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

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 31, 2025

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.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

“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.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Greece Posts €593.4 Million Fiscal Surplus In Early 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 2, 2026

The Greek government recorded a modest contraction in its fiscal surplus during the January-April 2026 period, with figures falling to €593.4 million compared to €614 million in the corresponding period of 2025. This development comes as the surplus as a percentage of GDP slipped from 1.7% to 1.5%, according to preliminary data released by the Hellenic Statistical Authority.

Robust Revenue Growth Driven By Tax And Social Contributions

Total government revenue increased by 4% year-on-year to €4.995 billion from €4.801 billion. Income and wealth tax receipts rose by 10.3% to €1.292 billion, while social contributions increased by 8.3% to €1.687 billion. Revenue from taxes on production and imports climbed 2.9% to €1.533 billion, and net VAT receipts grew 5.4% to €1.047 billion. The figures point to continued strength in tax collection despite a softer fiscal balance.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Offsetting Revenue Gains With Declines In Other Income Streams

Growth in tax revenues was partly offset by weaker performance in several other income categories. Revenue from interest and dividends declined by 27.8% to €61.2 million, while current transfers fell 31.2% to €87 million. Income from fees and services also decreased by 12% to €318.4 million.

Increased Expenditures Reflect Shifts In Spending Priorities

Government expenditure rose by 5.1% to €4.402 billion, compared with €4.187 billion in the corresponding period of 2025. Social benefits recorded the largest increase, rising 6.4% to €1.824 billion. Personnel costs increased by 1.9% to €1.295 billion, while interest payments climbed 19.2% to €177.3 million. Other current expenditures rose by 13.6% to €331.7 million, and intermediate consumption increased by 5.1% to €431.2 million.

Capital Spending And Subsector Results

Capital expenditure edged down 0.9% to €320 million. Gross fixed capital formation fell 3.5% to €244.3 million, while subsidies declined by 19.2% to €23.5 million. At the subsector level, the central government surplus narrowed to €166.8 million from €244 million a year earlier. Social Security Organizations improved their surplus to €436.4 million from €389.2 million, while local government deficits decreased to €9.8 million from €19.2 million. The figures suggest that while revenue growth remains resilient, rising spending pressures continue to weigh on Greece’s overall fiscal position.

Breaking news