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Green Taxation In Cyprus: Delayed Yet Crucial For Economic Growth

by News Editor

The much-anticipated green taxes, particularly crucial for Cyprus, have been postponed from their initial May implementation date, according to the Ministry of Finance’s General Director, Andreas Zachariades. Specifically, the carbon tax on fuels will be delayed till summer, while the overnight stay levy is rescheduled to late 2026, partly detached from the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Carbon Tax: Summer Implementation Expected

Although slated for May, the carbon tax bill on fuels is pending parliamentary submission. Zachariades highlighted the inevitable nature of this tax due to European Union regulations, with changes expected within the next few months. The initial rate, approximately 6 cents per liter, will rise by 2026 in alignment with the EU’s ETS2 system.

Expected Revenue And Compensatory Measures

Forecasted to generate €70 million over 18 months, this tax will inevitably increase the financial burden. However, compensatory measures, including subsidies for vulnerable groups and vehicle replacement schemes, are under consideration for equitable tax impact distribution.

Levy On Overnight Stays: An Industry Perspective

The proposed €2.50 levy affecting the hotel industry is being reconsidered for late 2026. Unlike the carbon tax, this levy isn’t bound to EU commitments, allowing for flexible timing. Considered jointly with hospitality stakeholders, this tax intends to support financial sustainability while promising compensatory hospitality sector initiatives.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

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