The Human Resources Development Authority’s (Anad) budget and medium-term fiscal framework for 2026–2028 were submitted to parliament, setting out higher spending plans aimed at upgrading skills, strengthening productivity and improving the quality of Cyprus’ training systems.

The 2026 budget projects revenues of €64.5 million, slightly up from €63.5 million this year, while expenditure is set to rise to €77.6 million, compared with €73 million in the 2025 budget.

Spending includes €12.3m in current costs, €65.1m in development expenditure and €200,000 for contingencies.

The resulting €13.1m deficit will be covered by accumulated surpluses, which are expected to stand at €113.5m at the start of 2026.

Moreover, funding for human resources development is budgeted at €62.8m, up from €59.8m this year, reflecting the authority’s continued focus on training, labour-market integration and lifelong learning.

Anad said the 2026 budget and strategic plan for 2026–2028 remain guided by its mission to upgrade Cyprus’ workforce, boost competitiveness and strengthen the resilience of local enterprises.

It added that improving quality assurance across the training system also remains a core objective.

To support more efficient operations, the authority intends to step up strategic planning, internal audit work, financial and human-resources management, and IT upgrades, while also ensuring the effective functioning of its board.

In parallel, efforts to upgrade human resources will centre on integrating unemployed and inactive people into work, encouraging continuous training for employees and helping individuals acquire skills throughout their careers.

Anad also said that quality assurance priorities include maintaining the professional qualifications system and improving the evaluation and certification framework for training providers.

Other priorities involve strengthening training infrastructure and safeguarding the overall quality of human-resource development programmes.