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1. Forthcoming policy developments

2. Ongoing debates

    

Forthcoming policy developments

The preparations for the drafting of the new National Youth Strategy 2030 (NYS) started taking place in 2024. The new Strategy builds on the evaluation and lessons learned from the previous cycle and has been developed through an extensive and participatory process involving young people, youth organisations, public authorities and other key stakeholders. Between March and September 2024, a series of structured consultations took place, including working group meetings with governmental bodies, an open online consultation inviting young people to participate, and regional participatory workshops held across different districts to ensure geographically balanced input. A further round of consultations and refinement followed, culminating in a formal public consultation phase launched in April 2025 through the national e-consultation platform (η-Διαβούλευση). Throughout the process, emphasis has been placed on co-creation and meaningful youth participation, ensuring that the priorities, challenges and aspirations of young people themselves inform the final framework. The NYS 2030 (Εθνική Στρατηγική για τη Νεολαία 2030) is aligned with broader European youth policy objectives and aims to provide a coherent, cross-sectoral strategy promoting social inclusion, active citizenship, quality education and employment opportunities, well-being, and equal participation for all young people in Cyprus. The new National Youth Strategy is expected to be adopted in 2026. 

According to the Cyprus Recovery and Resilience Plan 2021-2026 (Σχέδιο Ανάκαμψης και Ανθεκτικότητας 2021-2026), several reforms and investments to address Cyprus’ weaknesses in the areas of social protection and social inclusion are planned, such as the establishment of Hostels and Day-Care Programmes’ infrastructure for young people with conduct disorder issues, unaccompanied minors and people with disabilities.

In addition, Cyprus is implementing an updated National Strategy and Action Plan for Disability 2024–2028 (Αναθεωρημένη Εθνική Στρατηγική και Σχέδιο Δράσης για τηνΑναπηρία 2024-2028), including measures to support independent living, expand day-centres and temporary accommodation facilities in each district, further embedding inclusion objectives into national policy frameworks.

In January 2025, the State announced that they will proceed with various new policies including a specific legislation on all issues concerning people with disabilities. Specifically, the government has prepared a draft law titled “The Law on Social Participation, Inclusion and Independent Living of Persons with Disabilities” (Ο περί Κοινωνικής Συμμετοχής, Συμπερίληψης και Ανεξάρτητης Διαβίωσης των Ατόμων με Αναπηρίες Νόμος του 2025) that consolidates and updates disability services, benefits and quality standards and was subject to public consultation in 2025. This law is of great importance for the independence and support of young people with disabilities and their meaningful inclusion in social, economic and civic life.

Ongoing debates

In 2025, the Cabinet approved the draft of a new law titled ‘Law on Citizens’ Initiatives’  (Ο περί της Πρωτοβουλίας Πολιτών Νόμος του 2025) submitted to the House of Representatives. This law is expected to empower Cypriot citizens to actively participate in public life, enabling them to propose new policies and interventions that address societal needs, fostering a more inclusive and responsive governance system. This law, reflects on broader European practices of participatory democracy, including the European Citizens' Initiative, which allows EU citizens through a signature process to request the European Commission to propose legislation. By institutionalizing citizens' initiatives, the government aims to enhance civic engagement and ensure that policies, including youth-related policies, align more closely with the public's daily experiences and concerns.

A parallel public debate in Cyprus focuses on lowering the voting age to 17, with the aim of implementing the change before the 2026 parliamentary elections, as a measure to increase democratic participation among young people.