministers held on Friday by teleconference.
Cyprus was represented by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Yannis Karousos, according to a statement, who underlined the need for coordination of all Member States with clear guidelines and clarifications in order to ensure the uniform and effective application of sanctions.
Referring to the impact of the invasion on EU economies, he pointed out that countries such as Cyprus, which base their economy on tourism, have already suffered severe losses in passengers, which will be difficult to recover from other markets.
"Our economy has been significantly affected with a loss of 1.6 million passengers and about 25% of tourists. We estimate that this will have a direct negative impact on our economy of 3% of GDP."
In this context, Karousos conveyed the position that there should be measures to support the aviation sector at EU level and called on the Commission to consider as soon as possible further relaxations to the State Aid Rules to help the transport and tourism sectors.
"For Cyprus, the aviation sector is of particular importance due to the insular nature of our country and the initiative on the Declaration on Air Connectivity adopted by 12 EU member states, in which we propose the creation of a flexible comprehensive framework allowing for relaxations in state aids to strengthen air connectivity, is of particular importance now," the Transport Minister further stressed.
Karousos also said that the Ministry of Transport, in coordination with the relevant agencies, is coordinating the process of arrivals or departures of Ukrainian nationals to or from Cyprus, while the Government has taken steps to house refugees and ensure access to employment and education.
He also referred to the 215 tonnes of humanitarian aid worth €2 million sent by Cyprus to Ukraine through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, as well as the fact that the Postal Services Department of the Ministry of Transport accepts free parcels.
Source: Cyprus Times
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