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Breaking Barriers: New EU Rules to Boost Gender Balance on Corporate Boards

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 6, 2025

The European Union has taken a significant step toward gender equality in the boardroom with a directive on gender balance that officially came into force at the end of 2024. Announced by the European Commission, the legislation aims to ensure more equitable representation of men and women on corporate boards across member states.

Key Highlights

The directive mandates that women must make up at least 40% of non-executive directors and 33% of all directors in large European companies.
Member states were required to adapt their national legislation to align with the directive by December 28, 2024, with companies expected to meet these targets by June 2026.
The selection processes for board appointments must be transparent, ensuring equal consideration for all candidates. In cases where male and female candidates are equally qualified, the directive stipulates that preference should be given to the woman.
Unsuccessful candidates can request information about the selection criteria, promoting accountability in the hiring process.
Companies failing to comply with the directive’s requirements could face fines or even annulment of disputed board appointments.
EU member states are tasked with maintaining a public registry of companies that achieve these gender balance goals, as well as designating authorities to monitor, promote, and support progress.

The Bigger Picture

Currently, women hold an average of 34% of board positions in the EU. While progress has been steady since 2010, the pace varies significantly across member states, with some seeing stagnation in recent years, according to the European Commission.

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Spotlight on Cyprus

Cyprus is gradually making progress in enhancing gender representation in leadership roles. While the island nation has traditionally faced challenges in achieving gender balance, recent years have seen a growing recognition of the importance of equality in corporate governance.

Currently, women occupy approximately 20% of board positions in major Cypriot companies, with some sectors, such as finance and tourism, showing more noticeable improvements. However, this figure still lags behind the EU average of 34%.

To align with the EU directive, Cyprus is working on implementing transparent board selection processes and promoting policies that encourage women to step into leadership roles. Local initiatives, including mentoring programs and leadership training for women, are gaining traction and aim to address the systemic barriers that have historically limited female participation at the top levels of management.

Cyprus’s progress, though slower compared to some EU nations, reflects a broader cultural and structural shift toward inclusivity. As the EU deadline approaches in 2026, the hope is that Cyprus will achieve significant strides in gender equality, paving the way for more balanced representation in corporate leadership.

Conclusion

The EU’s gender balance directive represents a pivotal step in addressing gender disparities in corporate leadership. By fostering transparency and accountability, these new rules aim to create more inclusive boardrooms and drive meaningful progress in the years ahead.

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Cyprus Hotel Occupancy Stays Stable in 2025 as Profit Pressures Persist

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 16, 2026

Stable Occupancy Levels Signal Predictable Growth

The hotel sector in Cyprus sustained occupancy levels in 2025 that were largely consistent with the previous year, and even showed modest gains in certain segments. According to the Cyprus Hoteliers Association, this marks a second consecutive year of stable performance, setting the foundation for a predictable operating environment.

Profitability Remains The Critical Challenge

Thanos Michaelides, President of the Cyprus Hoteliers Association, emphasized that while occupancy figures confirm a successful year, the real determinant of long-term viability lies in profitability. Michaelides pointed out that increased revenues have been offset by high operating costs, notably in the area of energy expenses. This discrepancy underscores the need for the industry to focus on financial efficiency as a complementary factor to occupancy performance.

Investment And Operational Strategies For A Sustainable Future

Looking ahead, Michaelides is optimistic that sustained performance into 2026 could bolster initiatives aimed at year-round operations. He stressed the importance of continuous investments to enhance services and upgrade facilities, noting that such capital improvements are viable only when supported by robust profit margins. This strategic reinvestment is seen as crucial for maintaining competitive edge and service excellence.

Labour Stability And Service Quality: The Twin Pillars Of Success

Addressing labour market concerns, Michaelides highlighted progressive steps taken in streamlining work permit processes for personnel from third countries. These workers, now the backbone of the hotel industry, benefit from proposals submitted to the Ministry of Labour to secure full-time stability. Such measures are instrumental in nurturing experienced teams, which are vital for delivering high-quality service — a factor that the President regards as the linchpin in enhancing Cyprus’s global reputation as a tourist destination.

The Long-Term Impact On Cyprus Tourism

Michaelides asserts that maintaining excellent service quality not only ensures a consistent influx of visitors but also fosters a loyal customer base. Returning tourists ultimately become ambassadors for the island, reinforcing Cyprus’s position on the international tourism stage. With stable occupancy figures and ongoing strategic investments, the road ahead for the Cypriot hotel sector appears promising despite the persistent challenge of aligning profitability with revenue gains.