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Cohesion Policy Program ‘THALEIA 2021-2027’ Accelerates Social Inclusion In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 31, 2025

Program Advancement And European Endorsement

The General Directorate of Development at the Ministry of Finance has confirmed that the “THALEIA 2021–2027” Cohesion Policy Program is progressing at a robust pace. With over 100 projects either in progress or completed and approximately €700 million already deployed, the initiative is setting the stage for transformative social and economic reforms in Cyprus. This update was delivered during the visit of the European Parliament’s Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) delegation, underscoring the program’s alignment with EU strategic priorities.

Strengthening Partnerships And Best Practices

The delegation’s visit served as a platform for exchanging experiences and best practices in employment and social inclusion policies. Delegates had the opportunity to inspect a series of EU co-financed projects on the ground, providing concrete examples of how targeted investments are enhancing the quality of life for communities across Cyprus. This collaborative approach not only reinforces policy coherence but also paves the way for innovative solutions in tackling unemployment and social disparities.

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High-Impact Projects With Social Returns

Among the flagship projects under the THALEIA initiative are:

Organization And Operation Of The Inspection Service – With a budget of €8.5 million, this project, managed by the Ministry of Labor, aims to intensify labor inspections, advance the ERGANI II system, and implement an electronic records platform to improve service delivery for both employers and employees.
Ackida Center For Family Intervention And Autism Support – Budgeted at €6 million, this initiative in Nicosia focuses on providing comprehensive assessments, therapeutic interventions, and counseling services to support children and families, under the supervision of the Department of Social Integration for Persons with Disabilities.

Financial Commitment And Strategic Deployment

The THALEIA program commands a substantial budget of €1.8 billion, comprising €969 million from the European Union and €842 million from the national treasury. To date, more than 100 projects have been implemented or completed, with approximately €700 million disbursed towards impactful actions. This strategic financial mobilization is central to driving significant progress in labor market participation and social cohesion.

Measurable Social And Economic Outcomes

The program is poised to deliver extensive benefits, including:

Creation of 6,000 new job opportunities for unemployed individuals by October 2025.
Engagement of 1,100 new graduates in practical training assignments.
Support for 540 young individuals outside the employment, education, or training sectors through guided market integration.
Deployment of 35 community social workers across 19 municipalities and 255 local communities, addressing approximately 2,700 cases.
Provision of subsidies covering tuition fees and meals for 25,000 children aged four years and younger.
Annual social inclusion initiatives that benefit 27,000 students, with a supplementary 65,000 students participating in a school breakfast program.
Extensive support for persons with disabilities, including 23,000 assessments, 12 independent living homes, 8 personalized programs, and in-home care for 130 individuals.

Conclusion

The recent EMPL visit has shone a spotlight on the breadth and depth of the THALEIA program’s interventions. By catalyzing employment opportunities and strengthening social cohesion, this initiative underscores the pivotal role of European cohesion policy in enhancing the socio-economic fabric of Cyprus. As the program moves forward, its achievements to date offer a compelling blueprint for sustainable development and inclusive growth across Europe.

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Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

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Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.