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1. Legal/policy framework for the functioning and development of youth organisations

2. Public financial support

3. Initiatives to increase the diversity of participants

Legal/policy framework for the functioning and development of youth organisations

There is not a specific legal or policy framework for the functioning and development of youth organisations in Cyprus. The youth organisations function in the framework of the 'Law on Associations and Foundations and Other Related Issues of 2017 104(I)2017' (Νόμος που αναθεωρεί τους περί Σωματείων και Ιδρυμάτων Νόμους του 1972 και 1997 και καταργεί τον περί εγγραφής Λέσχων Νόμο - Ν. 104(Ι)/2017). It's main goal is to define the term “association” and “foundation” and to give guidelines about their registration and their function.

Public financial support

The Green Volunteering program, launched by the Youth Board of Cyprus in 2024, encourages young people to gain experience in environmental issues through volunteering. It aims to raise awareness, promote eco-friendly actions, provide environmental education, and foster active participation. Eligible activities include tree planting, cleanups, recycling, and environmental workshops. The program is open to informal youth groups, local and national youth organizations, youth centers, and secondary schools, supporting collective efforts to protect the environment and engage youth in meaningful projects.

The Youth Board of Cyprus also launched the Youth Capital program in 2024, which is a program that encourages collaboration between local authorities and young people to create projects that benefit both the community and youth. In its first year, the program focuses on rural communities, aiming to increase youth participation in decision-making and enhance opportunities in culture, sports, and creative activities. Eligible projects should address local needs and involve specific actions with clear goals. Participants include community authorities, neighbouring communities, youth councils, and youth-focused NGOs, with projects requiring partnerships from at least two different organizations.

Youth organisations may receive financial support through the Youth Initiatives funding scheme. The “Youth Initiatives Project” is administered by the Youth Board of Cyprus and provides funding to activities organised by young people and youth organisations. The source of Youth Initiatives Project is solely national and it is part of the Youth Board’s budget.

The Youth Initiatives Project provides support for a variety of activities, including conferences, workshops, cultural events (concerts, art exhibitions, CD/short film/documentary creation, book publishing, procurement of library books, and printing manuals), social intervention projects, sports activities, excursions, festivals, campaigns, as well as the provision of furniture and equipment for youth NGOs. Notably, the assistance with furniture and equipment enables youth organisations to enhance their facilities dedicated to youth initiatives.

Initiatives to increase the diversity of participants

There are no specific national or large-scale initiatives aiming to increase the diversity of young people participating in youth organisations.