AKEL proposes bill for regulation and licensing of summer schools in Cyprus

A legislative proposal by the AKEL party regarding the licensing and inspection procedures for summer schools is set to move to the Cypriot Parliament's Plenum. The bill is part of the 2025 amendment to the Child Protection and Occupation Centers Law. Andreas Pasiourtidis, an AKEL MP and the proposal’s rapporteur, explained that the current regulatory framework is fragmented and lacks cohesion. The proposed legislation seeks to institutionalize checks on premises, staff vetting, and general operating conditions. It aims to provide Social Welfare Services with the necessary legal tools to oversee facilities hosting large numbers of children during the summer. Under the new provisions, authorities will be able to suspend licenses or cancel the registration of non-compliant centers. Furthermore, facilities operating without the required permits could face criminal prosecution and court-ordered penalties. Pasiourtidis expressed hope for the bill's prompt passage to ensure a safe environment for children.