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Cyprus Sets €500 Million Transport Plan For 2025

Strategic Vision For 2025

Cyprus Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works outlined its policy and project roadmap for 2025 under Minister Alexis Vafeadis. The plan focuses on electric mobility, road infrastructure and upgrades across ports, airports and public transport systems.

Four Pillars Of Progress

The strategy is based on four priorities: improving travel times, supporting the green transition, upgrading infrastructure and enhancing public services. These areas form the framework for transport policy development in 2025.

Electric Mobility: Powering A Greener Future

Vafeadis said the transition to electric vehicles remains a key priority. Despite a narrowing price gap with conventional vehicles, government incentives are still required to support adoption. A new grant scheme is being prepared through 2030, with annual subsidies planned. Around 2,500 grants worth €21.5 million were issued in 2025, contributing to a target of 85,000 electric vehicles on Cyprus roads by 2030.

Infrastructure Investments And Major Projects

Several infrastructure projects are under review, including those linked to the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The Pafos–Chrysochous road project remains under reassessment following issues with a previous contractor. A new tender process is underway for a four-lane motorway connecting Stroumbi to Chrysochous, aimed at improving regional connectivity and road safety.

Ports, Marinas, And Airports: Catalysts For Economic Growth

Projects in the maritime and aviation sectors are also progressing. The Larnaca marina development is being reassessed following delays linked to weather conditions. Revenue from the Limassol port concession reached about €60 million in 2025, supported by increased container traffic. Passenger numbers in Cyprus reached 13.7 million in 2025, prompting expansion plans at Larnaca and Paphos airports and wider connectivity to 41 countries.

Mitigating Urban Congestion And Revitalizing Public Transport

Limassol continues to face traffic congestion, with around 13,000 new vehicle registrations each year. Plans include the Northern Limassol Bypass and additional projects aimed at reducing pressure on urban roads. Public transport recorded 28 million passenger journeys annually. Authorities aim to improve service levels and increase usage over time.

Modernizing Regulatory And Technological Frameworks

Policy measures also address shortages of professional drivers and the rollout of smart traffic systems. Updated photo enforcement systems have contributed to a reduction in traffic violations.

A Bold Investment In The Future

The ministry allocated more than €500 million for transport-related projects in 2025, excluding spending managed by other departments. This funding supports infrastructure upgrades and ongoing development of the transport network.

Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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