European Commission accepting applications for 2nd Informal Halloumi Working Group

A call for applications for the selection of members of the second assembly of the European Commission's Informal Working Group on Halloumi/Hellim with a deadline for applications of 6 October 2024, has been announced by the Commission.

As stated, the European Commission established an Informal Working Group on Halloumi/Hellim (the Working Group) in July 2022, following a call for applications for the selection of the members of its first assembly. After the two year-mandate of the first assembly of the Working Group has expired, the Commission now wishes to invite individuals to apply to become members of the second assembly of the Working Group.

It is noted that full details and information on the application procedure can be found in the Call for Applications and the Terms of Reference, while applications should be sent to: REFORM-HH-PDO-WG@ec.europa.eu. It is stated that the deadline for submission of applications is 6 October 2024.

Furthermore, it is added that the Working Group shall bring about an exchange of information as well as the sharing of experience and good practices among stakeholders relating to their participation in the PDO scheme for Halloumi/Hellim and review the functioning of the inspection system for Halloumi/Hellim. The Working Group shall proactively seek opportunities for supporting bi-communal cooperation.

The Working Group shall be composed of up to ten members of whom an equal number shall be drawn from the Greek Cypriot community and from the Turkish Cypriot community, the press release says.

According to the press release, the members shall be individuals appointed to represent a common interest, such as representatives of Chambers of Commerce, representatives of farmers’ organisations or representatives of dairies involved in the production of Halloumi/Hellim, representatives of relevant professional interests and representatives of civil society organisations. The Working Group will meet periodically.

It is stated that the work of the Working Group is supported under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, which aims to facilitate the reunification of Cyprus by encouraging the economic development of the Turkish Cypriot community.

“The work of the first assembly of the Working Group has contributed to improving relations and information-sharing between the two communities,” the press release concludes.

(Source: CNA)