October 29, 2025
During an official visit to Cyprus aimed at exchanging best practices and shaping common policies in the fields of employment and social inclusion, a delegation of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) from the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), visited om 29/11/2025, two projects of significant social impact, co-funded by the EU under the Cohesion Policy Programme “THALIA2021–2027”.
As part of the visit, the MEP delegetion were briefed on the progress of the project “Organisation and Operation of the Labour Inspectorate” of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance, which aims to ensure the effective enforcement of the provisions of the Social Insurance Legislation and reduce undeclared work. The delegation also visited “Aktida” Family Intervention and Support Centre for Autism in Nicosia, operating under the supervision of the Department for Social Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities, which is part of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. The Centre aims to provide holistic support to children with autism and their families, through specialized assessment, intervention, and counselling services.
On the sidelines of the meetings, the Members of the European Parliament were also briefed by a representative of Directorate General Growth – the Managing Authority of the “THALIA” Programme – on the Programme’s total investments in employment and social inclusion projects. It is worth noting that projects implemented under the “THALIA” Programme have already had a significant impact on employment, social inclusion, and the support of vulnerable groups. For examble, by October 2025, 6,000 unemployed persons were placed in new jobs, 1,100 young graduates participated in internship programmes, while 540 young people aged 15–29 not in employment, education, or training (NEETs) received counselling and guidance to enter the labour market.
In addition, 35 Neighbourhood Social Workers, deployed across 19 municipalities and 255 communities, have, to date, offered their services to a total of 2,690 cases. Also, 25,000 children up to four years old benefited from the Tuition and Meal Subsidy Programme for kindergartens, 27,000 students benefit annually from school and social inclusion actions, and 65,000 students receive school breakfast across Cyprus. Regarding persons with disabilities, 23,000 disability assessments have been conducted. Moreover, 12 independent living residences are operating in the community, hosting 69 individuals, along with 8 individual support programmes, while 130 persons with disabilities receive home care services to support independent and dignified living.
