Cypriot Water Security Project Among EU-Funded Innovations

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 24, 2025

A cutting-edge project hosted by the University of Cyprus, aimed at enhancing the security of water distribution systems, is among 134 initiatives selected for funding under the European Research Council’s 2024 Proof of Concept grants. These grants, totaling €20 million, will support innovative projects from EU member states and Horizon Europe participants.

The Cypriot project, titled WaterSAFE: An Integrated Cyber-Physical Security Solution for Water Distribution Systems, has been awarded €150,000. This funding will help bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application, advancing the development of robust solutions for water system security.

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The Proof of Concept program empowers researchers to validate the practical feasibility of their ideas, assess commercial potential, and prepare for patent applications. It plays a critical role in transitioning scientific breakthroughs into market-ready technologies.

Selected projects span a range of fields, including autonomous satellite navigation, food fraud prevention, cancer drug repurposing, and improved treatments for life-threatening diseases.

This year’s grantees represent 20 countries across Europe. Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands lead with 15 projects each, followed by Spain and the UK (14 each), and Israel (12). Cyprus secured one grant, standing alongside nations such as Croatia, Poland, and Portugal.

The WaterSAFE project’s inclusion highlights Cyprus’s growing contribution to innovative, globally relevant research initiatives.

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Cyprus Retail Sales Jump 9.8% In May As Consumer Spending Stays Strong

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

July 2, 2026

Cyprus’ retail sector continued to build momentum in May, with both sales values and volumes rising strongly, highlighting resilient consumer spending across a broad range of categories, according to data released by the Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat).

Turnover Value And Volume Both Move Higher

The retail trade turnover value index increased 9.8% year on year in May, while the turnover volume index rose 7.5% compared with the same month in 2025. Together, the figures suggest that consumers not only spent more but also purchased greater volumes of goods across the retail sector.

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Fuel And Household Goods Lead Value Growth

The strongest increase in turnover value came from automotive fuel, which climbed 20.9% compared with a year earlier.

Other household equipment, a category that includes building materials, carpets, furniture, electrical appliances and lighting, recorded the second-largest gain at 12%, reflecting continued demand for home-related purchases.

Educational and recreational goods, including books, stationery, sporting equipment and toys, also posted solid growth, with turnover value rising 10.1%.

Clothing, Technology And Household Equipment Drive Volume

Measured by sales volume, clothing and footwear delivered the strongest performance, advancing 19.4% year on year. Information and communication equipment followed with a 17.6% increase, while other household equipment recorded a 13.3% gain.

Not every segment shared in the broader upswing. Sales volumes of automotive fuel declined 3.8%, while flowers, plants, watches, jewellery, optical goods and second-hand items fell 2.1%.

Year-To-Date Growth Remains Positive

The positive trend extended across the first five months of the year. Between January and May, the retail turnover value index increased 7.1% compared with the same period of 2025, while the turnover volume index rose 5.9%.

Taken together, the latest figures indicate that Cyprus’ retail sector continues to benefit from resilient consumer demand. Although some categories remain under pressure, spending has remained broad-based across both essential goods and discretionary purchases, supporting steady growth in the market.

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