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Tax Reform Legislation Near Finalization, Minister Announces

Overview

The Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, confirmed that the legislative drafts for the upcoming tax reform are nearing completion. Currently under review by the Legal Service, these bills are expected to be finalized in the coming days. In a statement delivered on Wednesday, the Minister emphasized that the framework underpinning the reform remains consistent even as specific provisions continue to be refined.

Meaningful Engagement With Stakeholders

During an afternoon meeting with the Commissioner of Taxation and representatives from the General Secretariat of the Social Dialogue (SEK), additional proposals for the reform were presented. Both sides engaged in a productive dialogue, with the Minister noting, “We exchanged a range of forward-thinking ideas that are critical to enhancing the final product.” This interaction underlined the commitment to developing a balanced fiscal framework that incorporates diverse perspectives.

Enhancing Social Equity Through Fiscal Measures

The discussions also highlighted the importance of addressing tax evasion and providing support to vulnerable segments of the workforce. Notably, it was pointed out that nearly one in two employees may not immediately benefit from the reform. As a result, the government is evaluating measures to create reciprocal benefits and improve the overall social equity of the tax system. Moreover, the integration of complementary initiatives, such as reforms to the pension system, is expected to further secure societal interests while ensuring fiscal responsibility.

Moving Forward With Adaptability

The Minister reassured that adjustments will be made as necessary up to the last moment, a common practice in budgetary and legislative processes. He underscored that while the fundamental philosophy of the tax reform remains unchanged, specific elements can and will be modified in response to ongoing consultations and new insights.

Conclusion

As the legislative proposals continue to evolve within the Legal Service, the government remains committed to a transparent and inclusive process that supports both fiscal efficiency and social justice. The Minister and senior officials reiterated their openness to further discussions and looked forward to a final version that holistically addresses the challenges of modern taxation and social policy.

Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

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