Strategic Rebranding for a New Era

OPAP Cyprus has announced a major rebranding initiative, set to take effect in January 2026, as the company transitions to operate under the Allwyn name. This strategic move is designed to bolster its market presence, enrich customer engagement, and align more closely with its international parent group.

Unveiling the Transformation

During a recent event, company executives and retail network partners were introduced to the new commercial identity. CEO Alexandros Davos, alongside senior leadership, outlined the comprehensive strategy behind the transformation. Emphasizing the substantial market footprint OPAP Cyprus has cultivated, Davos noted that the rebranding to Allwyn represents a forward-looking commitment to innovation, expansion, and the integration of global best practices.

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Driving Growth and Enhancing Customer Experience

The decision to rebrand was the result of an in-depth analysis of market trends, particularly the need to better connect with younger customer demographics. By leveraging the modern and internationally recognized Allwyn brand image, the company aims to refresh its market presence in Cyprus while preserving its deep roots in the local community. Key initiatives will include store upgrades and enhanced interactive experiences, ensuring that the transition is both progressive and customer-centric.

Continued Commitment to Core Values and Community

Despite the change in branding, the identity of flagship games such as Tzoker, Lotto, and Kino will remain intact, assuring customers of the continuity they have come to trust. In addition, OPAP Cyprus reaffirms its dedication to responsible gaming and comprehensive player protection measures.

Preserving Social Impact

The company will maintain its significant social footprint in Cyprus, with ongoing initiatives in health, sport, education, culture, and support for vulnerable groups. Furthermore, the rebranding will benefit from Allwyn’s prominent international partnerships, including high-profile sponsorships in Formula 1 and collaborations with the McLaren team.

Expanding Global Horizons

The rebranding comes on the heels of a landmark merger between Allwyn and OPAP, announced in October 2025, which created a global gaming group valued at €16 billion. This merger synergized OPAP’s strong market presence in Greece and Cyprus with Allwyn’s expanding international portfolio, positioning the group as one of the world’s leading operators in lottery and gaming across Europe, North America, and beyond.

Looking Forward

The rebranding to Allwyn signals a deliberate step towards embracing global opportunities while building on the storied legacy of OPAP Cyprus. By integrating international insights and local expertise, the company is poised to deliver enhanced growth, innovation, and a dynamic entertainment experience to its customers.

The long-awaited adoption of the first European Affordable Housing Initiative marks a milestone in the concerted, collaborative efforts across the European Union, as confirmed by Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou. This initiative is the first to tackle the issue of sustainable, affordable housing through a unified European approach.

Unified European Strategy

Minister Ioannou emphasized that the initiative is designed to address one of the most pressing challenges faced by millions of European citizens—access to affordable, sustainable, and quality housing. The plan is built on four core pillars, each tailored to meet the specific dynamics within the diverse member states.

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Building a Sustainable Future

The strategy underscores an increase in housing supply through enhanced productivity and innovation. It advocates for regulatory reforms to simplify licensing procedures—a method already yielding positive outcomes in Cyprus. This approach not only seeks to streamline construction processes but also to set a precedent for reform across the EU.

Catalyzing Investments

A significant aspect of the plan is its focus on mobilizing investments. The initiative includes the creation of a Pan-European Investment Platform aimed at attracting capital for housing developments and pioneering innovative financing instruments. This platform is expected to spur transformative investments, similar to new market innovations observed in other strategic sectors.

Strategic Reforms and Policy Initiatives

Additional proposals address the challenges posed by short-term leasing arrangements and offer targeted support to vulnerable population groups. These measures are anticipated to alleviate housing pressures, particularly among the young, low-income, and middle-income segments. Drawing on the principles of the Housing First model, Cyprus’ existing housing policies may serve as a blueprint for developing targeted solutions throughout the EU.

A Collaborative Path Forward

In a statement during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Minister Ioannou expressed Cyprus’s readiness to contribute to the next steps of the initiative’s implementation. The country’s proactive engagement highlights the potential for board-level reforms aimed at mitigating housing challenges across Europe.

President Christodoulidis Spearheads A New Era

In a decisive move to bolster the country’s business landscape, President Nikos Christodoulidis announced in December 2024 the establishment of the Center for Business Facilitation – a dedicated one‐stop shop designed to streamline government services for both Cypriot and foreign investors. Officially inaugurated in May 2025, the center is set to redefine business engagement in Cyprus.

Strategic Consolidation of Services

Positioned as a central hub for enterprise support, the center consolidates multiple public services under one roof. This innovative approach promises to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles and deliver a coordinated service experience, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of Cyprus on the global stage. The initiative reflects the country’s commitment to providing timely responses to investor needs and rectifying long-standing operational inefficiencies.

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Partnership With The Federation Of Employers And Industrialists

Supporting this transformation is the influential Federation Of Employers And Industrialists (OEβ), which showcased the center’s comprehensive suite of services during an informational session on December 15, 2025. According to the federation, the center stands as a critical tool in driving business development and competitive advantage through improved service delivery across public agencies.

Integrated Service Offering For Investors

The Center for Business Facilitation operates through a unique public partnership model. It incorporates the Business Support Unit (BFU) of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry alongside the Strategic Development Unit (TSA) from the Department of Urban Planning and Housing. Additional dedicated contact points are provided by various regulatory bodies, including representation from Invest Cyprus, ensuring a fully coordinated mechanism for investment licensing and information dissemination.

A Comprehensive Suite Of Services

The center offers a wide range of services designed to accompany businesses throughout their lifecycle. Key offerings include:

• Tailored information and personalized guidance
• Registration in the Register Of Companies With Significant Foreign Ownership
• Support in the implementation of energy projects via the Single Energy Projects Service
• Access to the Unified Service Center (UKC Cyprus)
• Licensing for strategic development projects as outlined under Law No. 84(I)/2023

End-to-End Business Information Platform

Beyond service facilitation, the center provides integrated information covering all stages of the business lifecycle, including:

• Business Planning and Launch
• Operational Management and Growth Strategies
• Financing Solutions
• Exit Strategies

Additionally, detailed guidance on regulatory licensing is available for sectors ranging from industrial setups, retail trade, education, healthcare, to tourism and cross-border services.

Registration And Investment Criteria

The center also outlines the eligibility criteria for inclusion in the Register Of Companies With Significant Foreign Ownership. To qualify, a business must meet specific conditions such as:

• Majority share ownership by non-Cypriot nationals
• Public companies listed on recognized stock exchanges
• Certain sectors including maritime, high technology, innovation, biogenetics, and biotechnology

Furthermore, companies are required to maintain independent office spaces within Cyprus separate from residential zones, along with an initial investment of at least €200,000.

Priority Sectors For Strategic Development

The center gives priority to monitoring licensing progress for projects in key strategic sectors. These include projects that have secured or are in the process of securing government or EU financing, renewable energy and energy storage projects, critical infrastructure developments under the Decadal Transmission System Plan, and initiatives in the manufacturing and data center infrastructure sectors.

By consolidating these services under one cohesive framework, Cyprus is positioning itself as a leading destination for global investment and business excellence.

Overview Of The Compensation Initiative

The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment has completed a compensation payout of €10.2 million to farmers and production groups affected by severe drought conditions in 2025. The Agriculture Department announced that a total of 2,516 compensation claims were approved within the year, providing critical financial support for those impacted by last year’s extraordinary dry spell.

Structured Support Under The Agricultural Development Programme

This targeted financial assistance was implemented under Measure 23 of the Agricultural Development Programme 2014-2020, aimed at delivering lump-sum payments to affected producers. The initiative covered a broad spectrum of agricultural sectors including cereals, citrus, olives, vegetables, potatoes, vineyards, avocado, apiculture, and producer organizations. Eligibility was determined through official assessments and records from regional offices, ensuring that both professional and non-professional farmers received the aid under specific conditions.

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Impact And Distribution Of The Aid

According to the Agriculture Department, the majority of claims came from professional farmers. However, it was noted that approximately 50% of the eligible plantations—particularly deciduous orchards, walnut, and almond groves—did not submit claims. The drought of 2024, described as one of the most challenging in the history of Cypriot agriculture, coincided with below-average rainfall and unusually high temperatures, resulting in reduced production capacity and compromised product quality in key sectors such as cereals, olives, fruits, vegetables, and vineyards.

Coordinated Government And European Responses

Designation of the drought as a natural disaster by the relevant authorities prompted governmental decisions (1540/2024 and 1383/2024) that paved the way for these compensatory measures. In addition to domestic intervention, the European Commission approved an emergency fund of €3.5 million from the agricultural reserve, disbursed in September 2025, to mitigate broader economic repercussions.

Ongoing Support And Future Measures

The Ministry continues to work in close collaboration with local agricultural organizations to monitor the ongoing effects of the drought, which began in December 2023 and is now in its fourth consecutive year. With systematic data evaluation and open dialogue with the farming community, the government is prepared to activate additional support measures to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production amid the evolving challenges of climate change.

Additional Aid Disbursements And Investment Programmes

Furthermore, the Cypriot Agricultural Payments Organization (KOPA) disbursed over €22 million in December alone, addressing not only drought-stricken farmers but also those affected by severe wildfires in the Limassol region. As part of the 2025 Unified Emergency Subsidy Scheme, 15,577 applications have already received payments totaling approximately €9.76 million. Progress on investment measures under the Agricultural Development Programme indicates that while €43 million was disbursed by November, an additional €7.6 million is expected to finalize the payment period, ensuring comprehensive support for ongoing agricultural investments.

Cyprus Leads With Cooling Inflation

Cyprus has emerged as the European Union’s standout economy for price stability, recording the lowest annual inflation rate in November 2025, according to Eurostat. This significant easing in consumer price pressure offers a counterpoint to the broader, steady inflation trends observed across the euro area.

Eurozone And European Union Overview

Within the euro area, annual inflation held at 2.1% in November 2025, unchanged from October and slightly below the 2.2% figure reported a year earlier. Across the EU, the annual rate decelerated to 2.4%, down from 2.5% in October and consistent with rates recorded in the same month of the previous year.

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Diverging Inflation Trends Across Member States

Cyprus distinguished itself with an annual inflation rate of just 0.1%, reflecting a pronounced moderation in consumer prices. France and Italy reported lower-than-average rates at 0.8% and 1.1% respectively, while Romania led the bloc with a staggering 8.6%, followed by Estonia at 4.7% and Croatia at 4.3%. Such disparities underscore the diverse economic dynamics at play within EU member states.

Sectoral Drivers And Inflation Dynamics

Data indicates that, within the euro area, services were the primary contributor to inflation, adding 1.58 percentage points to the overall rate. Meanwhile, the combined effect of food, alcohol, and tobacco contributed an additional 0.46 percentage points, with non-energy industrial goods adding 0.14 percentage points. Energy prices exerted a modest dampening effect, reducing the inflation rate by 0.04 percentage points. These figures illustrate both the persistent nature of inflationary pressures in certain sectors and the softening prices observed in others.

Concluding Insights

The latest Eurostat figures highlight that while inflation remains a concern for several EU economies, Cyprus provides a notable exception with its markedly subdued rate. This trend may offer welcome relief for households and businesses on the island, setting a compelling example amidst ongoing economic uncertainty across the region.

Overview of Rising Labor Costs in Europe

New figures released by Eurostat reveal that Cyprus experienced a 3.5% increase in hourly wage costs during the third quarter of 2025—a trend that mirrors broader labor cost pressures across the euro area and the European Union. In the same period, the euro area and the EU recorded increases of 3.3% and 3.7% respectively, underscoring a sustained upward trajectory amid economic uncertainty.

Detailed Analysis of Wage and Non-Wage Components

The comprehensive report details that total labor costs comprise two primary components: wages and salaries, alongside non-wage expenses such as social contributions. Specifically, wages and salaries in the euro area rose by 3.0% in Q3 2025, while non-wage costs surged by 4.0%, suggesting that employers are facing considerable pressure from ancillary expenses. Across the EU, hourly wages increased by 3.5%, with non-wage costs climbing by 4.2%.

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Sectoral and Economic Impact

Examining economic activity, the analysis differentiates between the mainly non-business and business economies. In the euro area, hourly labor costs advanced by 3.1% in the non-business sector and by 3.3% in the business sector. Detailed figures show that within the business economy, the industrial sector experienced a 3.3% rise, construction led with a 4.3% jump, and services increased by 3.2%. Similar trends were observed across the broader EU, where non-business sectors saw a 3.4% rise compared to a 3.8% increase in the business segment.

Country and Sector Comparisons

At the country level, some EU member states reported notably higher increases in hourly wage costs. Bulgaria, Lithuania, Croatia, and Hungary recorded increases of 12.4%, 9.7%, 9.1%, and 8.8% respectively, compared with minimal rises in France (1.3%), Slovenia (1.6%), Spain (2.0%), Austria (2.1%), and Italy (2.4%). Notably, Malta was the only country to observe a decline, with costs decreasing by 1.4%.

Sectoral analysis further reveals that within the EU, hourly wage costs surged most substantially in other service activities (4.5%) and also saw significant increases in construction and professional, scientific, and technical activities (both at 4.3%). Conversely, the energy supply sector experienced the smallest increase at 2.5%, while non-wage costs spiked dramatically in construction by 5.8%.

Conclusion

The consistent rise in labor costs across the European landscape, as illustrated by the recent Eurostat data, underscores an environment of escalating employee compensation demands. For Cyprus, with its 3.5% increase, the trend reflects moderate but persistent cost pressures—a dynamic that will undoubtedly influence both employer strategies and broader economic policies across the region.

Historic Shift In Broadcasting

YouTube has emerged as a major force in live event broadcasting by winning exclusive rights to stream the Oscars beginning in 2029. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the groundbreaking deal, which will extend through 2033, marking an end to ABC’s long-standing tenure as the Oscars’ broadcast partner since 1961 (aside from an interim shift in the early 1970s). This strategic move underscores the changing landscape of television, where streaming platforms are rapidly redefining viewer engagement for marquee events.

Expanding The Oscars Experience

The new agreement not only covers the live broadcast of the 101st Oscars in 2029 but also provides an expansive range of content that includes red carpet coverage, behind-the-scenes access, the Oscar nominations announcement, exclusive filmmaker interviews, Governors Ball insights, film education programs, and podcasts. With more than 2 billion viewers worldwide and additional access for YouTube TV subscribers in the United States, the Academy is poised to significantly extend its global reach.

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Industry Ramifications And Strategic Insights

This landmark deal reflects YouTube’s growing dominance in the television space, as highlighted in recent industry analyses. The decision to transition one of the four major awards shows fully to a streaming platform signals a major reorientation in industry strategy—a similar precedent was set when Netflix acquired rights to the SAG Awards in 2024. The shift comes amid declining traditional television ratings for the Oscars, with viewership falling from a peak of 55 million in 1998 to approximately 20 million in recent years.

Leadership Perspectives And Future Opportunities

Academy CEO Bill Kramer and Academy President Lynette Howell Taylor expressed their enthusiasm in a joint statement, emphasizing that partnering with YouTube will extend the Oscars’ legacy and expand access to the Academy’s diverse programming. In a parallel statement, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan affirmed that the collaboration will not only celebrate artistic excellence but also inspire a new generation of filmmakers and storytellers around the globe.

New Era For Live Entertainment

The exclusive streaming rights represent a strategic leap forward for both the Oscars and the broader entertainment industry. By embracing cutting-edge digital platforms, the Academy is adapting to evolving consumer behaviors, ensuring that the celebration of cinematic excellence remains accessible to a worldwide audience well into the future.

Google has officially unveiled its latest innovation with the launch of the Gemini 3 Flash model, building on last month’s Gemini 3 release. In a move clearly aimed at outpacing competitors such as OpenAI, the new model underscores Google’s commitment to delivering both speed and cost efficiency while setting a new industry benchmark.

Benchmarking The Breakthrough

The Gemini 3 Flash model represents a significant leap over its predecessor, Gemini 2.5 Flash. On key evaluations, the new model achieved a score of 33.7% on Humanity’s Last Exam benchmark, which measures domain expertise; by comparison, Gemini 3 Pro scored 37.5%, Gemini 2.5 Flash reached only 11%, and GPT-5.2 registered 34.5%. Additionally, on the MMMU-Pro multimodality and reasoning benchmark, this model outperformed its peers with an 81.2% score, reinforcing its superior capabilities.

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Global Consumer Rollout

Google is rolling out the Gemini 3 Flash model as the default option within the global Gemini app while still offering access to the Pro variant for more specialized tasks, including advanced math and coding. The new model excels in identifying multimodal content and delivering comprehensive responses based on varied inputs. Users can now upload a short pickleball clip for tips, share a sketch for a visual guess, or submit an audio recording for detailed analysis, complete with enriched visual elements such as images and tables.

The platform further extends its capabilities by enabling app prototype creation through prompt-based inputs, making it a versatile tool for developers and consumers alike. In addition, the Gemini 3 Pro model is now available in the U.S. for search and image processing tasks via the Nano Banana Pro feature.

Enterprise And Developer Adoption

Leading companies such as JetBrains, Figma, Cursor, Harvey, and Latitude are already leveraging the Gemini 3 Flash model through Vertex AI and Gemini Enterprise. Developers can also access a preview of the model via Google’s API and the Antigravity coding tool, which further underscores its utility in accelerating workflows related to video analysis, data extraction, and visual Q&A.

Achieving a 78% score on the SWE-bench verified coding benchmark—only surpassed by GPT-5.2—the model is designed to be a true workhorse for high-volume tasks. With a pricing model of $0.50 per 1 million input tokens and $3.00 per 1 million output tokens, Gemini 3 Flash offers a cost-effective alternative with enhanced speed and efficiency, using 30% fewer tokens on average for cognitive tasks than its predecessor.

A New Chapter In The AI Arms Race

Google’s release of the Gemini 3 Flash model comes at a critical time as it processes over 1 trillion tokens per day on its API, intensifying the competitive dynamics with rivals like OpenAI. Recent internal shifts at OpenAI, marked by a “Code Red” memo following a downturn in ChatGPT traffic, have set the stage for an intensified battle in the high-stakes AI arena.

Ultimately, Google’s emphasis on innovation and performance not only challenges industry incumbents but also pushes all players to continuously redefine the limits of artificial intelligence. As the landscape evolves, the strategic deployment of advanced models like Gemini 3 Flash is poised to drive the next wave of competitive excellence across the sector.

Cyprus is rapidly transforming its economic model by placing research and innovation at the heart of its growth strategy. According to Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist and Chairman of the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF), the nation’s ecosystem has witnessed remarkable progress over the past two years in preparation for its 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Accelerating Research And Innovation

Since assuming office in September 2023, Skourides has conducted approximately 1,700 meetings both domestically and abroad. His extensive outreach underscores Cyprus’ commitment to establishing itself as a credible partner for advanced research and innovation. This vigorous diplomatic effort, characterized as “extroverted innovation diplomacy,” has contributed to the nation’s improved ranking—now 25th globally in the Global Innovation Index—with a significant climb in its startup ecosystem, as reported by StartupBlink.

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Building Global Strategic Partnerships

Key to Cyprus’ evolving landscape is its strategic outreach to technology leaders such as the United States, Japan, Australia, India, and Israel. These alliances are paving the way for groundbreaking research collaborations and boosting the commercial viability of Cyprus’ innovative enterprises. Furthermore, partnerships are expanding into areas such as artificial intelligence, ensuring Cyprus remains at the forefront of technological advancement.

Robust Funding And Measurable Impact

RIF’s initiatives have yielded quantifiable benefits for both the economy and society. Between 2023 and 2025, the foundation launched 90 calls for proposals and secured contracts valued at €100 million, supporting core pillars that include world-class research, business innovation, youth empowerment, and internationalization. The programs have generated 739 new jobs in advanced sectors—209 of which were occupied by women—and supported 372 businesses through 187 collaborative networks.

Leading The AI Revolution And Accelerating Commercialization

Artificial intelligence has been earmarked as a strategic national priority. As Skourides oversees a ten‐member task force to shape the updated, human-centric AI strategy, efforts are being redoubled to map the national AI ecosystem and bridge the divide between research centers and commercial applications. Initiatives such as the Disrupt programme, which leveraged €10.5 million in blended finance to mobilize an additional €12.5 million in private venture capital, illustrate Cyprus’ commitment to fostering high-growth companies.

Efficient Implementation And Inclusive Growth

Institutional reforms have dramatically improved performance metrics for state investments in research and innovation. Contract completion times have shrunk from 21 to 7 months, while payment processing now averages just 61 days compared to the previous 275 days. Generational and gender inclusivity have also become priorities, as evidenced by postdoctoral funding programmes that now see female coordinators representing over 61% of submissions and more than 76% of funded projects.

As Cyprus continues its evolution into a dynamic, innovation-driven economy, the nation stands as a reliable partner on the international stage. With groundbreaking partnerships, enhanced research infrastructure, and a strong emphasis on ethical and responsible technological advancement, Cyprus is well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global research landscape.

Streamlining Business and Government Relations

Cyprus has inaugurated a new Business Support Centre designed to serve local and international investors seeking to establish or expand their operations on the island. In a move intended to drive economic efficiency, the Centre offers a centralized interface for all business-government interactions.

Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Bureaucracy

Originally announced by President Nikos Christodoulides in December 2024, the Centre officially opened its doors in May 2025. Its primary objective is to expedite government responses and remedy long-standing bottlenecks in business licensing and development procedures. The initiative has received strong backing from the Employers and Industrialists Federation (OEV), which recently hosted an information session to detail the Centre’s comprehensive services.

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A One-Stop Shop for Investor Needs

The Business Support Centre consolidates key public services under one roof, including the Business Facilitation Unit of the Ministry of Energy and the strategic developments unit of the Department of Town Planning and Housing. Coordinated through designated contact points from various public institutions and enhanced by participation from Invest Cyprus, the Centre provides tailored guidance in investment licensing, registration, and strategic project facilitation.

Digital Integration and Comprehensive Support

Beyond streamlining licensing, the Centre operates as a full-service digital platform covering every phase of a business lifecycle—from initial planning and startup, to scaling operations, accessing finance, and strategizing exits. Investors benefit from detailed regulatory guidance, including procedures related to regulated activities across sectors such as agriculture, education, construction, health, tourism, and cross-border services.

Focus on Strategic Developments and Accelerated Investments

Priority is given to projects that have secured state or European funding, along with initiatives in renewable energy, energy storage, and critical network infrastructure. In adherence with the Ten-Year Transmission System Development Programme (TYNDP) and strategic development laws, the Business Support Centre facilitates fast-track processing for key projects. Additionally, it provides guidance on the Register of Foreign Interest Companies, ensuring companies meet eligibility criteria such as a minimum investment requirement of €200,000 and maintaining independent office premises in Cyprus.

By consolidating services and modernizing procedures, the Business Support Centre is poised to enhance Cyprus’ competitiveness on the global stage, offering a robust model for investor support and regulatory efficiency.