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Cypriot MEP Hadjipantela Champions EU’s €4 Billion Aid To Egypt In High-Stakes Migration Talks

In Strasbourg this week, Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdelatty to discuss the European Union’s €4 billion Macro-Financial Assistance (MFA) package to Egypt. The meeting, held during the European Parliament’s plenary session, signals the strategic importance of EU-Egypt relations in tackling shared challenges, particularly migration.

Hadjipantela, representing DISY and the EPP as shadow rapporteur for the MFA, expressed confidence in securing parliamentary approval for the proposal. “This funding ensures Egypt’s strengthened border security while addressing migration flows to Cyprus,” he noted. He highlighted the EU’s role by saying, “Europe provides the solutions to the issues that concern Cypriot citizens.”

The MFA is a critical tool for the EU, offering financial relief to non-EU nations facing economic instability. Egypt’s case is particularly significant, with the total EU funding commitment reaching €7.4 billion for 2024–2027. These funds aim to foster economic development and enhance cooperation on migration management, reflecting the EU’s broader geopolitical strategy.

This aid package is pivotal for the EU, as it navigates the complexities of regional security and migration. Securing this financial lifeline for Egypt underpins its economic resilience and border management capabilities.

Hadjipantela’s advocacy underscores the intertwined priorities of economic development and migration control, emphasizing that Europe’s collective solutions are key to addressing these critical challenges. As the plenary vote approaches, the outcome will not only shape EU-Egypt relations but also set the tone for future European strategies in the region.

doValue Cyprus Strengthens Market Leadership With New Astrobank Portfolio

Expanding Market Influence

Loan and real estate management firm doValue Cyprus has significantly reinforced its domestic presence in non-performing loan servicing by acquiring a new portfolio from Astrobank Public Company Limited. This development follows Astrobank’s recent transition, marked by the transfer of key operations to Alpha Bank Cyprus Limited and the subsequent surrender of its banking licence.

Strategic Acquisition And Swift Execution

Finalized on November 3, 2025, the agreement underscores a decisive strategic shift as doValue Cyprus assumes management of Astrobank’s remaining portfolio. The immediate commencement of portfolio management is a testament to the firm’s commitment to delivering specialized, resilient solutions within the non-performing loan market.

Expertise Driving Market Growth

Chief Executive Officer Varnavas Kourounas emphasized that the latest portfolio acquisition not only expands the firm’s operational footprint but also validates its credibility and deep expertise in the competitive Cypriot financial sector. The strategic move is aligned with the broader growth ambitions of the doValue Group.

Broader Market Implications

Operating as part of the international doValue Group—the largest independent loan and real estate management organization in Southern Europe—doValue Cyprus is well-positioned to leverage its newly expanded portfolio. With approximately €136 billion in assets under management, the group maintains a dominant presence across Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal, and Cyprus. Moreover, its subsidiary, Altamira Real Estate, runs Cyprus’ largest real estate platform, managing extensive property portfolios alongside the island’s most comprehensive sales network.

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