Nicosia, Cyprus. The number of children at risk of poverty or social exclusion in Cyprus has fallen in recent years, according to a European Commission report. The report also highlights persistent weaknesses, including energy poverty and significant social inequalities.
Drop in children at risk and national target
Based on the latest available data, the number of children at risk dropped from around 37,000 in 2019 to 26,000 in 2024, a development attributed to targeted social policy interventions. The report, titled “Breaking the cycle of child poverty – strengthening the European Child Guarantee”, was published following Wednesday’s College of Commissioners meeting.
The document states that “Cyprus has achieved its national target, although this is considered of low ambition,” indicating room for further policy strengthening.
Housing and energy poverty concerns
The report describes the situation in housing and energy poverty as particularly concerning. It notes that 62.6 per cent of children at risk live in households unable to keep their homes adequately warm, the highest rate in the European Union.
It adds that “the gap between children at risk of poverty and others reaches 55.1 per cent”, underlining the scale of inequality.
Education indicators
In education, early school leaving in Cyprus remains above the EU average, standing at 11.3 per cent compared to 9.3 per cent. The report states that “despite interventions, challenges remain in keeping students in the education system”.
Participation in early childhood education has increased, mainly through subsidised programmes, but the system remains almost entirely privatised, with “only 2.6 per cent of facilities being public”.
What measures do you think should be prioritised to address energy poverty and reduce inequality for children in Cyprus?
