Cypriot SMEs Secure €138,878 To Propel Sustainable Tourism

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 11, 2025

Investment In Sustainability

The Cyprus Chamber Of Commerce And Industry (Keve) has announced a strategic allocation of €138,878 under the EU-funded I-STARS initiative, empowering 25 small and medium-sized tourism enterprises to integrate sustainability into their core operations. This well-timed intervention is designed to accelerate the green transition of Cyprus’ tourism sector.

Empowering Businesses With Targeted Support

Through a combination of targeted funding, technical guidance, and personalized support, the participating SMEs have successfully embarked on a comprehensive sustainability journey. The initiative has enabled these companies—from restaurants and hotels to travel agencies and resorts—to craft tailored action plans that enhance their environmental performance and overall operational resilience.

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Comprehensive Audits And Greener Practices

Key to the project were detailed food waste and energy audits, which have not only led to significant waste-reduction measures but also uncovered numerous energy-saving opportunities. By adopting these best practices, the firms have firmly positioned themselves to meet both immediate and long-term environmental goals.

Industry-Wide Impact And Strategic Alignment

The initiative underscores the fact that even small businesses can drive transformative change when equipped with the right tools and incentives. Participants have worked diligently to secure sustainability certifications and align their practices with international standards, thereby reinforcing the credibility and competitiveness of the region’s tourism industry.

Regional Collaboration And Future Prospects

The I-STARS project extends beyond Cyprus, also benefiting tourism enterprises in Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Spain. This cross-regional effort not only fosters innovation but also ensures the enduring resilience of the European tourism ecosystem. To further illustrate its success, Keve has released a series of short videos on its YouTube channel, highlighting inspiring stories of local businesses that have embraced the green transition.

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ECB Raises Deposit Facility Rate For First Time In Nearly Two Years

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 15, 2026

Economic Shift: ECB Reverses Years Of Declining Rates

The European Central Bank (ECB) confirmed its first interest rate increase in nearly two years, raising the deposit facility rate in response to inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainty. Marking a shift in monetary policy, the move follows a period of rate cuts aimed at supporting economic activity and easing financing conditions.

Reevaluation Of Bank Liquidity Strategies

Although the immediate impact will be felt by only part of the borrowing market, the decision carries broader implications for banks. During the period of lower rates, banks maintained significant amounts of excess liquidity with the ECB as returns on these funds declined alongside deposit rates. With the deposit facility rate increasing by 0.25 percentage points to 2.25% from 2.00%, returns on surplus liquidity are expected to improve.

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Higher interest rates, however, could also increase borrowing costs and influence lending conditions across the banking sector.

Transitioning Investment Approaches And Market Dynamics

Banks had already begun diversifying the use of excess liquidity through investments in bonds and by expanding lending activities.

Successive reductions in the deposit facility rate from 3.00% at the end of 2024 through four consecutive cuts in early 2025 reflected a more accommodative policy stance as inflation pressures moderated.

Sectoral Impact And Future Outlook

Data from the ECB’s 2025 monetary policy report show that liquidity in the Cypriot banking system declined from €19.2 billion at the end of 2024 to €18.6 billion by the close of 2025. Despite the reduction, liquidity levels remained elevated. Outstanding loans increased from €27.6 billion to €31.7 billion, while deposits recorded a slight decline. Customer deposits continued to account for the vast majority of funding. By the fourth quarter of 2025, they represented 95% of total liabilities, highlighting their importance as the banking sector’s primary source of financing.

Changes in ECB rates are expected to influence how banks manage liquidity and allocate capital as monetary conditions evolve.

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