Robust Recovery In European Trade

The European Union recorded a trade surplus of €28.4 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, with exports to non-EU countries continuing to exceed imports. According to Eurostat data, the result extends the recovery trend that began in the third quarter of 2023.

Key Export Sectors Fueling Growth

Chemicals and related products generated the largest surplus at €49.3 billion. Machinery and vehicles followed with a surplus of €42.3 billion, while food, drinks and tobacco added €10.8 billion. Miscellaneous goods contributed €7.1 billion, reflecting broad-based export strength across multiple sectors.

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Addressing Persistent Challenges

The energy sector remained the main drag on the trade balance, posting a deficit of €62.7 billion. Other manufactured goods and raw materials also recorded deficits of €11.0 billion and €7.5 billion respectively, highlighting continued structural pressures in import-dependent categories.

Cooling Global Trade Dynamics

Data from the fourth quarter of 2025 also revealed a contraction in global trade activity. Total imports decreased by 1.4% while exports dropped by 0.8% compared to the previous quarter. These declines, marking three consecutive quarters of reduction for both categories, signal a potential cooling in global trade volumes that European businesses will need to navigate carefully moving forward.

Looking Ahead

The latest figures reveal both the strengths and vulnerabilities of current European trade dynamics. As the EU continues to leverage its competitive export sectors amidst challenging external pressures, policymakers and industry leaders alike must remain vigilant to maintain this upward trend while addressing persistent deficits in energy and certain manufactured categories.

Apple’s Innovative Multi-Day Strategy

Apple is set to upend the conventional press event model with a groundbreaking, multi-day rollout of new products. The tech giant has invited members of the international press to a series of unveilings that will extend beyond the traditional single keynote format. This strategic shift demonstrates Apple’s commitment to fostering a more interactive and comprehensive product experience.

A Global, Hands-On Experience

According to industry insights from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman and observations by John Gruber, Apple’s event is slated to culminate in a special experience on March 4. Notably, this experience is gathering momentum across major cities such as New York, London, and Shanghai. These sessions will provide the press with an exclusive opportunity to engage with prototypes through in-person demos, setting a new standard for product previews in the tech industry.

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An Impressive Lineup Of New Products

The upcoming announcement boasts a slate of at least five new products, including a low-cost MacBook. Rumors suggest additional launches may include the iPhone 17e, an iPad Air powered by an M4 chip, a new entry-level iPad, and upgraded versions of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. While the precise scheduling of these announcements remains fluid, the anticipation surrounding Apple’s spring releases underscores the company’s persistent drive for innovation.

Conclusion: Setting New Industry Benchmarks

As Apple redefines its approach to product launches, the tech community and consumers alike are poised to benefit from the enhanced experience. This measured, yet dynamic, strategy not only reflects Apple’s innovative mindset but also reinforces its leadership in setting industry benchmarks for product unveilings.

Evolving Market Dynamics

The relationship between Cyprus’ two primary semi-public organizations has grown increasingly tense following Cyta’s request to enter the energy sector. Both the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority (Cyta) and the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (AΕΚ) are recalibrating their operational strategies. While Cyta is poised to diversify by tapping into electrical energy sales, AΕΚ is focusing on expanding its role in water production.

Institutional Expansion And Emerging Competition

In recent legislative debates, the leadership of both Cyta and AΕΚ adopted a measured tone before parliament, hinting at potential, albeit distant, collaboration. However, comments from Dimitris Konstantinou, Secretary of the AΕΚ Trade Unions, underscore escalating discord. The unions, representing various AΕΚ sectors such as EPOPAI, SHDIKEK, SEPTAHAK, and SYVAHAK, warn that the competitive landscape is about to intensify with Cyta’s entry into an area long dominated by AΕΚ.

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Economic Implications And Operational Repercussions

AΕΚ officials and unions warn that increased competition could affect the Authority’s financial structure. With high fixed operating costs, any reduction in customer numbers could raise per-customer expenses and increase pressure on operational efficiency. The debate highlights concerns that market liberalization may lead to restructuring measures if revenue declines.

Divergent Strategic Movements

Cyta is positioning itself to use its existing infrastructure to expand into energy services. At the same time, AΕΚ is investing in water production through new desalination projects. Board Chairman George Petrou confirmed plans for a facility with a daily capacity of 10,000 cubic meters, with potential expansion in later phases. The parallel diversification strategies reflect a broader realignment within Cyprus’ semi-public sector.

Modernization Imperative At Cyta

In response to public discussion, Cyta’s management stated that current regulatory frameworks no longer reflect market realities shaped by technological and energy convergence across Europe. The organization argues that expanding into adjacent sectors would allow it to use existing expertise and infrastructure more effectively. Cyta has also highlighted market segments such as renters, residents of apartment buildings, and small businesses as potential beneficiaries of expanded energy services.

Conclusion

As the legislative debate on the modernization of operational laws continues, both Cyta and AΕΚ face significant future challenges. The potential for an uneven competitive environment, combined with the strategic realignments of both entities, could reshape not only their operational models but also the broader economic landscape in Cyprus. The stakes are high, and the coming months will be decisive in determining how these pivotal institutions navigate this complex transition.

Global Strategic Recalibration

The United States is reshaping one of its long-standing soft-power instruments by launching the Tech Corps initiative, a program designed to deploy American AI expertise abroad. Announced by the White House, the initiative positions technology talent as a strategic tool in the growing competition with China over global AI influence.

Enhancing Soft Power Through Technology

The Tech Corps builds on the model of the Peace Corps, which has historically sent U.S. volunteers overseas to support local development in areas such as education, health, and agriculture. Under the new framework, volunteers with technical backgrounds, including engineers and STEM specialists, will work on practical AI applications aimed at addressing local challenges across sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and economic development.

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Aligning With U.S. Global AI Exports Strategy

The initiative supports the broader American AI Exports Program, established through a U.S. executive order aimed at expanding the global adoption of American technology. Tech Corps participants will provide on-the-ground technical support in partner countries, helping close implementation gaps and strengthening U.S. influence in markets where Chinese AI models, including Qwen3 and DeepSeek, are gaining traction.

Forging Multilateral Partnerships

The program was presented during the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios outlined its goals. Discussions at the summit also focused on securing supply chains for critical semiconductor technologies through cooperation with partner countries and initiatives such as Pax Silica.

Promoting AI Sovereignty

A key theme at the summit was AI sovereignty — the ability of countries to develop and manage AI technologies within their own legal and economic frameworks. Kratsios stated that broader access to advanced U.S. AI systems could help reduce global technology gaps while supporting national control over digital infrastructure.

Implications For Global Leadership

Several U.S. technology companies announced investments in India’s AI infrastructure during the event, aligning with the initiative’s objectives. Tech Corps assignments are expected to last between 12 and 27 months, with virtual placements planned from fall 2026. Volunteers will receive logistical support similar to traditional Peace Corps programs, including housing, healthcare, and stipends.

Future Initiatives And Economic Integration

Alongside the Tech Corps launch, the White House introduced additional measures aimed at integrating foreign AI companies into U.S.-aligned technology ecosystems. Financial support mechanisms involving institutions such as the World Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation are expected to help partner countries implement AI infrastructure projects.

The Tech Corps reflects a shift toward combining development programs with technology policy. By linking AI expertise with diplomatic engagement, the United States is positioning technical cooperation as a tool for long-term strategic influence in the global AI market.

Overview Of New Legislation

The Cyprus Parliament unanimously approved legislation that opens the way for the privatization of CHAK. Under the new framework, investor selection will no longer rely solely on the highest financial offer. Evaluation criteria now include qualitative factors, such as the investor’s business plan and its potential contribution to developing the stock market.

Emphasizing Strategic Investment Over Price

Christiana Erotokritou, President of the Parliamentary Economic Committee and member of DIKO, said the reform is important for both Cyprus’ economy and the future of CHAK. She noted that the exchange has not reached its full potential and stressed that the goal is to attract a strategic investor from a regulated market rather than simply sell a state asset. She also welcomed the Ministry of Finance’s decision to incorporate proposals submitted by DIKO during the legislative process.

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Ensuring Sustainable Market Growth

Haris Georgiadis, a DISY parliamentarian, added that the inclusion of qualitative parameters in the evaluation process is designed to secure the sustainable and positive growth of CHAK. This strategic outlook reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the competitiveness and credibility of Cyprus’ financial sector.

Institutional Reforms And Employee Protections

According to the Ministry of Finance, the legislation forms part of a broader capital market modernization plan. The law provides a framework for the gradual transfer of responsibilities related to the Central Securities Depository and the Central Register of Securities to a strategic investor, while maintaining operational continuity and safeguarding public interest.

Protection Of Employee Rights

Another critical aspect of the legislation is its provision for defending the labor rights of CHAK’s workforce. The bill ensures a smooth transfer of employees to the Ministry of Finance, or alternatively, facilitates compensation based on a defined early voluntary retirement plan, which further underscores the commitment to social responsibility during this transition.

Looking Ahead

The Ministry of Finance has expressed its gratitude towards Parliament members and, in particular, the Parliamentary Committee on Economic and Budgetary Affairs, for their collaboration in finalizing this important reform. The commitment to effectively implement the law underscores the government’s dedication to fostering an environment that supports long-term economic growth and stability in Cyprus.

Cypriot political parties are fast-tracking multiple legislative proposals aimed at reforming the legal framework governing property auctions, a measure positioned as a final step before the upcoming May elections. The proposals are slated for discussion in the Finance Committee on March 9, alongside other pending legislative items.

Accelerated Legislative Efforts

During the latest plenary session, additional proposals were tabled by the Democratic Rally, the Ecologists, and MPs, including Zacharia Koulias and Christos Orphanidis. The proposals address issues affecting lenders, borrowers and guarantors in mortgage-backed property cases. With parliament expected to dissolve before the elections, concerns remain over whether sufficient time will be available for detailed debate and agreement on a unified reform package.

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Key Proposals Under Consideration

Four main proposals are currently under review:

• DRA proposal introduces a temporary freeze on auctions of primary residences valued at up to €350,000 until the end of the year. Supporters argue the pause would give lawmakers time to close legal gaps without encouraging strategic defaults.

• The first Ecologists proposal expands the authority of the Financial Commissioner to review complaints related to debt verification after borrowers receive initial auction notices.

• The second Ecologists proposal sets a minimum sale price at 50% of market value if a property remains unsold six months after the first auction attempt.

• The joint proposal by Koulias and Orphanidis requires lenders to exhaust the liquidation of secured assets before pursuing guarantors. If a mortgaged property is sold, guarantor liability would be limited to the capital amount stated in the guarantee agreement. The same rule would apply when judicial action is initiated against guarantors.

Legislative Calendar And Strategic Implications

The final parliamentary session, initially scheduled for April 2, has been moved to April 23 due to the Easter break. Political parties are pushing to finalize auction-related reforms before parliament dissolves, arguing that delays could leave borrowers without additional protections until the next legislative term begins in the fall.

Separate proposals focused on guarantor protections, submitted by DISY, DIPA, EDEK and independent MPs, form part of the broader legislative effort.

The outcome of the March discussions will determine whether lawmakers can agree on a consolidated reform package before the election period begins.

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

New data from Eurostat reveals that seasonally adjusted construction production in the eurozone rose by 0.9% in December 2025, while production across the European Union increased by 1.2% compared with the previous month. After a 1.5% decline in November 2025, these gains signal a recovery in the construction sector, even though yearly figures remain mixed.

Monthly Performance And Sector Breakdowns

In December 2025, construction of buildings in the euro area rose by 0.9%, civil engineering increased by 2.3%, and specialized construction activities grew by 0.6%. Across the EU, output rose by 1.2% in building construction, 3.9% in civil engineering, and 0.9% in specialized activities. Yearly, however, production in the euro area declined by 0.9% compared with December 2024, while the EU overall remained stable.

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Annual Trends And Regional Variations

On an annual basis, building construction in the euro area declined by 3.3%, while civil engineering and specialized construction activities increased by 1.6% and 0.2%, respectively. Across the EU, building construction fell by 0.7%, while civil engineering and specialized activities rose by 0.9% and 1.1%. Among reporting member states, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia recorded the largest monthly gains, while Austria, Slovenia, and Bulgaria posted the steepest monthly declines.

Detailed Sector Insights

Delving deeper into sector performance, notable annual decreases were evident in Austria (12.3%), Belgium (4.3%), and Spain (3.9%), while Slovakia, Slovenia, and Finland enjoyed annual gains of 11.6%, 10.2%, and 6.6%. Such variances underscore the dynamic and uneven recovery across the continent.

Cyprus Construction And Property Market Momentum

Cyprus was not included in the Eurostat release, but local indicators point to continued activity in construction and real estate. Data from the Cyprus Statistical Service show that the Price Index of Construction Materials reached 118.89 units in January 2026 (base year 2021), with monthly and annual increases of 0.12% and 1.09%. Minerals and electromechanical products recorded the largest annual gains, while metallic products declined slightly.

Surge In New Residential Developments

Market analysis by Landbank Analytics shows that transactions involving newly built residential properties in Cyprus exceeded €2.5 billion in 2025. A total of 7,819 contracts were filed, with apartments accounting for the majority of sales. The year also included high-value transactions, including a Limassol apartment sale valued at approximately €15.2 million.

Robust Building Permits And Future Projections

Cyprus Statistical Service data indicate that building permits issued in October 2025 reached 855, with a total value of €447.6 million and capacity for 1,950 dwelling units. During the first ten months of the year, permits increased by 9%, supported by higher project values and expanded covered areas. Residential construction continued to grow, while non-residential projects declined in both volume and value.

Overall, while the eurozone displays signs of recovery in construction activity, the sector remains heterogeneous across regions. Combined with strong domestic performance in Cyprus, these trends suggest a cautious yet optimistic outlook for construction markets throughout Europe.

OpenAI Inc. CEO Sam Altman dismissed recent criticisms regarding the environmental footprint of artificial intelligence at the India AI Impact summit in New Delhi. In an incisive interview with The Indian Express, Altman refuted claims that AI systems, such as ChatGPT, consume excessive amounts of water per query, labeling these assertions as unfounded and disconnected from reality.

Challenging Prevailing Misconceptions

Altman said many discussions around AI water usage overlook changes in data center technology. While traditional facilities relied heavily on water-based cooling, newer systems increasingly use alternative cooling methods. He pointed to industry developments, including water-free cooling approaches, as evidence of ongoing efficiency improvements.

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Reframing The Energy Debate

Altman acknowledged that overall energy consumption remains a legitimate issue as AI adoption expands. Although energy use per individual query may be low, large-scale deployment increases total demand. He said long-term growth will require broader use of sustainable energy sources, including nuclear, wind, and solar power.

Human Versus AI: A Comparative Analysis

Addressing comparisons between AI systems and human learning, Altman argued that energy discussions often ignore the biological cost of human learning over decades. He said that once an AI model is trained, the energy required for inference is relatively low per interaction, suggesting that comparisons should consider lifecycle differences.

Navigating The Future Of Data Centers

Industry forecasts from organizations such as Xylem and Global Water Intelligence suggest that water use for data center cooling could rise significantly over the coming decades. At the same time, governments are accelerating approvals for energy projects to support growing computing demand. Some environmental groups have raised concerns that rapid expansion could conflict with net-zero targets, while local opposition has also affected new data center developments, including a cancelled project in San Marcos, Texas.

Conclusion: A Strategic Call For Diversification

As AI adoption expands, industry leaders emphasize the need for diversified energy sources to support growing compute demand. The integration of renewable and nuclear power is increasingly viewed as essential for maintaining stable infrastructure while scaling AI systems. The long-term focus remains on balancing computational growth with sustainable energy and resource management.

Government Prioritizes Taxi Industry Overhaul

Cyprus Transport Minister Alexis Vafeadis announced a set of reforms for the taxi sector, expected to be introduced in the first half of 2026. The measures are aimed at addressing illegal taxi operations and improving service quality.

Systemic Challenges Demand Strategic Reforms

Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Transport, Communications and Works, Vafeadis said the government is focusing on long-standing structural issues in the sector. Research conducted by the licensing authority showed that 60% of the population avoids taxis due to high costs and limited availability during peak hours. The study also found that 52% of taxi drivers do not own the vehicles they operate, highlighting structural challenges within the current system.

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Modernizing The Sector With Innovative Solutions

Licensing Authority President Despina Amerikanu outlined plans for a unified national platform to monitor and coordinate taxi services. Proposed measures include digital taximeters, incentives for fleet renewal with low-emission vehicles, and more flexible licensing rules aligned with demand patterns.

Balancing Urban And Rural Transportation Needs

The reform plan also targets service gaps outside major cities. Authorities are considering measures to expand taxi availability in rural areas, drawing on models used in municipal transport systems. Interim actions under discussion include higher administrative fines and, where legally permitted, vehicle seizures linked to illegal operations.

Commitment To Quality And Continuous Improvement

Both Minister Vafeadis and licensing officials emphasized that these initiatives are part of a broader commitment to elevate service standards. Efforts will include ongoing driver education programs and a systematic update of the taxi fleet. As the legislative proposal prepares to make its way to the Parliament, stakeholders remain optimistic about the reforms’ potential to transform Cyprus’ taxi industry into a more equitable and efficient system.

The European Union’s Digital Markets Act is reshaping the app distribution landscape. The new regulation allows alternative app stores on Apple devices, fostering competition and empowering developers to explore innovative distribution channels outside the traditional App Store model.

Digital Markets Act Revolutionizes App Distribution

Under the DMA, developers in the EU can distribute apps through third-party marketplaces that comply with Apple’s notarization requirements, which focus on baseline platform security such as malware protection. These marketplaces operate independently from Apple’s centralized App Review system and manage their own policies, customer support, and refund processes.

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New Financial And Operational Terms

Developers using alternative marketplaces must accept Apple’s DMA business terms, including a Core Technology Fee of €0.50 per first annual install. The fee applies regardless of whether an app reaches one million installs. Despite these additional costs, some developers have already adopted alternative distribution channels.

Global Ripple Effects In App Markets

Regulatory changes in the EU are influencing other markets. In Japan, Apple’s compliance with the Mobile Software Competition Act has similarly expanded options for app distribution and external payment processing under revised commission structures and fees.

Spotlight On Leading Alternative App Stores

AltStore Pal (EU)

Co-created by Riley Testut, developer of the famed Nintendo game emulator app Delta, AltStore Pal is an officially sanctioned alternative marketplace in the EU. As an open source platform, it allows independent developers to self-host their apps. Applications are distributed by creating alternative distribution packets that users add manually, ensuring that the marketplace remains curated and secure.

Setapp Mobile (EU – Closed Feb. 2026)

MacPaw launched Setapp Mobile as one of the first alternative app stores under Apple’s DMA framework. The service closed in February 2026 after business conditions changed, but it introduced a subscription-based model focused on ad-free apps.

Epic Games Store (EU)

Epic Games, the force behind Fortnite, expanded its distribution strategy by launching an alternative iOS app store in the EU as early as August 2024. The move marked a significant pivot in a long-standing dispute with Apple, capitalizing on regulatory changes to reclaim market presence and offer gamers and developers a fresh alternative.

Aptoide (EU)

Renowned for its alternative approach on Android, Lisbon-based Aptoide has extended its open source app distribution model to iOS in the EU. The platform scans apps for safety compliance and operates on a commission-based revenue model for in-app purchases, reinforcing its position as a secure and innovative marketplace.

Mobivention Marketplace (EU)

Designed for business use, the Mobivention marketplace caters to companies looking to distribute internal apps securely. The platform offers customizable solutions that enable firms to create private app ecosystems, ensuring that proprietary applications remain outside the public App Store while maintaining high security standards.

Skich (EU)

Skich introduces a novel approach to app discovery with its Tinder-like interface that lets users swipe to find apps that match their interests. This interactive experience, paired with social features such as playlist creation and friend activity tracking, positions Skich as a disruptive force in the mobile app marketplace—a strategy actively promoted at events like the Game Developers Conference (GDC).

Onside (EU And Japan)

Operating in both the EU and Japan, Onside offers a competitive alternative by charging lower fees while ensuring robust security measures, including protection of payment details. Currently supporting bank card payments and Apple Pay, Onside plans to expand its payment methods further, appealing to developers and users seeking a transparent and user-friendly app store experience.

Conclusion

The emergence of alternative app stores under the DMA is expanding distribution models and increasing competition in the app marketplace. Developers now have additional options for reaching users outside Apple’s traditional ecosystem.