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A Decline in Counterfeit Banknotes in Cyprus: What You Need to Know for 2024

In a positive turn for financial security in Cyprus, 2024 saw a decrease in counterfeit euro banknotes, with just 571 fake notes removed from circulation. This marks a notable 11% drop compared to the previous year, according to the Central Bank of Cyprus.

The Most Counterfeited Euro Denomination

Among the counterfeit notes, the €50 denomination topped the list, accounting for 36.8% of the total discovered in Cyprus. Although the number of fake notes is relatively small compared to the genuine ones, vigilance in cash transactions remains paramount.

Global Context

Across the euro area, around 554,000 counterfeit euro banknotes were intercepted in 2024, representing an 18.6% increase from the year before. Notably, €50 and €20 notes made up 79.6% of this total.

The Central Bank of Cyprus provides resources for the public to verify the authenticity of their banknotes, a crucial step in safeguarding transactions.

Cyprus Construction Price Index Rises Amid Cost Pressures

The latest data from the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) shows that the Price Index of Construction Materials in Cyprus reached 118.89 points in January 2026, based on a 2021 average of 100. Compared with December 2025, the index increased by 0.12%, indicating gradual price adjustments across the sector.

Year-Over-Year Growth

On an annual basis, the index recorded a 1.09% increase compared with January of the previous year. The rise reflects ongoing changes in contractor costs and highlights evolving market conditions within the construction industry.

Commodity-Specific Movements

The report provides a detailed breakdown by material category. Minerals recorded the strongest annual increase at 2.91%, followed by electromechanical products at 2.55%. Products made from wood, insulation materials, chemicals and plastics rose by 1.19%, while mineral products increased by 0.97%. In contrast, metallic products declined by 0.49%.

Volatility In Sub-Categories

More pronounced changes were observed within specific sub-categories. Mineral aggregates rose by 8.34%, while stones increased by 4.97% compared with January 2025. Electrical fixtures posted a 4.65% increase. Iron and steel products declined by 1.73%, and ceramics and cement continued to trend lower, falling by 1.47% and 1.38% respectively.

Methodological Insights

The index is calculated as a weighted average based on the expenditure share of sampled materials during the 2021 base year. Prices are collected monthly from a range of suppliers, using the 15th of each month as the reference date and excluding VAT. The Construction Costs Index applies specifically to new residential buildings.

This detailed analysis not only sheds light on current market trends but also offers stakeholders a robust framework for understanding the underlying cost dynamics in Cyprus’s construction materials market.

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