Brussels: Cyprus will work towards a holistic approach to enhance psychosocial support for young people in view of its Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026, Minister of Education, Sport and Youth, Athena Michaelidou, said during the Education, Youth and Sport Council of the EU held in Brussels on Monday and Tuesday, according to an Education Ministry press release.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Michaelidou participated in the meetings of Ministers responsible for education and youth issues on Monday and was set to engage in discussions on sport issues on Tuesday. The Tuesday afternoon agenda included discussions on improving physical activity in schools through cross-sectoral cooperation and ensuring athlete participation in policy-making.
On Monday, Michaelidou joined a round table discussion with representatives of national Youth Councils, addressing the impact of social media on young people’s mental health and online well-being as part of the European Youth Dialogue. She emphasized the need for a cross-sectoral approach to enhance psychosocial support for young people in anticipation of Cyprus’s EU Presidency in 2026.
During discussions on digital threats and misinformation, Michaelidou advocated for strengthening digital literacy and critical thinking in education. She also urged for the institutional participation of young people in shaping digital policies and the responsible use of tools such as Artificial Intelligence. Additionally, she expressed anticipation for the European Action Plan on cyberbullying being prepared by the Commission.
At a working lunch on Monday, discussions focused on the resilience and preparedness of education and training systems. Michaelidou highlighted Cyprus’s actions, particularly its experience with distance learning during the pandemic, the upgrading of technical education, and curriculum reforms emphasizing green and digital literacy and lifelong learning. She stressed the importance of European coordination to ensure stability and prosperity in education.
The Council adopted resolutions and recommendations on strengthening European higher education through a joint European degree label and a coherent framework for quality assurance and recognition in higher education. In a debate on the Union of Skills and its role in strengthening the European Education Area, Michaelidou noted the importance of the Union of Skills as a policy tool for the EU’s competitiveness and stability. She also highlighted the need for a holistic and human-centered approach to education, aiming to foster lifelong competences and social skills in students.