Cypriots Identify Key Challenges For the EU: Migration, Cost of Living, And Security

A recent Eurobarometer survey highlights that Cypriots perceive irregular migration, the cost of living, and security issues as the primary challenges facing the European Union.

Key Findings

Irregular Migration: 64% of Cypriots see this as the top challenge, significantly higher than the EU average of 41%.
Cost of Living: 48% of Cypriots are concerned about this issue, compared to 32% across the EU.
Security and Terrorism: 35% of Cypriots identify this as a major concern, slightly above the EU average of 29%.

Other Concerns

War in Ukraine: Viewed as a significant issue by 28% of Cypriots, lower than the 50% EU average.
Environmental Issues and Climate Change: Also cited by 28% of Cypriots, compared to 35% in the EU.

Priorities for the EU

Irregular Migration: 50% of Cypriots believe this should be the EU’s top priority.
Security and Defence: 32% see this as crucial.
Environment and Climate Change: 30% prioritise this area.
War in Ukraine: Only 12% of Cypriots view this as a top priority for the EU, reflecting a lower concern compared to other issues.

Optimism about the EU

Future of the EU: 59% of Cypriots are optimistic, aligning closely with the EU average of 58%.
Security Concerns: 73% of Cypriots worry about the EU’s security over the next five years.
Economic Outlook: Only 36% of Cypriots are confident in the EU’s economic future, compared to 50% across the EU.
Strength of Democracy: 53% of Cypriots are confident in the EU’s democratic strength, slightly below the EU average of 55%.

The survey reflects Cypriots’ heightened concerns about migration, economic stability, and security. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the EU to maintain the confidence and support of its member states’ citizens.

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Cyprus Invested €213.6 Million In R&D In 2023, Up 3.2% From 2022

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 16, 2025

Incremental Rise in R&D Spending

Cyprus dedicated €213.6 million to research and development in 2023, amounting to 0.68% of its GDP, according to data released by Cystat. This figure represents a modest 3.2% increase over the previous year, when total expenditure reached €207 million (0.70% of GDP).

Comparative European Landscape

While research and innovation spending in Cyprus has consistently trended upward over the past decade, its relative investment remains below the EU average of 2.26%. Countries such as Malta and Romania exhibit similarly lower percentages, at 0.64% and 0.52% of GDP, respectively, as opposed to the frontrunners like Sweden (3.64%), Belgium (3.27%), and Austria (3.26%) in 2023.

Long-Term Growth Prospects

Despite its modest share of GDP, Cyprus boasts one of the highest long-term growth rates in its bloc. Between 2000 and 2023, the nation’s R&D expenditure grew at an annual average of 9.96%, and from 2010 to 2023, this growth averaged 7.23%—significantly outpacing the EU’s averages of 4.47% and 4.62% respectively.

Sectoral and Funding Breakdown

Analysis by sector reveals that business enterprises led R&D activity with €89.6 million (41.9% of total expenditure), followed by higher education institutions at €76.9 million (36%), private non-profit organizations at €31.1 million (14.6%), and the government at €16 million (7.5%). Within the corporate sphere, investment was primarily channeled through information and communication companies (accounting for €51.7 million), complemented by pharmaceutical, electronics, and electrical equipment manufacturers, which contributed €25.9 million.

Diversified Funding Sources

Government funds underwrote 23.5% of the total R&D activity, equating to €50.2 million, a slight increase from 22.1% the previous year. Public universities injected €27 million into the ecosystem, while foreign funding, including EU contributions, provided €45.1 million. Notably, the private sector led the financing efforts with a contribution of €91.3 million, representing 42.8% of the aggregate expenditure.

Disciplinary Focus and Human Capital

Research investments were predominantly directed towards the natural sciences (€94.5 million) and engineering and technology (€66.1 million). The social sciences (€22.3 million), agricultural sciences (€12.6 million), medical sciences (€10.5 million), and humanities (€7.5 million) completed the funding profile. The R&D workforce in 2023 edged up slightly, engaging 4,257 personnel overall, including 2,308 full-time equivalent researchers, 39.4% of whom were women, with roughly one-third holding PhD qualifications.

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