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Cyprus Anticipates Surge of 20,000 Visitors During EU Presidency

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 10, 2025

Cyprus is poised to welcome approximately 20,000 visitors during its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union, President Nikos Christodoulides announced. Drawing tourists from across EU member states and beyond, the anticipated influx is based on detailed official planning for the coming period.

Visitor Projections And Historic Record In Arrivals

President Christodoulides highlighted that Cyprus’ two major airports recently set arrival records and are expected to replicate these historic figures. This achievement is attributed to the strong collaboration between the government and Hermes Airports, operator of both Larnaca and Paphos airports. “I want to publicly thank and congratulate Hermes Airports,” he said during his remarks.

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Strategic Collaboration With Hermes Airports

Christodoulides noted that this partnership has not only yielded impressive statistics last year but is also on track to do so this year. Emphasizing the importance of government cooperation with industry leaders, the president underscored that the record-setting performance at the airports is a clear signal of efficient and innovative management.

Cultural Showcase And EU Legacy

During the inauguration of the exhibition titled “Carte Postale. EU Journey Through The Lens Of Time” at Larnaca Airport, hosted in partnership with Hermes Airports, the president praised the event as a unique cultural narrative. The exhibition, which showcases approximately 250 curated postcards from across Cyprus and the 26 other EU member states, offers a visual journey back to the early 20th century—a time when personal correspondence was a primary mode of communication.

The collection, originally amassed by the late deltiologist Antonis Hadjipanayis and curated by his son, journalist Panicos Hadjipanayis, also serves as a memorial tribute. Christodoulides recounted Hadjipanayis’ origins as a refugee from Assia, who nurtured an early passion for postcard collecting from Cyprus and around the globe.

Heritage And Modern Day Connection

While acknowledging that the art of sending postcards may be considered outdated today, the president observed that this practice retains a nostalgic charm and pedagogical value for both older generations and youth alike. He also noted that such exhibitions are more than mere historical retrospectives; they are also a warm farewell to the many visitors anticipated during Cyprus’ EU Presidency.

Concluding his remarks, President Christodoulides commended Hermes Airports for their innovative use of historical material and extended his gratitude to Panicos Hadjipanayis and his family for their initiative in curating a memorable exhibition that bridges Cyprus’ rich heritage with its contemporary global engagement.

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Cyprus Cuts Electricity VAT To 5% As Part Of 100 Fiscal Measures

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 30, 2026

President Nikos Christodoulidis announced a package of 100 fiscal measures to address inflation and reduce costs for households and businesses. Measures include tax cuts and targeted support. Plan focuses on energy prices, fuel costs and consumer spending. Implementation begins in 2026.

Broad-Based Tax Cuts And Immediate Relief

Among the suite of initiatives is a reduction in fuel tax, widely recognized as an effective short-term relief strategy. However, an even more significant policy step involves transferring savings directly to consumers via improved fiscal mechanisms. This approach ensures that the benefits of tax reductions are channelled efficiently to end users, reinforcing trust and stability in the market.

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Strategic VAT Reduction On Electricity

VAT on electricity will be reduced to 5% from May 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The rate was previously lowered from 19% to 9%. Electricity pricing remains regulated by the Public Electricity Company. Structure limits the impact of market-driven price increases.

Ensuring Market Stability And Consumer Protection

Alongside tax cuts, the government is monitoring potential increases in consumer costs, including fuel and products that may be considered for zero VAT. President Nikos Christodoulidis said market oversight will be strengthened, with measures aimed at preventing unjustified price increases.

Electricity price is about 26 cents per kilowatt-hour, down 14% compared to the same period in 2025. According to the Public Electricity Company, price increases in the coming months are expected to remain below 5%. Measures are designed to limit inflation pressures and support household costs. Impact will depend on market conditions and implementation.