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Central Bank Of Cyprus Reports €28 Billion In Total Assets And Liabilities

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) today disclosed that its total assets and liabilities have reached €27.99 billion as of the end of February 2026. In a detailed balance sheet release, the bank outlined the composition of its portfolio, underscoring stronger intra-Eurosystem positioning and diversified liabilities.

Strategic Asset Allocation

The financial institution’s balance sheet revealed that intra-Eurosystem claims constituted the bulk of its assets, totaling €18.33 billion. Equally significant, the CBC’s holdings in gold and gold receivables were valued at €1.64 billion, reinforcing its traditional store-of-value strategy. Smaller segments include claims on residents outside the euro area denominated in foreign currency at €1.10 billion, compared with €0.59 billion in euro-denominated claims on the same group.

Diverse Portfolio Components

Securities of euro area residents denominated in euros totaled €6.17 billion. Additional components included €0.02 billion in foreign currency claims on euro area residents and €0.14 billion classified as other assets. These figures reflect the distribution of assets across different categories.

Liabilities And Monetary Policy Operations

On the liabilities side, the CBC reported that monetary policy operations with credit institutions dominated, amounting to €17.12 billion. Additionally, the bank accounted for €3.22 billion in banknotes in circulation alongside €3.73 billion owed to the general government. Future risk provisions and revaluation accounts were maintained at €0.60 billion and €1.64 billion respectively, ensuring a buffer for volatility in evolving market conditions.

Capital And International Obligations

Capital and reserve holdings stood at €0.33 billion, supporting the institution’s ongoing financial solidity. Moreover, the bank recognized €0.49 billion as liabilities linked to the special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund, reflecting its engagements on the international stage.

Overall, the CBC’s comprehensive disclosure provides a clear roadmap of its asset allocation and liability management, reinforcing its role as a key pillar in the region’s financial stability.

Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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