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Bank of Cyprus Cuts Lending Rates Benefiting 12,000 Clients Amid ECB Easing

Responding to European Central Bank Easing

The Bank of Cyprus has announced a decisive reduction in its reference interest rate for loans indexed to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) base rate. With the rate dropping from 2.40% to 2.15% effective June 11, 2025, the bank directly responds to the ECB’s recent monetary easing, reflecting a broader strategy to support both households and businesses.

Immediate Benefits for Borrowers

An estimated 12,000 borrowers will see a tangible reduction in their monthly loan installments, marking a 0.25 percentage point cut that reinforces the bank’s commitment to easing client burdens. Furthermore, the cumulative rate reduction since June 2024—now totaling 2.35 percentage points, from 4.50% down to 2.15%—has significantly reshaped the lending landscape.

Broader Impact Across Loan Benchmarks

The bank also noted that rates for another 15,800 clients, with loans tied to the Euribor benchmark, have been declining. With Euribor slipping from a peak of 4.14% in October 2023 to its current level of 2.05%, the favorable shift is poised to stimulate further economic support.

Supporting a Fragile Economy

In a statement, the Bank of Cyprus emphasized its role in bolstering the country’s real economy. By offering competitively priced financial products and attractive financing terms, the bank aims to sustain economic momentum amid global uncertainties and trade tensions. These strategic cuts are well-timed as the ECB, with inflation currently aligned to its 2% target, transitions from aggressive action to a more cautious stance.

Looking Ahead: Cautious Tailoring of Future Policies

The ECB’s measured approach underscores a commitment to data-driven policy adjustments. With the recent cut being the eighth since June 2024, market participants expect a pause in rate reductions in July, facilitating an evaluation of preceding measures. While another reduction later in 2025 remains plausible, future decisions will be contingent on both incoming economic indicators and global trade dynamics.

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

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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