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Cyprus Eyes United Arab Emirates Partnership On Landmark Subsea Cable Project

Strategic Political Engagement

Cyprus has turned to the United Arab Emirates as it looks to forge a stronger cooperative bond to develop an ambitious EU-financed subsea power cable. This initiative, designed to link Europe with the eastern Mediterranean, underscores Cyprus’ unwavering backing of the project. In a recent meeting, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and his foreign minister held discussions with UAE leadership to explore the potential for joint investment and broader collaboration in related sectors.

Investing In Infrastructure and Future Growth

The dialogue marks a notable step forward in international energy infrastructure, paralleling the vigorous political interest in regional connectivity. The discussions come in the wake of remarks from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which prompted Cyprus to elaborate on its strategic plans. A partnership with the UAE could not only inject fresh capital into the project but also signal robust, multinational support in an era when energy security and sustainability are paramount.

Technical Milestone With Global Implications

At a length of 1,240 km and reaching depths of 3,000 metres, the cable – currently under construction by Greek transmission operator Admie – is poised to become the world’s longest high-voltage and deepest subsea link. Building on nearly a decade of groundwork by Cyprus-based developers, the project now navigates complex financial and operational challenges, including clarifications on overall cost, viability, and accountability for delays.

Regulatory Hurdles And Future Outlook

Adding to the scrutiny, European prosecutors recently initiated an investigation into potential criminal offences related to the €1.9 billion venture that aims not only to connect Cyprus with Greece but also extend to Israel. Despite these challenges, the trilateral support from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel is a robust testament to the project’s strategic importance and its potential to reshape regional energy dynamics.

Cyprus Expected Working Life Reaches 39.5 Years, Above EU Average

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.

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.

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