Cyprus and Israel are entering discussions over potential energy cooperation, a move that could reshape the dynamics of Eastern Mediterranean energy production and distribution. As the global energy landscape continues to evolve, the importance of securing regional partnerships has become increasingly vital, and Cyprus is positioning itself as a critical player in these developments. Recent reports suggest that the Cypriot and Israeli governments are keen to explore how they can work together to unlock the vast energy potential of the region, particularly in the offshore natural gas sector.

At the heart of these talks is a shared interest in exploiting natural gas reserves found in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cyprus, which has made significant gas discoveries in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in recent years, seeks to collaborate with Israel to develop these resources. Israel, for its part, has been working to establish itself as an energy exporter and could benefit from aligning with its neighbour to enhance its distribution capacity.

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However, these discussions do not occur in isolation. The Eastern Mediterranean has long been a hotbed of geopolitical tensions, particularly around energy rights. Several countries, including Turkey and Greece, have staked claims on various portions of the sea, complicating efforts to fully harness the region’s energy resources. By partnering with Israel, Cyprus may find a way to solidify its standing within this complex web of interests, potentially leading to a more unified approach to energy development in the area.

SP Global reports that talks between the two countries are still in their early stages, but there is optimism that a deal could be reached. Such an agreement would benefit not only Cyprus and Israel but also the broader European energy market. With Europe seeking to diversify its energy sources, particularly in the wake of recent energy crises, a new supply chain from the Eastern Mediterranean could help alleviate some of the continent’s dependence on Russian gas.

Moreover, any energy cooperation between Cyprus and Israel could boost investment in infrastructure projects, such as pipelines or LNG (liquefied natural gas) terminals, further positioning the region as a strategic energy hub. The potential ripple effects for local economies, job creation, and technological innovation are immense.

As these discussions progress, all eyes will be on how Cyprus and Israel navigate both the opportunities and challenges. Should they succeed, this partnership could set a precedent for how nations can collaborate on energy issues despite the complexities of regional politics.

Darren Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson received this year’s Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for their contributions to proving the importance of public institutions to a country’s prosperity.

KEY FACTS

• The prestigious prize, officially known as the Sveriges Riksbank Prize for Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel, is the last prize awarded this year and is worth SEK 11 million ($1.1 million).
• This year’s laureates showed that one of the explanations for differences in countries’ prosperity is the social institutions introduced during European colonization. Inclusive institutions were often introduced in countries that were poor at the time of colonization, which over time led to general prosperity for the population. This is an important reason why former colonies that were once rich are now poor and vice versa.
• Introducing inclusive institutions would create long-term benefits for everyone, but extractive institutions provide short-term gains for those in power. As long as the political system ensures they retain their control, no one will trust their promises of future economic reforms. According to the laureates, this is the reason why there is no improvement.
• “Reducing the huge income gaps between countries is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The laureates have demonstrated the importance of public institutions in achieving this,” said Jakob Svensson, Chairman of the Economic Sciences Prize Committee.
• “Societies with poor rule of law and institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the better,” the prize’s organizers add on their website.

TANGENT

Darren Acemoglu and Simon Johnson work at MIT, while James Robinson is at the University of Chicago.

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Acemoglu and Johnson recently collaborated on a book researching technology through the ages that demonstrates how some technological advances are better at creating jobs and spreading wealth than others.

KEY STORY

The Economics Prize is not one of the original science, literature and peace prizes created by the will of dynamite inventor and businessman Alfred Nobel and first awarded in 1901, but is a later additional prize established and funded by the Central Bank of Sweden in 1968.

Past recipients of the award include a number of influential thinkers such as Milton Friedman, and John Nash – played by actor Russell Crowe in the 2001 film A Beautiful Mind, and former US Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

Last year, Harvard economic historian Claudia Goldin won a prize for her work highlighting the causes of pay and labor market inequality between men and women.

The Spanish legend will end his professional career at the Davis Cup final, reports ATP.

KEY FACTS

• Rafael Nadal announced that he will retire at the end of the 2024 season on social network X. “Hello everyone, I am here to inform you that I am retiring from professional tennis,” Nadal said in Spanish in the video.
• The 38-year-old Spaniard will participate in his last. professional Davis Cup finals tournament in Malaga from November 19 to 24.
• Rafael Nadal is a 92-time tour-level champion, and spent 209 weeks at No. 1 in the PIF ATP rankings.
• He is a 22-time winner of Grand Slam titles, which includes a record 14 Roland Garros crowns.

KEY QUOTE

“Obviously this is a difficult decision and it took me a while to make it, but in this life, everything has a beginning and an end and I think the time is right to end a career that has been long and far more successful than I could have imagined.”

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Nadal will end his storied career on home soil in Malaga, where he will be part of Spain’s Davis Cup squad, which also includes Carlos Alcaraz. The host nation play their quarter-final match against the Netherlands on Tuesday 19 November at 17:00 local time. “I am very excited that my last tournament will be the final of the Davis Cup and the presentation of my country,” said the tennis player.

“I think I’ve come full circle because one of my first great joys as a professional tennis player was the Davis Cup final in Seville in 2004. I feel super, super lucky for all the things I’ve been able to experience.” Nadal, who is 12-7 so far in 2024, went on to thank his ATP Tour rivals, his team and his family (including his uncle and former coach Toni Nadal). Although his body has rarely allowed him to compete at full fitness over the past two seasons, the Spaniard’s characteristic dedication to the sport has not waned. He attributes part of his desire to continue playing for so long to the advent of his son, Rafael. “Coming home and seeing my son grow every day was the force that really kept me alive and with the energy to continue,” says the Spaniard.

SPANISH LEGEND

Rafael Nadal is extremely popular among fans all over the world. His powerful left-footed strokes, combined with his almost unrivaled desire to compete and his role as part of the ‘Big Three’ alongside Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, mean that he will end his career as one of the greatest icons of tennis.

“Finally, you the fans – I can’t thank you enough for what you made me feel,” Nadal said at the end of the video. “You gave me the energy I needed at every moment. Really everything I experienced was a dream come true. I leave with the absolute peace of mind that I have given my best and that I have made an effort in every way. I can only end with a thousand thanks to everyone and see you soon.”

FORBES ESTIMATES

According to our estimates, Nadal is the sixth highest-paid tennis star in 2024 with an income of $23.3 million. About $23 million of that amount is off-court income from various endorsement deals, as injuries kept him out of most major tournaments this past year. The exception is the French Open, where he lost in the first round to Alexander Zverev.

Italy has set its sights on Google with new tax measures aimed at ensuring that major multinational tech companies pay their fair share of taxes. Following the recent taxation of Amazon, the Italian government is now focusing on Google as part of its broader initiative to tighten regulations on digital giants operating within the country. However, these moves have sparked tensions with the United States, which is contemplating economic retaliation in response.

Italy’s decision to impose additional taxes on Google follows a growing trend in Europe where governments are pushing for more stringent tax policies for large tech corporations. These companies, including Google, Amazon, and Facebook, have long been accused of exploiting loopholes in international tax laws to reduce their tax liabilities in countries where they generate significant revenue. Italy’s government, like several others in Europe, has expressed frustration with the minimal taxes paid by these tech giants, given their substantial earnings from Italian consumers.

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The Italian authorities argue that Google and other digital platforms benefit immensely from local markets without contributing proportionately to the public finances. The new tax measures are designed to close this gap, ensuring that these companies contribute more to the Italian economy. Italy’s move aligns with similar actions by other European countries, such as France and Spain, which have also introduced digital services taxes targeting multinational tech companies.

In response to these developments, the United States has hinted at potential economic reprisals. Washington has long opposed unilateral tax measures imposed by European nations on American tech companies, arguing that such policies unfairly target U.S. firms and violate international trade agreements. The U.S. government has previously threatened to introduce tariffs or other trade barriers as a form of retaliation against countries that implement these digital taxes.

This situation places Italy in a delicate position. On one hand, the country is seeking to address the imbalance in tax contributions from global tech firms, which many view as essential for ensuring a fairer distribution of tax burdens. On the other hand, Italy risks sparking a trade conflict with the U.S., its key ally and major trading partner. Such a dispute could have significant economic repercussions, not only for Italy but also for broader European-U.S. relations.

The broader context of this dispute lies in the ongoing global debate over how to tax digital services in a rapidly evolving global economy. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has been working on a global framework to address these issues, but progress has been slow. In the absence of an international agreement, countries like Italy are taking matters into their own hands, leading to potential clashes with the U.S.

Cyprus’ trade deficit declined to €4.98 billion from January to August 2024, registering an annual reduction of 18.5% compared with €6.12 billion in the respective period of last year.

According to provisional data released by Cystat, total imports for January – August 2024 declined by 15.5% to €7.57 billion compared to €8.96 billion in the respective period of last year.

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Total exports of goods in January-August 2024 amounted to €2.59 billion compared to €2.84 billion in January-August 2023, registering a decrease of 9%.

In August, total imports stood at €948.6 million as compared to €1.243,1m in August 2023, recording a decrease of 23%.

Imports from other EU Member States were €564.8m and from third countries €383.8m, compared to €692.4m and €550.7m respectively in August 2023.

Imports in August 2024 include the transfer of economic ownership of vessels and aircraft, with a total value of €38.8m as compared to €246.7m in August 2023.

According to Cystat, total exports of goods in August 2024 were €276.4m as compared to €422.8m in August 2023, recording a decrease of 34.6%.

Exports to other EU Member States were €70m and to third countries €206.4m, compared to €79.1m and €343.7m respectively in August 2023.

Cyprus has launched a new strategy for its agricultural sector, aiming at sustainable development, innovation, and economic resilience.

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment Maria Panayiotou introduced the strategy at a press conference on 10 October, stressing that “it is not just an initiative, but a roadmap reflecting our vision for the future of Cypriot agriculture.”

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The strategy, which includes 11 key actions with a budget of €109.3 million, covers the period from 2024 to 2028 and was approved by the Council of Ministers on October 2, 2024.

“Our aim is to establish a new model for the primary sector, ensuring sustainable production, economic support, and access to new technologies,” Panayiotou said. She noted the government’s commitment to providing solid tools and support for farmers, moving beyond emergency measures to a robust, development-oriented approach.

The new strategy aims to increase the contribution of the agricultural sector to Cyprus’ GDP, which currently stands at 1.8%. It will focus on expanding the sector’s capabilities while promoting sustainability and resilience in the face of ongoing challenges.

“We want to ensure the needs of the domestic market are met while promoting Cypriot products in new international markets,” Panayiotou added.

Key elements of the strategy include boosting the professional farming sector through priority measures and scoring systems, water management interventions to combat drought, and the adoption of smart farming technologies. The strategy will also address market gaps by supporting the use of untapped agricultural land and promoting cooperation among producer groups.

Panayiotou emphasised that the new strategy would support the long-term competitiveness of Cyprus’ agricultural sector, focusing on high-quality, affordable products for consumers and fair incomes for farmers.

The actions in the strategy will be funded through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and national resources, with the University of Cyprus’ Economic Research Centre tasked with evaluating its overall impact on the economy. The 11 actions cover areas such as green competitiveness, livestock sector support, new financing tools for agriculture, quality certification for Cypriot products, and risk management in agricultural production.

Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos has announced the implementation of 0% VAT on certain products, aiming mainly at vulnerable groups, young couples and the middle class.

The announcement was made following a 10 October meeting he had at the Presidential Palace with the President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides.

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The products to be included in a proposal that will be submitted to the next Cabinet meeting, according to Keravnos, include children’s diapers, adult diapers, baby formula, hygiene products for women, fruits and vegetables. These products will be sold “with zero VAT, without a specific expiration date” for the measure.

“We believe that these products are products that mainly concern young couples, the middle class,” Keravnos said, adding that “we feel that at the moment it is time for this category of products to re-enter the zero VAT rate.”

The Finance Minister said that the economic policy followed by the Government “is a policy that aims to financial stability, sustainability and resilience of the economy in this difficult geopolitical environment that we live in, to strengthen the middle class and vulnerable groups.”

He noted that according to data the government presented, “as a result of the economic policy we are pursuing, the middle class has been strengthened and from 58.6% of the population in 2015 it has reached 64.1%.” Therefore, according to Keravnos, “the guiding principle of any economic and social policy is the strengthening of the middle class, which has traditionally been the backbone of the economy and the society.”
Asked about possible criticism regarding reintroducing products with zero VAT rate, Keravnos said that the government does not act on “any populism or unnecessary criticism” but “we are following and implementing policies based on the needs of the society and the economy.”

The Cabinet approved the draft 2025 Fiscal Programme of the Republic, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis has said, noting that growth this year is expected to reach 3.7%.

In statements after the 9 October meeting of the Cabinet, the Spokesman said that the Minister of Finance will submit the Fiscal Programme to the General Directorate of Economic and Financial Affairs of the European Commission.

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He said that this is the second evaluation that takes place in the autumn of each year on the basis of plans and budget programmes submitted by the countries by October 15 each year. The evaluation, he said, concerns the revised, expected fiscal results for the current year and the revised forecasts, mainly for the next year, on the basis of the government’s budget plan for the coming year.

The Spokesperson said that the EU evaluates the plans no later than November 30 each year. Based on the main macroeconomic scenario included in the draft fiscal program 2025, he said, the Cypriot economy is expected to grow at a rate of 3.7% in 2024 in real terms.

Inflation, based on the harmonized index of consumer prices, is expected to be 2.2% in 2024 and fall further to 2% in 2025-2027, he added.

Letymbiotis noted that the fiscal balance of the general government in 2024 is expected to have a surplus of 3.9% as a percentage of GDP.

Concluding, he said that public debt for 2024 is estimated to be 68.9% of GDP, compared to 77.4% of GDP at the end of the previous year.

Petrol/diesel oil was the main energy source in road transport in the EU in 2022, while Cyprus had the largest share of use of motor petrol among member states, according to data released by Eurostat.

Petrol/ diesel oil and motor petrol remained the leading energy sources in road transport in 2022, according to the statistics.

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In the EU, petrol/diesel oil (excluding the biofuel portion) was the main source of energy in road transport in 2022, with a 65% share. Motor petrol (excluding the biofuel portion) followed at 25%, ahead of renewables and biofuels (6%), liquefied petroleum gases (2%), natural gas (1%) and electricity (0.3%).

In most EU countries, petrol/diesel oil was the primary source of energy for road transport, though there were noticeable differences between the countries.

The highest shares were reported in Latvia (80%) and Lithuania (76%), followed by Ireland, Austria, and Spain, each at 74%. In contrast, the lowest shares were recorded in Sweden (45%), Cyprus (46%) and the Netherlands (48%).

The share of motor petrol was highest in Cyprus (50%), the Netherlands (42%), and Malta (36%). The lowest shares were reported in Lithuania (13%), Latvia (14%) and Bulgaria (15%).

Energy consumption in transport at pre-pandemic levels

According to the statistics, in 2022 transport activities accounted for 31% of the final energy consumption in the EU, which made it the highest consumer of final energy, ahead of households (27%) and industry (25%).

Road transport was the largest energy consumer, responsible 74% of all energy consumption in transport, or 10,996 petajoules (PJ). Water transport accounted for 13% of all energy consumed in transport (1,935 PJ), followed by air (11%; 1,700 PJ) and rail transport (1%; 214 PJ).

Compared with 2021, air transport recorded the highest increase in energy consumption, with a striking 57% rise. In 2022, energy consumption levels in air transport were approaching the pre-pandemic figures, following sharp declines in 2020 and 2021.

Energy consumption also increased, if not as rapidly in road transport, which also approached 2019 levels.

Dr. Demis Hassabis, a renowned British-Cypriot artificial intelligence (AI) researcher and co-founder of DeepMind, has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his revolutionary work in using AI to advance the understanding of chemical processes. His contributions have transformed the fields of chemistry and molecular biology, propelling scientific discovery into new realms of possibility.

Hassabis’ award marks a significant milestone in the intersection of AI and the natural sciences. By leveraging AI to tackle complex scientific challenges, he has helped scientists understand the intricate molecular structures and interactions that underpin biological systems and chemical reactions. His work has not only provided deep insights into the fundamental processes of life but also paved the way for innovative approaches to drug discovery, materials science, and renewable energy solutions.

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One of the key breakthroughs that earned Hassabis this prestigious recognition is DeepMind’s AlphaFold, an AI system designed to predict the 3D structures of proteins. Understanding protein folding is one of the most complex problems in molecular biology, and accurate predictions of these structures are crucial for numerous applications, including the development of new medications and therapies. Before AlphaFold, scientists relied on time-consuming and expensive methods to determine protein structures. Hassabis’ innovation has significantly accelerated this process, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution that has already had a profound impact on research worldwide.

AlphaFold’s ability to predict the structure of nearly every known protein has been hailed as one of the most important scientific achievements in recent years. The system’s accuracy and speed have opened up new opportunities for scientists, enabling them to conduct research that was previously impossible or too resource-intensive. From addressing global health challenges like antibiotic resistance to advancing personalised medicine, the implications of AlphaFold’s success are far-reaching and transformative.

Dr. Hassabis’ achievement also highlights the growing role of AI in scientific discovery. Traditionally, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded for advancements in laboratory-based research, but Hassabis’ work demonstrates the potential of AI as a powerful tool for solving some of the most pressing challenges in the natural sciences. This recognition by the Nobel Committee underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, where AI, computer science, and traditional scientific disciplines converge to create groundbreaking innovations.

Beyond his work in chemistry, Hassabis has been a key figure in advancing AI research and its applications across various fields. As the co-founder of DeepMind, he has driven the development of AI systems that can not only solve scientific problems but also tackle challenges in areas such as healthcare, gaming, and climate change. His visionary leadership has positioned DeepMind as a global leader in AI research and innovation, influencing industries and academic institutions alike.