Cypriots give EU the thumbs-up

Tuesday March 11th , 2008

Cyprus's entry into the European Union has been given a positive appraisal by people living on the island.

The organisation carried a poll of public opinion in order to see what the general consensus was following its entry into the EU four years ago, reports the Famagusta Gazette.

Research found that most people - more than two-thirds - believe that membership of the international body has been good for the island.

However, 25.5 per cent of Cypriot nationals said they do not think their town or region has benefited from being in the EU.

The findings come in the wake of a transitional period for the Mediterranean island, as it has recently become a member of the euro.

A total of 15 countries now form the eurozone following Cyprus's accession to the single currency in January this year.

The euro was slowly phased in during the first four weeks in order to reduce the impact of the changeover on consumers.