Cyprus Cabinet approves major reform of the special education system

On September 30, 2026, the Cyprus Council of Ministers moved to finalize and approve a long-awaited bill aimed at modernizing the nation's special education framework. This legislative shift addresses systemic issues that have remained largely unchanged for the past 27 years, marking a significant departure from outdated practices to align with modern European standards of inclusive education.

President Nikos Christodoulides announced that the reform centers on the child, prioritizing individualized support for students with disabilities and those requiring additional assistance. Key provisions of the bill include strengthening the role and participation of parents, implementing transparent and efficient administrative procedures, and guaranteeing the right to a graduation diploma for all students attending general schools. The policy, previously presented alongside Dr. João Costa of the European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education, is structured around ten pillars designed to foster a more inclusive and adaptable school environment.

The proposal is now moving from the Council of Ministers to the Parliament for legislative review and final enactment. This move represents a central pillar of the current government's commitment to reforming state institutions and rectifying long-standing structural inefficiencies within the educational sector.