European Commission Prepares Bill For A Single Space Market

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 29, 2025

The European Commission (EC) is set to propose a bill aimed at creating a single space market, according to European Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius. This proposed market will pave the way for economic activities in low Earth orbit (LEO), including advancements in tourism, artificial intelligence, energy, and mineral extraction. Kubilius forecasts that these economic activities will triple in the next decade.

The EU is currently a global leader in providing orbital coverage for navigation and surveillance, but Kubilius stressed the need for additional investment to retain this advantage. He emphasized that the EU should not rely on foreign countries for its space projects. “We must be independent in space; this is extremely important for our strategic independence. We must not depend on the missiles of foreign countries, we must have launch sites from our land, we need to increase our space defense capabilities,” Kubilius urged.

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Kubilius also raised concerns about Russia’s potential ability to confront NATO countries soon, highlighting the critical role space will play in defense, particularly in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. He pointed out that the EU is working on a secure satellite system to exchange government information and protect this network.

As the EU continues to enhance its space program, Kubilius called for more funding to sustain its leadership in space exploration, including attracting private investments. He noted that European space projects have already improved the lives of billions globally, but bold steps are required to secure the future of the continent’s space capabilities.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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