Cyprus Construction Sector Embraces Modernisation With New Electromechanical Standards

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 18, 2026

The Cyprus construction industry is poised for a significant transformation following the introduction of new regulations reforming the institutional framework for electromechanical installations in buildings. This long-awaited update aims to enhance safety, quality, and energy efficiency across the sector.

Modernisation Of Standards And Safety Protocols

The newly published reforms address enduring challenges in the design, implementation, and oversight of electromechanical systems. The Scientific and Technical Chamber (Etek) heralds this development as a pivotal upgrade, promising more rigorous building controls, improved safety standards, and robust protection for citizens.

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Comprehensive Studies And Expanded Regulation

Under the updated framework, all applications for a building permit submitted after March 11 must now include comprehensive studies covering not only heating, air conditioning, and domestic hot water systems but also additional specialised technical systems. One of the most notable changes is the removal of exemptions for single-family homes, signaling a broadening of the regulatory scope to encompass all modern residential developments.

Enhanced Oversight And Certification Standards

The reforms introduce mandatory supervision and inspection of electromechanical installations by the design engineer. Building owners are now required to appoint the design engineer as a supervisor during construction, with subsequent certification by both a mechanical and an electrical engineer upon completion. Additionally, the establishment of an Etek register for design and supervising engineers will come into effect in July 2028. This measure, which includes compulsory professional indemnity insurance and enhanced training protocols, is designed to fortify standards of professionalism and accountability among engineers.

Building A Sustainable Future

These innovative changes represent a decisive step towards a safer and more sustainable built environment in Cyprus. Continuous collaboration with the interior ministry underscores the commitment to implementing these reforms smoothly across the construction sector, setting a benchmark for quality and energy efficiency in future projects.

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Cyprus’ Poverty And Social Exclusion Risk Stands At 17.1%

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 20, 2026

Cyprus recorded a poverty or social exclusion risk rate of 17.1% in 2025, below the European Union average of 20.9%, according to new Eurostat figures. Across the bloc, however, more than 92 million people continued to face the risk, highlighting persistent social and economic inequalities.

More Than 92 Million People At Risk Across The EU

A total of 92.7 million people across the EU were at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2025, equivalent to just over one in five residents.

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Cyprus is treated as a single statistical region because of its size, unlike many member states divided into multiple regions for comparison. Its national figure therefore provides an overall picture but does not capture differences between districts or communities.

Regional Gaps Remain Stark Across Europe

The risk varied considerably across the EU, with the highest rates concentrated largely in southern, eastern and outermost regions. In 24 of the 243 regions with available data, at least 31.5% of the population faced poverty or social exclusion.

These regions were located in Spain, Bulgaria, Greece, Italy, France and Romania, as well as Brussels in Belgium and Bremen in north-western Germany.

French Guiana recorded the highest rate, at 54.8%, followed by Calabria in southern Italy at 45.3% and Sicily at 44%. Melilla, a Spanish autonomous city, recorded 43.7%, while Réunion, another French outermost region, stood at 42.3%.

Central Europe Records The Lowest Rates

At the other end of the scale, 24 regions reported poverty or social exclusion risk rates below 13% in 2025. These included five eastern EU capital regions: Bratislava in Slovakia, Warsaw in Poland, Prague in the Czech Republic, Budapest in Hungary and Zagreb in Croatia.

Other regions with low rates were concentrated in northern Italy, the Czech Republic, northern Belgium, Hungary, Poland and Austria, illustrating the uneven distribution of economic security across Europe.

Cyprus Remains Below The EU Average

Cyprus’ rate of 17.1% places it below the EU average, although it remains higher than the levels recorded in the bloc’s lowest-risk regions.

The figures suggest that Cyprus performs relatively well compared with the wider EU, but poverty and social exclusion remain significant challenges across the bloc, affecting more than 92 million people.

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