According to data from the Statistical Service of the Republic of Cyprus, 17.3% EE2030 (21.7% EE2020) or 154,000 people lived below the poverty line in 2021, with the unemployment rate at 5.1% in the second quarter of 2022, compared to 6.8% in the corresponding quarter of 2020. This is mainly attributed to the sectors of the economy, which have the biggest impact from the COVID-19 pandemic. In this context, the references in this document aim to highlight specific issues and groups of citizens that face problems of poverty and social exclusion.
From the reports we come to the general observations below:
Based on the Cyprus National Reform Program 2016, the national 2020 target for the reduction of poverty and social exclusion is: “The Reduction of the number of people-at–risk-of-poverty and social exclusion by 27,000 people by 2020.” However, based on the Poverty Watch Report, the above target is far from being reached. The latest data available (2019) shows that poverty percentage in Cyprus is 22.3%. Covid has likely increased poverty in Cyprus.
Most affected groups
Women
Children
People 65+ years of age
Single parents
Foreigners and non-EU25 foreigners
Main priorities
Qualitative labour market and increasing employment
EU Level
1. Reinforce adequate income (quality jobs with fair living wages and minimum income and social protection income support)
2. Access to key public and essential services (public health and care services, education, training and lifelong learning and social, affordable housing)
Contact details
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Fax: +357 253 43 031
E-mail: eleninkaraoli (@) hotmail.com