96% Of Cypriot Fishers Say Government Support Falls Short, Survey Finds

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 19, 2026

Inadequate Government Support Sparks Alarm

Survey data from Oceana show 96% of Cypriot commercial fishers consider current government measures insufficient to support the sector. Findings come as Cyprus holds the presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Declining Fish Stocks And Mounting Environmental Pressures

The survey covered 47 commercial fishers across six coastal shelters. Results show 72% identified declining fish stocks as the main challenge, while 68% pointed to climate change and invasive species as key pressures on marine ecosystems. Fishers reported a need for stronger habitat protection and consistent application of fishing regulations to support stock recovery.

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

Economic Strain And Long-Term Viability At Stake

Survey findings indicate that reduced catches and weak enforcement of fisheries rules are affecting incomes and working conditions. Fishers reported longer hours at sea and higher income uncertainty. Demographic data show nearly two-thirds of fishers are over the age of 55, with limited entry from younger workers. Age profile raises concerns about long-term workforce sustainability in the sector.

A Call For Implementation, Fairness, And Accountability

Javier Lopez, Director of the Sustainable Fisheries campaign at Oceana in Europe, said fisheries policy outcomes depend on implementation and enforcement rather than policy commitments alone. European Commission is scheduled to review the Common Fisheries Policy in 2026. Report highlights need for improved monitoring, consistent enforcement, and compensation mechanisms during seasonal closures.

Pathways To Recovery And Future Opportunities

Fishers identified measures to support recovery, including stronger controls on invasive species, consistent enforcement of fishing rules, and expanded access to quota-managed species. Sector outlook depends on policy implementation and enforcement as environmental and economic pressures continue.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Expected Working Life Reaches 39.5 Years, Above EU Average

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 20, 2026

People in Cyprus are expected to spend 39.5 years in the workforce, around two years longer than the European Union average of 37.5 years, according to the latest Eurostat data for 2025.

The figure places Cyprus among the EU countries with the longest expected working lives.

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

Cyprus Ranks Above EU Average

Only a handful of member states recorded higher figures than Cyprus. The Netherlands topped the ranking at 44 years, followed by Sweden at 43.4 years, Denmark at 42.6 years, and Estonia at 41.5 years.

At the other end of the ranking were Romania with 32.7 years, Italy with 33.0 years, Bulgaria with 34.6 years and Greece with 35.3 years.

Gender Gap Remains Wider Than EU Average

Men in Cyprus are expected to remain in work for 42.1 years, compared with 36.7 years for women. The gap of 5.4 years exceeds the EU average gender gap of 4.1 years.

Across the bloc, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia were the only countries where women were expected to spend longer in employment than men. Finland recorded the smallest positive gender gap at 0.7 years.

Italy posted the widest gap at 8.9 years, followed by Romania at 6.9 years, Greece at 6.7 years and Malta at 6.3 years.

Working Lives Continue To Lengthen

Between 2016 and 2025, expected working life in Cyprus increased by 3.5 years, placing the country among the strongest performers in the EU over the period. Men’s expected working life rose by 3.3 years, while women’s increased by 3.6 years.

Across the EU, every member state recorded an increase. Malta posted the largest gain at 4.9 years, followed by Hungary and Ireland at 4.2 years each, and the Netherlands at 4.1 years.

Malta’s increase was driven largely by women, whose expected working life rose by 7.8 years, the biggest increase recorded across the bloc.

By comparison, Romania, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria recorded gains of two years or less over the same period.

Women’s Working Lives Increase Faster Across Europe

Women’s expected working life increased faster than men’s in most EU countries. Denmark, Romania, Sweden and Greece were the main exceptions.

In Cyprus, gains for men and women were broadly similar, alongside Bulgaria, Belgium and Slovenia.

Breaking news