Monday marked exactly20 years since the European Union’s Green Line regulation, which regulates the movement of people and goods between the island’s two sides, was adopted.

The regulation was adopted in response to the failure of the Annan plan referendum five days earlier, which saw South Cyprus poised to enter the EU while the island was still divided.

An event was organised on Monday evening by the EU Information Centre at the Ledra Palace Hotel which saw opening speeches delivered by the head of the EU Commission’s Representation Office in Cyprus Myrto Zambarta, the honorary President of the Greek Cypriot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Manthos Mavromatis and the General Secretary of the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce Mustafa Ergüven.

Following the speeches a panel discussion during which the benefits of the regulation and personal experiences were discussed was held.

The EU said on Monday that since the Green Line regulation was adopted, more than 64 million crossings have been made in both directions.

“Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots cross the Green Line for a variety of reasons,” the EU said, including shopping, visiting restaurants, visiting cultural monuments and visiting friends.

In addition, the EU said, businesses now trade across the Green Line and cross to meet their partners from the other community.

“The Green Line [regulation] has been critical to ensure that both sides can freely enjoy their day-to-day lives and reap the many benefits that both communities have to offer.