Breaking news

Cyprus Achieves Largest Debt Reduction in Eurozone

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%).

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.

EU Goods Trade With Canada Grows In 2025 As Imports Rise Faster Than Exports

European Union goods exports to Canada increased by 1.2% in 2025 to €48.8 billion, while imports grew by 18% to €33 billion, narrowing the bloc’s trade surplus to €15.8 billion, according to Eurostat.

Despite the faster growth in imports, the EU continued to export substantially more goods to Canada than it imported. The figures point to expanding bilateral trade, with imports gaining ground more quickly than exports.

Trade Expands Under CETA

EU exports to Canada rose from €48.2 billion in 2024, while imports increased from €28 billion. Overall, bilateral goods trade reached €81.8 billion in 2025.

The growth follows the provisional entry into force of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in September 2017. Between 2015 and 2017, EU-Canada goods trade grew by an average of 4.7% annually. From 2018 to 2025, its total value increased from €54.2 billion to €81.8 billion, equivalent to average annual growth of 6.1%.

Machinery And Pharmaceuticals Lead EU Exports

Industrial and high-value manufactured goods dominated EU exports to Canada in 2025. Machinery and mechanical appliances topped the list at €9.4 billion, accounting for 19.3% of total exports.

Pharmaceutical products ranked second at €5.5 billion, or 11.2%, closely followed by vehicles, cars, motorcycles and parts at €5.4 billion, representing 11.1%. Electrical machinery and equipment contributed €3.3 billion, or 6.7%, while optical, photographic and medical instruments accounted for €2 billion, equivalent to 4.1%.

Raw Materials And Industrial Goods Drive Canadian Imports

Canada’s exports to the EU were led by raw materials and industrial inputs. Ores, slag and ash formed the largest category, valued at €4 billion and accounting for 12.2% of EU imports from Canada.

Machinery and mechanical appliances followed at €3.8 billion, representing 11.4%. Mineral fuels, oils and distillation products reached €3.1 billion, or 9.4%, while aircraft, spacecraft and parts totalled €2.9 billion, accounting for 8.9%. Pharmaceutical products completed the top five at €1.9 billion, or 5.9%.

A Growing Trade Relationship

Eurostat’s figures show that EU-Canada goods trade continues to expand, although the balance is shifting as imports grow faster than exports. The EU remains a net exporter, while Canada supplies a mix of raw materials, energy-related products and manufactured goods.

The narrowing surplus highlights a more dynamic bilateral trade relationship, with both sides increasing their role in the exchange of industrial products and strategically important goods.

Uol
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter