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CBC Unveils Strategic Public Tenders For It Security And Cafeteria Operations

New Strategic Procurement Initiatives

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has issued two pivotal public tenders, reflecting its commitment to enhancing IT security infrastructure and in-house service provision. These initiatives signal a major strategic investment aimed at reinforcing both operational security and facility management at the bank’s headquarters in Nicosia.

Tender For IT Security Services

Under Tender 02/2026, the CBC is seeking vendors to provide IT security services, including system maintenance, management, and 24-hour monitoring through a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system.

The contract duration is three years, with an estimated value of €370,000 excluding VAT. The procedure is open and will be awarded to the most economically advantageous offer based on price. Tender documents are available electronically via the CBC website from February 27, 2026 to April 17, 2026.

Submission And Evaluation Process

Interested operators must submit sealed proposals consisting of separate envelopes for participation requirements, technical documentation, and financial offers. Contact details must be sent via email with the subject line “Tender 02/2026 – SIEM,” as specified in the tender documents. Final submissions must be delivered to Office 018 at the CBC headquarters, 80 John Kennedy Avenue, 1076 Nicosia, by April 17, 2026 at 12:00 noon Cyprus time.

Cafeteria Services Tender

In parallel, the CBC has issued a separate tender for the management and operation of its headquarters cafeteria. Unlike the IT security contract, this process will be evaluated solely on qualitative criteria. Tender documents are available through the CBC tender portal from February 27, 2026 to March 20, 2026.

Guidelines For Submission

Operators applying for cafeteria services must email their contact details using the subject line “Tender 5/2026 – Cafeteria.” Proposals, including participation requirements and technical documentation, must be submitted in sealed form to the CBC tender box at the same location by March 20, 2026 at 12:00 noon Cyprus time.

The bank notes that incorrect or incomplete contact information may result in applicants missing clarifications or additional updates.

Conclusion

The two tenders highlight the CBC’s focus on strengthening cybersecurity capabilities while upgrading internal services. The move aligns with broader public-sector efforts to improve efficiency, transparency, and operational reliability.

Ryanair Cuts 20 Routes In Belgium As Aviation Taxes And Fuel Costs Rise

Ryanair is cutting 20 routes and more than one million seats from its Belgian winter 2026 schedule, citing higher aviation taxes and rising fuel costs. The airline said it would reduce its fleet by six aircraft across Brussels Charleroi and Brussels Zaventem, representing a $600 million reduction in investment.

At the centre of the dispute is Belgium’s planned aviation tax increase, from €2 per ticket in January 2025 to €7 in January 2027. Ryanair argues that higher charges will make the country less competitive than European markets with lower operating costs.

O’Leary Warns Of Higher Fares In 2027

Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary has also warned that airfares could rise significantly next year as the airline’s existing fuel price protection expires.

“We guarantee no fuel surcharges, but there is no doubt that air fares are going to rise significantly in 2027 because of much higher oil prices,” O’Leary told Euronews.

The airline has secured fuel prices at approximately $67 per barrel for 2026 through advance pricing agreements. O’Leary expects costs to roughly double next year as that protection ends.

Oil prices have risen amid the war in the Middle East and concerns over supply routes through the Persian Gulf. Brent crude closed at $109.86 per barrel on Friday, its highest level since May, before moving above $110, according to the report.

Belgium Faces Pressure Over Aviation Taxes

O’Leary argues that aviation taxes do more than increase airline costs: they can also redirect passenger traffic, investment and tourism towards countries with lower charges.

“The Belgian government is doing exactly the opposite,” he said, warning that the planned increase could discourage investment, reduce passenger numbers, hurt tourism and cost jobs.

Ryanair said it had already redirected six aircraft, more than one million seats and 20 routes away from Belgium for winter 2026. The airline warned that further cuts could follow if the tax remains unchanged.

It also criticised the EU emissions trading system, arguing that it raises the cost of intra-EU flights while flights to destinations outside the bloc do not face the same burden. O’Leary called for Belgium to abolish aviation taxes, saying higher charges would shift demand and tourism towards more competitively priced destinations elsewhere in Europe.

Airlines Face Wider Cost Pressures

Belgium’s planned tax increase was reduced from an earlier proposal to charge €10 per ticket following industry pressure. Ryanair maintains, however, that the revised rate remains too high.

The capacity cuts come as other airlines also adjust their schedules amid challenging market conditions. Sweden’s SAS and easyJet have both reduced flights this year.

Ryanair is urging the Belgian government to reconsider the tax, warning that maintaining higher charges could further weaken the country’s aviation market.

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