The public consultation for Cyprus’ draft Social Climate Plan (SCP) was launched on 31 October 2025 and will remain open until 15 November 2025. The initiative is a strategic framework that will determine how Cyprus will utilize resources from the EU Social Climate Fund to support a fair and inclusive green transition.

Submitting the finalized plan to the European Commission by the end of 2025 is a prerequisite for Cyprus to secure EU funding for actions that combine green growth with social cohesion.

According to Brief, the draft plan outlines seven key measures focused on energy efficiency, affordable housing, sustainable mobility, and support for vulnerable groups.

1. Energy Upgrades for Vulnerable Households

One of the plan’s main priorities is the energy renovation of existing homes belonging to vulnerable and energy-poor households. The goal is to transform these dwellings into nearly zero-energy buildings (NZEBs), achieving over 60% energy savings. The measure will be supported through green loans, on-bill schemes, and microfinancing programmes, allowing access to funding without upfront costs. The plan aims to upgrade approximately 1,900 homes per year.

2. Green Homes in Government Housing Estates

This programme targets energy poverty in government housing estates through large-scale energy upgrades. It will support low-income families, the elderly, single-parent households, and the unemployed, promoting social justice and creating green jobs across local communities.

3. Construction of Sustainable and Affordable Energy-Efficient Housing

The plan foresees the construction of affordable rental housing by the state or through public–private partnerships (PPPs), designed to meet high energy-efficiency standards. This measure aims to reduce energy poverty, ensure affordable housing for young families and vulnerable groups, and strengthen resilience to climate change.

4. Establishment of Energy Communities for Clean and Affordable Power

The plan encourages the creation of energy communities that will allow citizens, small businesses, and public entities to produce and share renewable energy. The initiative promotes energy democracy, lowers energy costs, and stimulates local green employment.

5. Promoting Social Mobility and Access to Services

A new organised transport programme will facilitate students, young people, and seniors in attending educational, sports, and social activities. By reducing reliance on private vehicles, this initiative will improve social inclusion and community connectivity. The programme will make use of small buses operated by private or community organisations, including local councils (SKEs), tutoring centres, and sports academies.

6. Strengthening Municipalities and Communities for Sustainable Urban Mobility

Municipalities and communities will receive grants to develop sustainable mobility projects aimed at:

• Reducing CO₂ emissions,

• Promoting electromobility and micromobility,

• Easing traffic congestion, and

• Combating air pollution.

The measure directly addresses the social impacts of the new EU Emissions Trading System (ETS2), which extends carbon pricing to buildings and road transport.

7. Social Leasing or Purchase of Zero-Emission Vehicles

The plan introduces a social financing mechanism to support the leasing or purchase of zero- and low-emission vehicles, prioritising vulnerable users and small businesses. The objective is to gradually replace internal combustion vehicles while ensuring that Cyprus’ transport system remains affordable and accessible to all.