Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Cyprus At The Forefront Of EU Anti-Fraud Reforms Ahead Of 2026 Council Presidency

Strategic Dialogue With European Anti-Fraud Authorities

Cyprus is intensifying preparations for its upcoming EU Council Presidency by engaging in high-level discussions on strengthening the bloc’s financial-protection framework. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos recently met with Salla Saastamoinen, Deputy Director-General of European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), to shape negotiations on revising the European anti-fraud architecture and the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034).

Reinforcing Financial Oversight and Taxpayer Protection

During the meeting, discussions covered a range of issues critical to safeguarding European taxpayers’ funds. As Cyprus prepares to assume the presidency in the first half of 2026, Keravnos stressed her country’s pivotal role in ensuring that stringent measures are central to the new MFF. He underscored that protecting European citizens’ resources remains the top priority, highlighting initiatives such as the deployment of digital tools, educational campaigns, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions. This approach, combined with a national anti-fraud strategy scheduled for release in June 2026, aims to reinforce EU-wide efforts against financial irregularities.

Strengthening Collaborative Mechanisms

Saastamoinen conveyed key directives on behalf of Commissioner Serafin, emphasizing the EU’s unwavering commitment to combating fraud. She expressed optimism about Cyprus’ potential to leverage the EU’s anti-fraud program, especially at a time when comprehensive oversight is more critical than ever. “I am very happy to be visiting Cyprus, particularly at such an important juncture,” she stated, adding that she looks forward to the Cypriot presidency advancing these crucial reforms. Her remarks resonated with a shared vision of enhanced cooperation between OLAF and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), as both entities seek to fortify transparency and accountability within the EU budget.

Looking Ahead

Both parties agreed to maintain close collaboration as Cyprus approaches its presidency. By capitalizing on innovative technologies and a resolute policy framework, Cyprus is set to play a decisive role in the evolution of the EU’s financial safeguarding mechanisms, ensuring that fiscal resources are managed with impeccable integrity and transparency.

Nearly 80% Of Cyprus’ Foreign Investment Came From Outside EU In 2025

Cyprus had the highest share of foreign direct investment (FDI) originating outside the European Union among 14 EU member states reporting data for 2025. According to Eurostat, non-EU economies accounted for 79.4% of the island’s inward FDI, highlighting its distinct position among the reporting countries.

The figures contrast with most other EU economies, where investment from within the bloc remains the main source of foreign capital.

Cyprus Leads In Non-EU Investment Share

Eurostat measures inward FDI positions by the ultimate investing economy, identifying the economy where the investment ultimately originates rather than only the country through which it is channelled. This distinction is important when investments involve subsidiaries or intermediary holding companies.

In nine of the 14 reporting countries, most foreign investment came from within the EU. The Czech Republic recorded the highest intra-EU share, at 75.1%, followed by Romania at 73.3% and Estonia at 64.8%.

Cyprus was among five countries where non-EU economies accounted for more than half of inward FDI. Spain, Sweden, Greece and Denmark also recorded shares above 50%, ranging from 51% to 55.1%.

US Is The Largest Source Of FDI Across Reporting Countries

Across the 14 countries collectively, the United States was the largest ultimate source of foreign direct investment, accounting for 15.4% of the total.

Germany ranked second at 11.5%, followed by France at 9.4%, the United Kingdom at 9.3% and Switzerland at 5.8%.

These figures reflect the combined investment positions of the reporting countries and do not identify Cyprus’s leading individual investment sources. However, the country-level data underline the island’s strong reliance on capital originating outside the European Union.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol
eCredo
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter