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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.

EU Trade Surplus Rebounds As Export Sectors Drive Growth In Q4 2025

Robust Recovery In European Trade

The European Union recorded a trade surplus of €28.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, with exports to non-EU countries continuing to exceed imports. According to Eurostat data, the result extends the recovery trend that began in the third quarter of 2023.

Key Export Sectors Fueling Growth

Chemicals and related products generated the largest surplus at €49.3 billion. Machinery and vehicles followed with a surplus of €42.3 billion, while food, drinks and tobacco added €10.8 billion. Miscellaneous goods contributed €7.1 billion, reflecting broad-based export strength across multiple sectors.

Addressing Persistent Challenges

The energy sector remained the main drag on the trade balance, posting a deficit of €62.7 billion. Other manufactured goods and raw materials also recorded deficits of €11.0 billion and €7.5 billion respectively, highlighting continued structural pressures in import-dependent categories.

Cooling Global Trade Dynamics

Data from the fourth quarter of 2025 also revealed a contraction in global trade activity. Total imports decreased by 1.4% while exports dropped by 0.8% compared to the previous quarter. These declines, marking three consecutive quarters of reduction for both categories, signal a potential cooling in global trade volumes that European businesses will need to navigate carefully moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The latest figures reveal both the strengths and vulnerabilities of current European trade dynamics. As the EU continues to leverage its competitive export sectors amidst challenging external pressures, policymakers and industry leaders alike must remain vigilant to maintain this upward trend while addressing persistent deficits in energy and certain manufactured categories.

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