eu helpline — eu helpline — Five years on, Cyprus remains without the European helpline 116016, aimed at providing critical support for victims of gender violence. The delay in launching this essential service is attributed to ongoing financial and procedural barriers, despite the government’s repeated assurances to implement it.
The helpline, which operates across many European countries, offers free and specialised assistance to individuals facing gender-based violence. Countries such as Germany, France, Ireland, Sweden, and Austria have successfully integrated this service, but Cyprus has yet to join their ranks.
This issue resurfaced recently in a parliamentary exchange where Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis addressed concerns raised by MP Giorgos Koukoumas, as reported by Politis. Minister Hartsiotis confirmed that budget constraints and administrative challenges have hindered the helpline’s rollout, emphasising that the necessary expertise is readily available through the domestic violence NGO Spavo.
The journey towards establishing the helpline began back in 2021 when Cyprus first expressed interest in the initiative. An agreement was signed between the justice ministry and Spavo, allocating €45,000 to cover initial expenses, including staff training and equipment.
Plans for the helpline were included in the national budget for 2022 and 2023, with a hopeful outlook for a national launch. However, in September 2023, the justice ministry submitted a proposal to the finance ministry for the project’s funding. During this process, Spavo was tasked with providing a comprehensive breakdown of costs.
Two months later, the NGO reported that the annual operational costs would amount to €120,000, with a projected increase of 5 per cent each year. This figure was nearly three times the original estimate and significantly exceeded the €45,000 previously earmarked, effectively stalling the launch.
In a bid to move forward, the justice ministry is now pursuing a public tender. A special committee has been formed to draft the technical requirements, ensuring that the helpline will deliver quality services while remaining cost-effective.
The 2025 state budget has allocated €45,000 for the helpline project, with a planned increase to €60,000 in 2026. The ministry now anticipates that the helpline will be operational in the first half of 2026.
In addition to domestic funding, officials are exploring the potential for EU financial support to help cover part of the costs. The national coordinating body for the prevention and combating of violence against women is collaborating with the European Commission to identify co-financing opportunities, recognising the increased demand for support amid limited local resources.
