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Eurostat Flash Estimates Signal Elevated Poverty Risk In Cyprus By 2025

Forecast Of Rising Poverty Risk In Cyprus

Eurostat estimated that the poverty risk rate in Cyprus could reach 14.9% in 2025, up from 14.6% recorded in 2024. The projected increase would affect approximately 146,000 residents, according to Eurostat’s latest flash estimates.

European Union Overview

Across the European Union, around 72.4 million people, or 16.3% of the population, are estimated to be at risk of poverty. The figure represents a marginal increase of 0.1 percentage points compared with the previous year. Eurostat noted that the 2025 estimates remain preliminary because the latest complete income data currently available relates to 2024.

Country-Specific Trends

Among EU member states, Lithuania is projected to record the highest poverty risk rate in 2025 at 22.6%, followed by Latvia at 22% and Bulgaria at 21.2%. Lower projected rates were reported for the Czech Republic at 9.6%, Belgium at 10.9%, and Denmark at 11.8%. Overall EU poverty risk levels are expected to remain relatively stable, with Eurostat projecting a slight increase to 16.4% in the next EU-SILC cycle in 2026. According to the agency, the projected change is not considered statistically significant.

Implications For Cyprus And Beyond

The forecasted increase in Cyprus reflects broader economic challenges facing the region. As policymakers and community leaders navigate these shifts, continuous monitoring will be essential to implement targeted interventions. This evolving economic landscape underscores the need for proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Cyprus Unemployment Trends: 7.6% Annual Increase Reflects Sectoral Shifts

Overview Of The Labor Market

According to the latest figures released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat), registered unemployment in Cyprus increased by 7.6% year-on-year in May 2026. While the overall number of registered unemployed declined compared with April, the annual comparison showed an increase from May 2025.

By The Numbers

The total number of registered unemployed persons at district labour offices stood at 7,936 on May 31, down from 8,962 in April. Compared with May 2025, however, the number increased by 558, rising from 7,378 to 7,936. Seasonally adjusted unemployment fell slightly to 10,476 in May from 10,516 in April. Previous monthly figures stood at 10,257 in March, 10,085 in February and 10,089 in January.

Sectoral Influences And Analysis

Accommodation and food service activities recorded one of the largest annual increases in registered unemployment. The number rose to 1,177 in May 2026 from 934 in May 2025, although it declined from 1,986 in April. Administrative and support service activities also recorded an annual increase, rising to 431 from 337 during the same period. Every month, the figure fell from 519 in April.

Transportation and storage recorded 323 registered unemployed persons, compared with 264 a year earlier and 453 in April. Professional, scientific and technical activities reported 812 registered unemployed persons, up from 754 in May 2025 and broadly unchanged from 816 in April.

Divergent Trends In Other Sectors

Several sectors recorded lower unemployment levels compared with a year earlier. Construction declined from 426 registered unemployed persons in May 2025 to 366 in May 2026. Wholesale and retail trade, including the repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles, recorded a slight decrease from 1,400 to 1,380. Agriculture, forestry and fishing, together with water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities, also reported lower figures. Manufacturing, financial and insurance activities, and real estate activities remained broadly stable.

Future Outlook

The latest data show differing trends across sectors, with accommodation and food services accounting for a significant share of the annual increase in registered unemployment. At the same time, construction, retail trade and several other sectors recorded lower unemployment levels compared with the previous year. Detailed labour market data are available through the Cyprus Statistical Service.

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