Nicosia: 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.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister shared at a press conference that from the outset of the Presidency, the main objective had been to promote "a more social, more inclusive and more humane Europe." She noted that Cyprus had used its Presidency as an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to shaping European policies that address the real needs of citizens. Despite geopolitical challenges, the Cyprus Presidency maintained focus on poverty reduction, child well-being, social inclusion of persons with disabilities, active ageing, and high-quality long-term care services.
Hadjistephanou highlighted some of the Presidency's significant achievements, including advancing the first EU Anti-Poverty Strategy, promoting a housing initiative, strengthening the European Child Guarantee, and reinforcing the European Strategy for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities until 2030. She stressed that poverty continues to affect one in five Europeans and one in four children, emphasizing that tackling poverty is crucial for Europe's future, competitiveness, and social cohesion.
The Deputy Minister also mentioned the Informal Meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers held in Nicosia in February 2026. During this meeting, ministers discussed the future European anti-poverty strategy, person-centred long-term care, active ageing, and the development of support services for vulnerable groups. Additionally, she 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, along with initiatives under the European Child Guarantee organized in Cyprus.
On disability policy, Hadjistephanou stated that the Cyprus Presidency focused on promoting social inclusion, particularly the right to supported decision-making. This was achieved by organizing a High-Level Conference in Limassol and hosting, for the first time outside Brussels, a meeting of the European Disability Platform.