Cyprus And Bahrain Step Up Cooperation In Defence And Trade

by News Editor

August 11, 2026

Cyprus and Bahrain are looking to strengthen cooperation in defence, maritime security and investment as Nicosia seeks to deepen its links between the European Union and the Gulf region.

Cyprus Ambassador to Bahrain Andreas Eliades said closer coordination had become increasingly important amid ongoing regional security developments.

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Stronger Defence And Security Links

Speaking to Bahraini newspaper Al Watan, Eliades pointed to recent security developments in the Gulf, including attacks by Iran on Bahrain and other Gulf Cooperation Council countries.

He said Cyprus had used its EU Council presidency to support dialogue and consultations between EU member states and regional partners.

Bilateral ties received a boost following President Nikos Christodoulides’ official visit to Bahrain and the opening of Cyprus’ embassy in Manama. Nine agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed during the visit, covering defence, higher education, culture, tourism, diplomatic training and search and rescue.

Eliades said Cyprus now has diplomatic missions in all six GCC capitals, positioning the country as a potential “bridge” between Europe and the Gulf.

Shipping And Economic Cooperation

Maritime security is another area where the two countries see room for closer cooperation. Eliades highlighted freedom of navigation as a strategic priority for both Cyprus and Bahrain.

Economic ties could also expand across financial services, fintech, technology, logistics and tourism. According to Eliades, Cyprus can offer Bahraini companies a route into the European single market, while Bahrain can provide Cypriot businesses with a platform for expanding into Gulf markets.

He described the outlook for bilateral relations as “very promising”, adding that the new embassy in Manama marked “a new chapter” in relations between Cyprus and Bahrain.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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