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Cyprus Announces Largest Pension Increase Since 1996

In a significant move to enhance the financial well-being of its retirees, Cyprus has approved a notable increase in pensions, set to take effect in January 2025. Labour and Social Insurance Minister Yiannis Panayiotou detailed the adjustments, highlighting a 5.94% rise in the basic component and a 1.49% boost in the supplementary component of Social Insurance Fund pensions. 

This adjustment marks the most substantial increase in the basic pension segment since 1996, reflecting the positive trajectory of the Cypriot economy. Minister Panayiotou emphasized that the government’s citizen-centric policies are yielding tangible benefits, significantly enhancing daily life. 

The specifics of the pension adjustments are as follows:

  • Full Basic Pension: Monthly payments will rise from €483.77 to €512.50.
  • Minimum Pension for Beneficiaries Without Dependents: An increase from €411.20 to €435.62 per month, impacting over 14,000 individuals.
  • Social Pension: A boost from €391.85 to €415.13 monthly, benefiting nearly 18,000 recipients. 

These enhancements are directly linked to the recent growth in average insurable earnings, which have seen the most significant rise in the past three decades. Minister Panayiotou noted that the average salary increase in 2023 surpassed those of the previous 30 years, leading to a corresponding uplift in pension contributions. 

The government remains committed to further strengthening the adequacy of wages and pensions, ensuring that economic progress translates into improved living standards for all citizens.

Eurobank Plans €1 Billion Investment In AI And Digital Banking By 2028

Eurobank plans to invest about €1 billion in technology from 2025 through 2028, its largest technology investment program to date. The Banking Forward strategy focuses on digital banking, artificial intelligence, customer experience and a “phygital” model combining digital services with face-to-face support.

Digital Banking Dominates Customer Activity

Digital channels already account for 96% of Eurobank transactions, with 61% completed through the Eurobank Mobile App. Among customers aged 35 and under, digital adoption reaches 94%.

Customers make about 574 million annual logins across e/m-banking and more than 1 million digital transactions each day. During the first half of 2026, one in three banking products was acquired digitally.

AI Moves Into Everyday Banking

Eurobank is expanding the use of AI through tools including EVA, its digital customer assistant, and myEVA, an AI-powered voice assistant for employees. The technology is also being applied to mortgage assessments, customer feedback analysis and contractual documents.

The bank’s technology architecture is built around five areas: digital channels, customer experience orchestration, data and AI, core banking, and infrastructure and cloud. About 50% of its applications and digital channels are already cloud-based.

Investment Extends Beyond Technology

The program is intended to reshape how Eurobank operates, combining automation and AI with employee development and human support. The bank says the approach is designed to improve services while maintaining access to face-to-face banking when customers need it.

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