Cyprus Achieves Largest Debt Reduction in Eurozone

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 23, 2024

Cyprus made significant strides in reducing its government debt, with the debt-to-GDP ratio falling to 70.5% by the end of the second quarter of 2024, according to Eurostat. This represents the largest decrease in the eurozone, with a 2.1% drop from Q1 2024 and a notable 10% reduction from Q2 2023.

In contrast, both the eurozone and the EU saw slight increases in their debt-to-GDP ratios. The eurozone’s ratio increased to 88.1% (up from 87.8% in Q1 2024), and the EU’s rose to 81.5% (up from 81.3%).

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Despite Cyprus’ success, some countries continue to struggle with high debt levels. Greece and Italy recorded the highest ratios at 163.6% and 137.0%, respectively. Meanwhile, Bulgaria and Estonia maintained the lowest ratios at 22.1% and 23.8%.

The eurozone’s government debt is largely composed of debt securities, accounting for 84% of the total, while intergovernmental lending made up 1.5% of GDP.

Cyprus’ impressive debt reduction stands in contrast to the increases seen in countries such as Finland and Austria, demonstrating the country’s effective fiscal management amid global economic pressures.

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Cyprus Current Account Gap Widens As External Debt Climbs In First Quarter Of 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 30, 2026

Cyprus entered 2026 with a weaker external position, as the country’s current account deficit widened in the first quarter and its international investment position deteriorated, according to preliminary data released on Tuesday by the Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC).

Deficit Worsens Amid Softer Services Performance

The current account deficit widened to €1.27 billion in the first quarter of 2026 from €1.01 billion a year earlier, an increase of €263 million. Excluding special purpose entities (SPEs), the deficit reached €1.37 billion, compared with €1.12 billion in the first quarter of 2025.

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According to the CBC, the deterioration was driven mainly by a larger secondary income deficit and weaker net exports of services. Financial services, telecommunications, computer services and information services all weighed on the balance, although the impact was partly offset by an improved goods balance and a narrower primary income deficit.

Financial Flows Remain Positive

Despite the weaker current account position, Cyprus recorded net financial inflows of €1.14 billion during the quarter, exceeding the level reported a year earlier. The increase reflected a smaller net outflow in portfolio investment together with stronger net inflows under other investment, the CBC said.

External Balance Sheet Weakens

Cyprus’ international investment position also deteriorated during the quarter. The country’s net liability position widened to €28.31 billion at the end of the first quarter from €28.17 billion three months earlier.

After excluding SPEs, net liabilities increased to €10.03 billion from €8.93 billion at the end of 2025. Gross external debt rose to €226.66 billion from €225.19 billion, while external debt assets edged down slightly to €223.53 billion from €223.62 billion. As a result, net external debt increased by €1.57 billion to €3.14 billion.

Excluding SPEs, gross external debt stood at €59.94 billion, up from €59.18 billion at the end of 2025. Over the same period, net external debt improved slightly to minus €30.46 billion from minus €30.95 billion.

Trade Links Show Mixed Picture

The CBC reported current account surpluses with Germany and Russia during the first quarter, while deficits were recorded with Greece, the United Kingdom and the United States.

At the regional level, Cyprus narrowed its current account deficits with both the European Union and the euro area, providing a modest offset to the broader weakening in the country’s external balance.

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