Newsroom
Cyprus has recorded a reduction in the number of children facing poverty or social exclusion over the past several years, though major social and economic gaps remain, according to a recent European Commission assessment.
Data from the report shows that children considered at risk fell from roughly 37,000 in 2019 to 26,000 in 2024. The decline has been linked to government support measures and welfare policies introduced during that period. The European Commission stated in its working document, Breaking the Cycle of Child Poverty – Strengthening the European Child Guarantee, that Cyprus met its national objective, though officials described the target itself as lacking strong ambition.
Despite the improvement, the report points to serious disparities affecting vulnerable families. Energy poverty stands out as one of the country’s biggest problems. More than 62 percent of children facing poverty live in homes that cannot be kept adequately warm, the highest percentage recorded anywhere in the European Union. The Commission also found a substantial divide between low-income children and the rest of the population, with inequality levels reaching 55.1 percent.
Education indicators also remain problematic. Cyprus continues to report a higher school dropout rate than the EU average, with 11.3 percent of students leaving education early compared with the European figure of 9.3 percent. The report states that keeping students engaged in the education system continues to be difficult despite policy efforts.
Participation in early childhood education has improved through subsidized childcare and preschool programs. Even so, public provision remains extremely limited. Only 2.6 percent of childcare facilities in Cyprus are publicly operated, according to the Commission. Differences in access between disadvantaged children and other groups have narrowed somewhat, though unequal access still exists.
The document also identifies unequal availability of essential services. In certain areas, participation gaps in childcare exceed 20 percent, creating disadvantages for some children from a very young age. Healthcare access does not show severe outcomes overall, but vulnerable communities still encounter obstacles, particularly when seeking mental health support.
The Commission additionally points to weaknesses in data collection involving vulnerable populations. Limited information on specific groups makes it more difficult for authorities to track results and develop effective social policies.
