Cyprus And Greece Forge Unified Maritime Strategy At IMO Assembly

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 26, 2025

At the 34th General Assembly of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in London, Cyprus and Greece presented a cohesive vision for a robust, equitable, and forward-looking maritime framework. The two nations emphasized the need for regulations that balance environmental ambitions with the economic realities of global trade.

Unified Vision For Sustainable Regulation

Representing Cyprus, Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis outlined an agenda centered on cooperation, resilience, and progress. Highlighting the importance of agile and credible governance, she stressed that the IMO must bolster technical collaboration and drive innovation to safeguard both the maritime sector and the world’s oceans for future generations. Hadjimanolis underscored Cyprus’s commitment to a strong, fair, and inclusive organisation, noting the steadfast unity of member states in striving for a financially sound and forward-looking IMO.

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Championing Innovation And Historical Heritage

Greece, meanwhile, reinforced parallel priorities while advancing its candidacy for Category A membership on the IMO Council. Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Vasilis Kikilias articulated Greece’s deep historical ties to the sea—a narrative that spans from ancient maritime legends to the modern economic imperatives of today. His appeal to IMO delegates was a call not only to support Greece’s national interests but also to endorse a global regulatory framework that incorporates contemporary realities, such as the rise of LNG as a pivotal fuel source.

Balancing Environmental Goals With Economic Realism

Both ministers converged on the necessity of avoiding a fragmented regulatory landscape that could hinder international shipping. Kikilias warned that an array of disparate regulations would only complicate global maritime operations, advocating instead for rules that marry environmental ambition with economic practicality. He cautioned against punitive measures in the green transition and stressed the need for realistic timelines and incentive mechanisms to prevent economic and technological disruptions.

Ensuring Global Trade Stability

Addressing the broader impact of maritime policies, Kikilias reminded delegates that 80 to 90 percent of world trade is transported by sea. This statistic underlines the global responsibility to manage issues of green energy, competitiveness, and cost pressures with precision. Emphasizing the interconnected challenges of energy prices, inflation, and freight costs, he called for collective action to protect both the economic future and environmental well-being of nations. His closing remarks condemned all attacks on merchant ships and seafarers, denouncing piracy as a severe threat to global commerce.

By championing coordinated global solutions, both Cyprus and Greece reaffirmed the IMO as the central forum for ensuring stability and fairness in maritime regulation. Their speeches underscored a shared commitment to building a sustainable maritime future that honors both historical legacies and modern economic imperatives.

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Cyprus Income Distribution 2024: An In-Depth Breakdown of Economic Classes

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 24, 2025

New findings from the Cyprus Statistical Service offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s income stratification in 2024. The report, titled Population By Income Class, provides critical insights into the proportions of the population that fall within the middle, upper, and lower income brackets, as well as those at risk of poverty.

Income Distribution Overview

The data for 2024 show that 64.6% of the population falls within the middle income class – a modest increase from 63% in 2011. However, it is noteworthy that the range for this class begins at a comparatively low threshold of €15,501. Meanwhile, 27.8% of the population continues to reside in the lower income bracket (a figure largely unchanged from 27.7% in 2011), with nearly 14.6% of these individuals identified as at risk of poverty. The upper income class accounted for 7.6% of the population, a slight decline from 9.1% in 2011.

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Income Brackets And Their Thresholds

According to the report, the median equivalent disposable national income reached €20,666 in 2024. The upper limit of the lower income class was established at €15,500, and the threshold for poverty risk was set at €12,400. The middle income category spans from €15,501 to €41,332, while any household earning over €41,333 is classified in the upper income class. The median equivalents for each group were reported at €12,271 for the lower, €23,517 for the middle, and €51,316 for the upper income classes.

Methodological Insights And Comparative Findings

Employing the methodology recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report defines the middle income class as households earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In contrast, incomes exceeding 200% of the median classify households as upper income, while those earning below 75% fall into the lower income category.

Detailed Findings Across Income Segments

Upper Income Class: Comprising 73,055 individuals (7.6% of the population), this group had a median equivalent disposable income of €51,136. Notably, the share of individuals in this category has contracted since 2011.
Upper Middle Income Segment: This subgroup includes 112,694 people (11.7% of the population) with a median income of €34,961. Combined with the upper income class, they represent 185,749 individuals.
Middle Income Group: Encompassing 30.3% of the population (approximately 294,624 individuals), this segment reports a median disposable income of €24,975.
Lower Middle And Lower Income Classes: The lower middle income category includes 22.2% of the population (211,768 individuals) with a median income of €17,800, while the lower income class accounts for 27.8% (267,557 individuals) with a median income of €12,271.

Payment Behaviors And Economic Implications

The report also examines how income levels influence repayment behavior for primary residence loans or rental payments. Historically, households in the lower income class have experienced the greatest delays. In 2024, 27.0% of those in the lower income bracket were late on payments—a significant improvement from 34.6% in 2011. For the middle income class, late payments were observed in 9.9% of cases, down from 21.4% in 2011. Among the upper income class, only 3% experienced delays, compared to 9.9% previously.

This detailed analysis underscores shifts in income distribution and repayment behavior across Cyprus, reflecting broader economic trends that are critical for policymakers and investors to consider as they navigate the evolving financial landscape.

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