By Famagusta Gazette

Copyright famagusta-gazette

NICOSIA— Cyprus is falling behind other European Union member states in planning and securing EU funds for elderly care, according to a report published by Haravgi newspaper.

While many EU countries are taking proactive steps to address population aging, Cyprus ranks last in both strategic planning and utilization of available EU mechanisms, the report said.

The island nation is eligible to receive up to €15.4 million in EU funding for the development of elderly care centers and support services. In contrast, Spain tops the list with an allocation of €2.394 billion.

The report also highlights demographic projections showing that by 2050, 23.9% of Cyprus’s population will be aged 65 and over. Currently, the country has only 26 elderly care homes, underscoring a significant gap in infrastructure.

Experts have warned that without substantial investment and policy reform, Cyprus may struggle to meet the needs of its aging population.