EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Johannes Hahn pays Cyprus a two-day visit to Cyprus, during which he will have meetings with officials and be briefed on the situation at Vasiliko power station, that was badly damaged after a deadly explosion at the Naval Base “Evangelos Floraki“ near Limassol on July 11, which claimed the lives of thirteen people.

A European Commission press release said this is a long-planned visit will give Commissioner Hahn the opportunity to find out first-hand about the progress of regional projects funded through the EU Structural Funds.

He will be meeting several members of the Government to discuss matters relating to the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council in the second semester of 2012 as well as issues relating to European cohesion policy, the press release noted.

In advance of his visit, the Austrian Commissioner said: “I know I will visit Cyprus at a time the country is facing a very difficult situation, dealing with the consequences of the terrible tragedy of last week. My visit therefore should be seen in the light of the solidarity principle on which the European Union is based. I will have various discussions to see how and where the European Union can help Cyprus.“