Cyprus will be working closely with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) during its EU rotating presidency in the first half of 2026, Labour Minister Yiannis Panayiotou said on Wednesday.

Addressing the 113th ILO general conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Panayiotou said Cyprus aimed at promoting tripartite social cooperation between workers, employers and the state, and to strengthen social dialogue, economic development and social cohesion.

Panayiotou reaffirmed the country’s firm commitment to the principles of the ILO and its active support to initiatives for social justice and democratic values in the field of labour.

The minister stressed the “importance of the interconnection between quality jobs, legally recognised labour rights and strong economic growth, while emphasising the political will of the government for shaping conditions of full employment and enhancing wage adequacy.”

In this context, Panayiotou referred to the positive trajectory of the labour market over the last two years, focusing on the increase in employment by 80 per cent and the reduction in unemployment to less than 5 per cent.

He said “Cyprus ranks first in reducing unemployment among EU member states, while youth unemployment was limited to the lowest rate in recent decades.”

Panayiotou added that “over the past two years, pay raises have exceeded the cost-of-living increase and referred to the importance of increased participation in training programmes on green and digital skills.”