43% Of Cyprus CEOs Cite Talent Shortages As Top Business Risk

PwC surveyed 77 CEOs in Cyprus, finding that 43% identify skilled labor shortages as a key business risk for the next 12 months. The findings place talent constraints ahead of several other risks and highlight ongoing challenges in hiring employees with the required capabilities.

Critical Talent Gaps And Strategic Concerns

The survey shows that 43% of CEOs rank talent shortages as a primary threat, compared with geopolitical conflicts at 30%, technological change at 22% and cyberattacks at 21%. The data indicate that workforce availability remains a central constraint for business operations. PwC surveyed the latest escalation in the Middle East. Current perceptions of geopolitical risk may therefore be higher than reflected in the results.

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Technology Talent And The AI Imperative

Hiring challenges are more pronounced in artificial intelligence roles, where 45% of CEOs said they are not confident in their ability to recruit qualified specialists. Demand for technical expertise continues to outpace supply in this segment. Global data show a different trend, with 42% of CEOs expressing confidence in their ability to secure AI talent. The gap highlights regional differences in workforce availability and hiring conditions.

Confidence In Leadership And The Demand For Transparency

Executives also reported increased scrutiny of leadership decisions, cited by 13% of respondents. Demand for transparency was identified by 10%, while 9% pointed to concerns related to AI security and responsible use. These responses reflect pressure on management teams to balance operational decisions with governance, risk and communication expectations.

Insights From PwC Cyprus

Philippos Sosielos, CEO of PwC Cyprus, said the findings reflect structural challenges linked to skills, technology and geopolitical developments. He added that the business environment is becoming more complex as multiple risks converge. Sosielos noted that the survey results were recorded before recent geopolitical developments, indicating that current risk levels may be higher.

Long-Term Strategic Imperatives

Companies are expected to address workforce gaps through long-term planning and investment in skills development. Talent strategy is becoming a core component of business resilience. Future responses will depend on how organizations align recruitment, training and technology adoption with changing market conditions.

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Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 10, 2026

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

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A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

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