Cyprus Deputy Ministry of Welfare outlines 2026 strategic plan

The Deputy Ministry of Welfare in Cyprus has presented its 2026 strategic plan, focusing on family support, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Deputy Minister Clea Hadjistefanou Papaellina announced that several projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan are expected to be completed by the first half of 2026. These include the construction of 10 multi-purpose child care centers, funded by agreements signed in 2024 and 2025 at a total cost of approximately 4 million euros, which will provide 312 new places. Additionally, the department is implementing four new community-based facilities for long-term care, creating 40 new placements. General Director Yiannis Nikolaidis announced that a study on staffing the Social Welfare Services will be commissioned to specialized consultants next month, with completion scheduled for 2028. This modernization project aims to optimize personnel utilization and simplify administrative processes. Furthermore, the ministry plans to announce new social service officer positions throughout 2025 and 2026 to replace staff retiring from service.