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2027 A Pivotal Year for Cyprus’ First Natural Gas Exports, Says Energy Minister

Cyprus is set to reach a major milestone in 2027, as it prepares to transport its first natural gas, Minister of Energy, Commerce, and Industry George Papanastasiou said on Thursday.

Following a meeting with trade union SEK, Papanastasiou highlighted the significance of the upcoming agreement with Egypt, which President Nikos Christodoulides will personally underscore during his visit to the neighboring country.

“The signing of agreements that will commercialize Cyprus’ natural gas is a crucial step forward,” the minister stated. He noted that while discussions have long focused on exploration and reserves, the next and most critical phase—exporting gas to international markets—is now underway.

“These agreements will define how the gas reaches global markets. This process involves Egypt as the host country, the companies that have invested in the deposits, and, of course, the Republic of Cyprus, which is eager to bring its natural gas to the market,” he explained.

SEK Union Secretary General Andreas Matsas emphasized that the deal also holds strategic importance for the European Union in its push for energy independence.

Papanastasiou further stressed that revenues from natural gas and other investments will ultimately flow back into Cyprus’ economy, reinforcing the country’s financial stability and growth.

Eurobank Plans €1 Billion Investment In AI And Digital Banking By 2028

Eurobank plans to invest about €1 billion in technology from 2025 through 2028, its largest technology investment program to date. The Banking Forward strategy focuses on digital banking, artificial intelligence, customer experience and a “phygital” model combining digital services with face-to-face support.

Digital Banking Dominates Customer Activity

Digital channels already account for 96% of Eurobank transactions, with 61% completed through the Eurobank Mobile App. Among customers aged 35 and under, digital adoption reaches 94%.

Customers make about 574 million annual logins across e/m-banking and more than 1 million digital transactions each day. During the first half of 2026, one in three banking products was acquired digitally.

AI Moves Into Everyday Banking

Eurobank is expanding the use of AI through tools including EVA, its digital customer assistant, and myEVA, an AI-powered voice assistant for employees. The technology is also being applied to mortgage assessments, customer feedback analysis and contractual documents.

The bank’s technology architecture is built around five areas: digital channels, customer experience orchestration, data and AI, core banking, and infrastructure and cloud. About 50% of its applications and digital channels are already cloud-based.

Investment Extends Beyond Technology

The program is intended to reshape how Eurobank operates, combining automation and AI with employee development and human support. The bank says the approach is designed to improve services while maintaining access to face-to-face banking when customers need it.

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