The Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union has used high-level European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) meetings in Nicosia to push member states toward stronger commitments on employment, social inclusion and poverty reduction ahead of the next EU funding cycle. The Finance Ministry's directorate general for development outlined the outcomes of the discussions on Monday, following sessions that concluded on 16 April.
All member states at the table
Representatives from all EU member states gathered in the Cypriot capital for the ESF+ Committee sessions, which were held under the rotating presidency Cyprus currently holds. Penelope Papavassiliou, representing the Finance Ministry's directorate general for development, set the tone for the proceedings, arguing that social investment must sit at the heart of any credible European growth model.
"The need for a Europe that combines competitiveness with social cohesion is more relevant than ever, aligned with the priority of the Cypriot Presidency for a more autonomous Europe," Papavassiliou said.
Participants underlined the ESF+ as a key instrument for promoting equal opportunities, strengthening social inclusion and combating poverty, while also highlighting Cohesion Policy as a catalyst for balanced regional development across the bloc, according to Cyprus Mail.
MFF 2028–2034 negotiations in focus
A central thread running through the discussions was the ongoing negotiation of the new Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034. Delegates stressed the importance of building long-term resilience into European societies and ensuring that social investment commitments are locked in before the next budgetary period begins. The Cypriot Presidency framed the ESF+ talks as a direct contribution to that objective.
On the ground: Thaleia projects showcased
Delegates were taken on a guided tour of Nicosia's walled city alongside site visits to projects co-funded through the Thaleia 2021–2027 Cohesion Policy Programme. Two stops illustrated the programme's reach: the Centre for Information and Training for Employment and Entrepreneurship Development, which promotes employment, supports work-life balance, tackles social exclusion and encourages entrepreneurship; and the 'Ouranio Toxo' Child Care and Employment Centre, which provides practical family support and facilitates work-life balance.
"These projects demonstrate how the Thaleia 2021–2027 programme transforms European resources into tangible social interventions, investing in people and strengthening social cohesion across communities," a source at the proceedings noted.
Participants also drew attention to the role of local government in delivering targeted interventions, highlighting "the contribution of local government authorities in identifying needs early and delivering targeted social interventions at community level, complementing state services and supporting a more holistic approach."
The Nicosia sessions form part of a broader Cypriot Presidency agenda to ensure that social cohesion remains a central pillar of EU policy as budget negotiations for the post-2027 period gather pace.
