Cyprus and Greece implement new cultural, employment, and housing initiatives

In Cyprus, the Ministry of Culture has launched the ‘NOSTOS 2026’ scheme to preserve the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of occupied communities. The initiative provides grants covering up to 100% of costs for projects involving documentation, oral histories, and the promotion of cultural identity. Applications can be submitted electronically via the grants4arts platform from August 24 to September 14, 2026.

In Greece, the Public Employment Service (DYPA) reported that registered unemployment fell by 10.1% year-on-year in July 2026, reaching 715,328 individuals, though it rose by 6.4% compared to June 2026. DYPA is introducing new employment and training programs targeting youth aged 15-29 and long-term unemployed individuals over 55.

Additionally, the Governmental Housing Policy Committee has activated 14 new measures to address the housing crisis, with a total budget of 6.5 billion euros extending through 2035. These measures include modernizing the building permit system and creating a digital platform for student co-living to increase housing supply and stability.