The European Union is prepared to engage in a constructive dialogue with the United States while maintaining a firm stance against any unfair or arbitrary targeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated at a press conference following the informal European Council meeting in Brussels. The summit, which focused on defense and transatlantic relations, underscored the EU’s commitment to cooperation but also its readiness to act if necessary.

Strengthening Transatlantic Cooperation

Addressing reporters, von der Leyen stressed that transatlantic cooperation remains a high priority, especially in the face of evolving geopolitical uncertainties. “We all know that much is at stake,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for a pragmatic and realistic partnership with Washington.

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“We discussed how to strengthen a very realistic cooperation with the US,” she noted, adding that the EU remains open to dialogue but is also prepared for potential challenges in its relationship with Washington.

“If the EU is targeted unfairly or arbitrarily, we will respond decisively,” she affirmed, signaling a firm stance against any economic or political measures that could disproportionately impact Europe.

Concerns Over US Tariffs

Von der Leyen also addressed US trade policies, particularly tariffs imposed on Mexico, Canada, and China. She criticized these measures, stating that “nothing positive comes out of this.”

“Tariffs increase business costs, harm workers and consumers, create unnecessary disruptions in the economy, and drive up inflation,” she explained, highlighting the potential negative ripple effects on global trade.

The EU’s Strategy Moving Forward

Despite potential tensions, the European Commission President reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to “productive discussions” with the US, stressing that dialogue must be conducted “in a timely manner.”

At the same time, von der Leyen emphasized the need for Europe to focus on its own economic resilience. “We have to do our job and focus on our own challenges—boosting and improving our competitiveness,” she stated, reinforcing the EU’s strategy of strengthening internal economic foundations while navigating external uncertainties.The message from Brussels is clear: the EU remains committed to collaboration with the US but will not hesitate to defend its interests if necessary. As global economic and political landscapes continue to shift, the strength of transatlantic relations will be tested in the months ahead.

The European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve (Fed) are taking different approaches to interest rate cuts in 2025 as their economies follow distinct paths. While the Eurozone faces sluggish growth, prompting the ECB to ease monetary policy, the Fed remains cautious due to a resilient U.S. economy and ongoing trade policy uncertainties.

Fed Holds Rates Amid Policy Uncertainty

The Fed maintained its policy rate at 4.25%-4.50%, marking its first pause since it began cutting rates last year. The decision reflects the central bank’s careful approach amid complex economic conditions.

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A key change in the Fed’s statement was its upgraded assessment of the labor market, now seen as “stabilized.” Inflation was described as “somewhat elevated,” though Chair Jerome Powell downplayed this revision. Powell emphasized that the Fed is not in a rush to cut rates but remains open to adjustments based on labor and inflation data. However, he avoided addressing questions on tariffs, which remain a major inflationary wildcard.

Markets reacted with mixed signals, balancing the Fed’s official stance with Powell’s more dovish tone. The Fed’s next steps depend on how trade policies evolve under the new administration, particularly as tariffs and tighter immigration policies could keep inflation elevated.

ECB Cuts Rates To Support Growth

In contrast, the ECB reduced its key policy rate by 25 basis points to 2.75%, reaffirming its data-driven approach while signaling further rate cuts. The bank aims to reach its estimated neutral rate of 2%, though weak economic indicators suggest it may need to ease further.

Recent data supports this stance:

• Q4 GDP growth stagnated at 0.0%, missing the ECB’s 0.2% projection.
• Headline and core inflation ended Q4 lower than expected, though ECB President Christine Lagarde noted lingering wage and supply chain pressures.
• The Bank Lending Survey showed tightening credit conditions, reflecting banks’ growing risk concerns.

Looking ahead, the ECB is expected to continue cutting rates aggressively until reaching 2%, then shift to a more gradual pace. Some analysts predict a further drop to 1.5% by year-end if trade tensions persist.

Both central banks’ policies hinge on global trade developments. The Fed remains cautious, awaiting clarity on President Trump’s tariff strategy, which could drive inflation and supply chain disruptions. Meanwhile, the ECB’s easing cycle may be influenced by trade frictions affecting European exports and business sentiment.

As trade policies unfold, the Fed and ECB remain on diverging paths—one in wait-and-see mode, the other pushing ahead with rate cuts.

The retail sector in Cyprus continued its upward trajectory in 2024, with both turnover value and volume registering solid gains. According to the latest data from CySTAT, the Turnover Value Index of Retail Trade for December 2024 increased by 5.8% compared to the same month in 2023, reflecting a strong performance during the crucial holiday shopping season.

At the same time, the Turnover Volume Index of Retail Trade—which measures the actual quantity of goods sold—grew by 3.6% year-over-year, signaling sustained consumer demand despite economic fluctuations.

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Full-Year Performance: Consistent Growth In Value And Volume

For the entire January-December 2024 period, the Value Index recorded an estimated 5.4% increase compared to 2023, while the Volume Index rose by 4.3%. These figures suggest a healthy expansion in the country’s retail sector, supported by steady consumer spending and an improving economic landscape.

December’s growth aligns with broader annual trends, reinforcing the resilience of Cyprus’ retail market. While rising costs and global economic uncertainties have impacted various sectors, retail businesses in Cyprus have maintained a strong performance, benefiting from increased purchasing power and evolving consumer habits.

As 2025 unfolds, the sector’s ability to sustain this momentum will depend on factors such as inflation trends, wage growth, and broader economic stability. For now, Cyprus’ retail industry remains on solid footing, demonstrating consistent expansion across both value and volume metrics.