Cyprus HRDA Launches Pivotal EU-Funded Training Initiative for NEETs

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 13, 2025

The Human Resource Development Authority of Cyprus (HRDA) has embarked on a major initiative aimed at transforming the prospects of young people classified as NEETs (not in education, employment, or training). Through a public tender process, HRDA has formalized an agreement with the M.M.C Management Center Ltd and EDITC Ltd Consortium to implement comprehensive training programmes across Cyprus.

EU-Funded Programme Under the Cohesion Policy

The project, entitled “Training Programmes For Young People Not In Education, Employment Or Training (NEETs),” is executed under the Cohesion Policy Programme “Thalia 2021-2027” and benefits from co-funding by the European Union. The initiative is set to reach 2,800 young individuals across all provinces, with a target completion date of October 15, 2028.

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Comprehensive Curriculum Designed For Modern Workforce Demands

The training modules have been meticulously designed to cover essential areas, ranging from fundamental linguistic and mathematical proficiency to advanced horizontal skills. These horizontal competencies include communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork, time management, creativity, interpersonal relations, as well as practical job-related skills such as curriculum vitae preparation and interview techniques.

Eligibility And Support Measures

The programmes are open to individuals aged 15 to 29 who are registered as NEETs and are currently listed as unemployed in the register maintained by the Public Employment Service (PES) of the Ministry of Labour and Social Insurance. Importantly, participants will not bear any costs for the training. In addition to receiving a training allowance, they will also be provided with supplemental financial support to cover travel and other related expenses.

Driving Economic and Social Transformation

This initiative is not only a significant move towards enhancing the employability of Cyprus’s youth but also reinforces the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and social development. By equipping young people with essential skills and competencies, the programme positions them to navigate the evolving demands of the modern labour market.

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EU Investigates Booking.com Over Fake Listings And Advertising Transparency

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 21, 2026

The European Commission has opened an in-depth investigation into whether Booking.com complied with the EU’s Digital Services Act (DSA), focusing on fraudulent property listings, phishing scams and the transparency of paid search results.

Regulators will assess whether the platform adequately identified and mitigated consumer risks, including financial losses caused by fake accommodation offers and deceptive messages.

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Fake Listings And Consumer Protection

As part of the investigation, the Commission will examine whether Booking.com took sufficient steps to address listings for non-existent properties, impersonation fraud and accommodation offers that may not meet applicable requirements. It will also assess the platform’s safeguards for removing fraudulent or non-compliant listings.

Phishing Risks And Guest Data

Another area of scrutiny concerns the risks associated with sharing reservation and guest data with accommodation providers, as well as the design of Booking.com’s messaging tools.

Weak safeguards could allow scammers to exploit these channels to obtain personal information or trick customers into making fraudulent payments.

Paid Search Results Under Scrutiny

A further focus is whether Booking.com clearly identifies paid-for search results. Accommodation providers can pay higher commissions to improve their rankings, but EU rules require users to recognise advertisements and understand who paid for them, why they are being shown and how advertising preferences can be adjusted.

Potential DSA Violations

If confirmed, the suspected failures could breach Articles 34 and 35 of the DSA, which require very large online platforms to assess and mitigate systemic risks. The investigation may also concern Article 26(1), which sets out transparency requirements for online advertising.

According to the Commission, the investigation will be treated as a priority. Possible next steps include requests for further information, interviews and inspections. The Commission may also impose interim measures, issue a non-compliance decision or accept commitments from Booking.com.

Opening proceedings does not prejudge the outcome. However, during the investigation, the Commission will directly supervise the suspected advertising-transparency issue under Article 26(1), rather than leaving it to national authorities.

Wider Implications For Online Marketplaces

The investigation follows the Commission’s review of Booking.com’s risk assessment and transparency reports, alongside its responses to formal information requests issued on September 23, 2025, and May 26, 2026. The Commission is working with the Dutch Authority for Consumers and Markets, the country’s Digital Services Coordinator.

Booking.com was designated a Very Large Online Platform under EU law on April 25, 2023. The case will test whether the company’s safeguards for consumer protection, security and advertising transparency meet the requirements imposed on major online platforms.

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