Filenews 30 October 2025
The General Directorate of Development of the Ministry of Finance announced that the Cohesion Policy Program "THALIA 2021-2027" is in full swing, with over 100 projects being implemented or completed and about €700 million. already utilized. The briefing was given on the occasion of the visit of a delegation of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL) of the European Parliament to Cyprus.
The aim of the visit was to exchange experiences and good practices and to strengthen cooperation on employment and social inclusion policies. MEPs saw on the ground projects co-funded by the EU under the programme.
Main projects with a social footprint
- "Organization and Operation of the Inspection Service" (Ministry of Labour) – budget €8.5 million: strengthening of controls for undeclared work, development of ERGANI II, electronic data keeping and upgrading of services to employees and employers.
- "Aktida" Centre for Family Intervention and Support in Autism (Nicosia) — budget €6 million: assessment, therapeutic intervention and counselling for children and families, under the supervision of the Department of Social Inclusion of People with Disabilities.
Overall budget and progress
"THALIA 2021-2027" has a total budget of €1.8 billion (€969 million from the EU and €842 million from the state budget). According to the DG, more than 100 projects are being implemented or have been completed and ~€700 million have already been channelled into actions.
Results in employment and social cohesion
- 6,000 unemployed in new positions by Oct. 2025.
- 1,100 new graduates in traineeships.
- 540 young people not in employment/education/training with guidance for integration into the labour market.
- 35 Neighbourhood Social Workers in 19 municipalities and 255 communities, with ~2,700 cases.
- 25,000 children ≤4 years old with tuition and food subsidies.
- 27,000 pupils per year with social inclusion actions; 65,000 students at school breakfast.
- For people with disabilities: 23,000 reviews, 12 independent living homes, 8 individual programs, 130 people with home care.
EMPL's visit highlighted the range of interventions of "THALIA", confirming the decisive role of the European cohesion policy in improving the quality of life in Cyprus.
