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European Investment Bank Invests In Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure In Greece And Cyprus

Robust Growth In Cyprus’ Automotive Sector

Recent data from Cyprus underscores a marked acceleration in the adoption of sustainable vehicles. An analysis by the state statistical service reveals that between January and August 2025, electric vehicle registrations climbed from 3.3% to 4.8%, while hybrid vehicles experienced an even steeper increase—from 36.8% to 43.6%. This upward trend comes amidst a modest overall rise in vehicle registrations and a notable pivot away from traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars.

Shifting Trends In Vehicle Registrations

Comprehensive insights into the sector delineate a rebalancing in transport preferences. Passenger saloon cars saw a marginal increase, and rental vehicles, particularly passenger saloon and rental goods vehicles, reported significant gains. Conversely, declines were noted in registrations of motor coaches, buses, and mopeds under 50cc. Such trends underscore an evolving market dynamic, with consumers gravitating towards more sustainable and economically efficient transport solutions.

EIB Financing Fuels EV Charging Expansion

In a strategic move to bolster the infrastructure supporting this green transition, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced financing of up to €17.5 million to Greek company Joltie SA. Funded under the InvestEU programme, this initiative is designed to establish approximately 2,200 new electric vehicle charging points across Greece and Cyprus by 2029. This investment not only aims to decarbonise road transport but also reinforces the European Union’s broader climate and economic cohesion objectives in Southeast Europe.

EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris emphasized the critical role of this project in accelerating the region’s sustainable mobility agenda. “Our collaboration with Joltie will strengthen EV charging infrastructure in Greece and Cyprus, contributing to more accessible and economically viable electric mobility,” Tsakiris stated. The bank envisions that this infusion of capital will galvanize further private investment and enhance local capabilities to meet ambitious climate action goals.

Founded in 2022 and based in Attica, Joltie SA is rapidly emerging as a pivotal player in the EV charging landscape, integrating charging equipment manufacturing with the operation of its own network. This dual capability has enabled the company to install a substantial fraction of the charging points in Greece, thereby positioning it at the forefront of Europe’s sustainable mobility evolution.

FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.

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