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Cyprus Achieves Record-Breaking Fiscal Surplus: A Look At The Numbers

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 9, 2025

Cyprus is closing the year on a high note with impressive fiscal results, according to preliminary data released by the Statistical Service of Cyprus (CYSTAT). From January to November 2024, the country recorded a fiscal surplus of €1,420.8 million, equivalent to 4.2% of GDP. This marks a significant leap from the €709.9 million surplus (2.3% of GDP) achieved during the same period in 2023.

Revenue Growth Fuels Surplus

The fiscal surplus was largely driven by robust revenue growth, which surged by €809.8 million (6.7%), reaching €12,844.8 million in 2024 compared to €12,035 million in 2023.

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Breaking down the figures:

Taxes on production and imports rose by €255 million (6.2%) to €4,349.6 million, with net VAT revenue climbing €217.2 million (7.8%) to €2,984.6 million.
Taxes on income and wealth saw an impressive increase of €425.7 million (16%), totalling €3,082.3 million.
Property income jumped by €42 million (45.4%) to €134.6 million.
Revenue from goods and services grew by €163.7 million (21.6%) to €920.3 million.
Social contributions edged up by €95 million (2.4%) to €3,980.7 million.

On the flip side, current transfers dropped by €122.7 million (29.1%) to €299.1 million, and capital transfers fell by €48.9 million (38.5%) to €78.2 million.

Modest Rise in Expenditures

Government spending increased by a modest €98.9 million (0.9%), totalling €11,424 million in 2024 compared to €11,325.1 million in 2023.

Highlights include:

Intermediate consumption grew by €119 million (10.8%) to €1,223.4 million.
Compensation of employees rose by €236.3 million (7.7%) to €3,292.4 million.
Social benefits climbed €417 million (9.8%) to €4,679.3 million.
Interest payments increased by €23.4 million (6.1%) to €407.4 million.

However, certain expenditures saw declines:

Subsidies dropped by €8.5 million (5.9%) to €134.5 million.
Current transfers fell by €314.4 million (29.6%) to €747.6 million.
The capital account decreased by €373.8 million (28.5%) to €939.4 million, with notable reductions in other capital expenditures by €400 million (71.7%).

A Step Forward for Cyprus

These results highlight Cyprus’s continued fiscal discipline and its ability to generate significant revenues amidst global economic challenges. As the government balances spending with revenue growth, the country solidifies its position as a model of economic resilience in the region.

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EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.