Deputy Minister Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina outlines the major social policy achievements of the Cyprus EU Presidency, highlighting key breakthroughs in anti-poverty strategies, child welfare initiatives, housing access, and disability rights across the European Union.

A Strategic Vision for a More Inclusive Europe

Cyprus' Presidency of the Council of the European Union delivered tangible results in advancing the EU's social policy agenda, contributing to initiatives on poverty reduction, child well-being, the rights of persons with disabilities, long-term care and active ageing, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Clea Hadjistephanou Papaellina said while presenting the outcomes of the Cyprus Presidency in the field of social policy.

Speaking at a press conference, on Friday, the Deputy Minister said that from the outset of the Presidency, the main objective had been to promote "a more social, more inclusive and more humane Europe," noting that Cyprus had used its Presidency as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to shaping European policies that respond to the real needs of citizens.

She said that despite the geopolitical challenges of the period, the Cyprus Presidency kept issues such as poverty reduction, child well-being, the social inclusion of persons with disabilities, active ageing and high-quality long-term care services high on the European agenda.

Key Legislative Milestones and Anti-Poverty Push

Among the Presidency's most significant achievements, Hadjistephanou referred to advancing the first EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, promoting the housing initiative, strengthening the European Child Guarantee and reinforcing the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities until 2030.

She noted that poverty continues to affect one in five Europeans and one in four children, stressing that tackling poverty is not only a matter of social justice but also an investment in Europe's future, competitiveness and social cohesion.

Ministerial Gatherings and Child Welfare Focus

The Deputy Minister also referred to the Informal Meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers, held in Nicosia in February 2026, during which ministers discussed the future European anti-poverty strategy, as well as person-centred long-term care, active ageing and the development of support services for vulnerable groups.

She also highlighted the adoption by the Council of conclusions on investing in children, aimed at strengthening children's well-being, social inclusion and the fight against child poverty, as well as initiatives organised in Cyprus under the European Child Guarantee.

Progress on Disability Rights and Decision-Making

On disability policy, Hadjistephanou said the Cyprus Presidency focused on promoting social inclusion, particularly the right to supported decision-making, by organising a High-Level Conference in Limassol and hosting, for the first time outside Brussels, a meeting of the European Disability Platform.

Source: CNA(ΚΥΠΕ)