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Agriculture Minister announces €109.3 million strategy for primary sector

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 11, 2024

Cyprus has launched a new strategy for its agricultural sector, aiming at sustainable development, innovation, and economic resilience.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou introduced the strategy at a press conference on 10 October, stressing that “it is not just an initiative, but a roadmap reflecting our vision for the future of Cypriot agriculture.”

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The strategy, which includes 11 key actions with a budget of €109.3 million, covers the period from 2024 to 2028 and was approved by the Council of Ministers on October 2, 2024.

“Our aim is to establish a new model for the primary sector, ensuring sustainable production, economic support, and access to new technologies,” Panayiotou said. She noted the government’s commitment to providing solid tools and support for farmers, moving beyond emergency measures to a robust, development-oriented approach.

The new strategy aims to increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to Cyprus’ GDP, which currently stands at 1.8%. It will focus on expanding the sector’s capabilities while promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

“We want to ensure the needs of the domestic market are met while promoting Cypriot products in new international markets,” Panayiotou added.

Key elements of the strategy include boosting the professional farming sector through priority measures and scoring systems, water management interventions to combat drought, and the adoption of smart farming technologies. The strategy will also address market gaps by supporting the use of untapped agricultural land and promoting cooperation among producer groups.

Panayiotou emphasised that the new strategy would support the long-term competitiveness of Cyprus’ agricultural sector, focusing on high-quality, affordable products for consumers and fair incomes for farmers.

The actions in the strategy will be funded through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national resources, with the University of Cyprus’ Economic Research Centre tasked with evaluating its overall impact on the economy. The 11 actions cover areas such as green competitiveness, livestock sector support, new financing tools for agriculture, quality certification for Cypriot products, and risk management in agricultural production.

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Euro Area Trade Surplus Edges Down As Sector Dynamics Shift

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 16, 2026

Recent Eurostat data points to a gradual recalibration of the euro area’s trade balance rather than a sharp downturn. In December 2025, the surplus in trade in goods stood at €12.6 billion, compared with €13.9 billion in December 2024. The change reflects shifting sector performance and evolving global demand, not a collapse in external trade strength.

Robust Export Growth And Import Gains

The first estimates indicate a 3.4% increase in euro area exports of goods to the rest of the world, which reached €234.0 billion in December 2025, rising from €226.3 billion in the previous year. Simultaneously, imports climbed by 4.2% to €221.3 billion from €212.4 billion, reflecting rising global demand and expanded market engagement.

Sectoral Analysis: Chemical Industry And Beyond

The contraction in the overall trade surplus is particularly pronounced in key sectors. In the chemicals and related products sector, the surplus experienced a marked decline from €20.2 billion in December 2024 to €16.5 billion in December 2025. Similar downward trends were noted in machinery and vehicles, other manufactured goods, and raw materials, indicating broader shifts in production and consumption patterns.

Energy Sector Improvements

In sharp contrast to other sectors, the energy segment experienced a notable narrowing of its deficit, improving from a shortfall of €24.5 billion in December 2024 to €19.1 billion in December 2025. This development hints at better energy trade dynamics and possibly more efficient energy sourcing strategies.

Annual Trade Performance

Over the full year from January to December 2025, the euro area recorded a trade surplus of €164.6 billion, compared with €168.9 billion in 2024. Exports for this period rose by 2.4% to €2.94 trillion, while imports increased by 2.7% to €2.77 trillion. Additionally, intra-euro area trade expanded by 2.0% to €2.63 trillion, illustrating a growing interconnection among member states.

These figures suggest that while the overall trading environment remains robust, nuanced sectoral trends demand closer attention from policymakers and business leaders alike. By understanding these shifts, industry stakeholders can better align their strategic initiatives with emerging global and regional market dynamics.