Cyprus Emerges As A Preferred Hub For International Families In The EU

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 21, 2025

The European Union is witnessing a marked shift in international family migration, as Cyprus records the second highest ratio of first residence permits issued to non-EU minors. With 2,584 permits per 100,000 individuals under the age of 18, the island has firmly established itself as a destination of choice for families seeking reunification and stability.

Cyprus And Malta Lead The Statistical Landscape

Data from Eurostat positions Cyprus just behind Malta, which boasts 3,379 permits per 100,000 minors. In comparison, Luxembourg follows with 1,861. In stark contrast, nations such as Latvia, Croatia, Estonia, Bulgaria, and Romania reported fewer than 200 permits per 100,000, while France, issuing only 17 permits per 100,000, typically refrains from granting residence permits to minors.

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Permit Issuance: Categories And Distribution

Across the EU in 2024, a total of 540,445 first residence permits were issued to non-EU citizens under the age of 18. Notably, 66%—or 356,554 permits—were granted for family formation and reunification, highlighting a strong commitment to keeping families intact. Permits issued for other reasons, including international protection, accounted for 30% (160,618 permits), while education-related permits comprised a modest 4% (21,179 permits).

National And Citizenship Trends

Among EU member states, Germany issued the highest number of permits at 138,692 (26% of the bloc’s total), followed by Spain with 107,828 (20%), and Italy with 60,125 (11%). Analyzing citizenship trends, minors from Syria represented 12% of permits, with Morocco and Ukraine contributing 7% and 6% respectively. More broadly, Asian nationals accounted for 37% of the permits, Europeans from non-EU countries for 27%, Africans for 21%, Caribbean, Central and South Americans for 11%, and North Americans for 2%.

Implications For Policymakers And Stakeholders

The marked differences in permit issuance and policy approaches across EU nations illuminate broader trends in migration management. Cyprus’ elevated ratio underscores its emerging role as a nexus for international family migration, a trend that warrants attention from policymakers and business leaders amid evolving geopolitical currents in Europe.

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Digital Euro Moves Forward In EU Push For Payment Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 28, 2026

Strengthening Strategic Autonomy

At an event held at the House of the Euro in Brussels on April 22, central bank officials discussed the role of a digital euro in strengthening the European Union’s financial independence. Participants included Stelios Georgakis, Payments Supervision Director at the Central Bank of Cyprus, and Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Redefining Central Bank Role In A Digital Era

Nagel stated that the digital euro is no longer viewed solely as a technical development but also as part of a broader policy direction. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s payment infrastructure to ensure resilience and independence. The digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it, maintaining the role of central bank money in a more digital financial system.

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Reducing Dependence On Non-European Infrastructure

According to Nagel, around two-thirds of card payments in Europe currently rely on non-European systems. This reliance is seen as a structural vulnerability. A digital euro could help reduce this dependency by supporting a more integrated and locally controlled payments framework.

Legislative Roadmap And Timeline

Looking ahead, Nagel expressed a strong optimism regarding the legislative process, suggesting that completion could occur by year‑end. This progress may set the stage for the first issuance of the digital euro as early as 2029, in alignment with Europe’s broader ambitions for financial resilience and technological advancement.

Comprehensive Payments Strategy

During the discussion, Georgakis outlined the European Central Bank’s approach to payments. The strategy combines retail and wholesale systems, including instant payments, a digital euro, and infrastructure based on distributed ledger technology. Improving cross-border payment efficiency remains a key objective.

Transforming Europe’s Financial Landscape

The discussion reflected alignment between central banks, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the direction of Europe’s payment systems. Development of a digital euro is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen financial infrastructure, support economic resilience, and maintain the euro’s role in a changing global environment.

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