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Cyprus €100M Road Tender Nears Completion After Legal Delays

Project Milestone Amid Legal Challenges

Tender process for the Agia Marinouda–Stroumpi road segment, one of Cyprus’s largest infrastructure projects, is set to conclude today following months of delays and legal disputes. Dismissal of AKTOR’s appeal allows the process to move forward, although risks linked to rising oil prices and potential new appeals remain.

Complex Journey To Finalization

Progress toward this stage has been shaped by litigation, repeated deadline extensions, and external economic pressures. Authorities have reiterated commitment to advancing the Paphos–Chrysochous motorway project within the existing regulatory framework, while remaining prepared to address any further procedural challenges.

Tender Timeline And Process Adjustments

Tender was initially announced on August 8, 2025, with a submission deadline of November 7, 2025 and an estimated value exceeding €100 million. AKTOR filed an appeal on August 18, 2025, prompting a suspension issued by the Revision Authority for Tenders on August 22. Suspension remained in place until November 19, when all claims for annulment were rejected.

An interim decision on October 24 extended the deadline to February 6, 2026. Following the lifting of the suspension, deadlines were successively moved to February 27, March 27, and finally April 17, 2026. The latest extension followed requests from financial institutions and contractors to allow broader participation. By March 13, 2026, 64 inquiries had been submitted, leading to 11 addenda clarifying tender specifications.

International Market Volatility And Appeal Risks

Two main risks continue to affect the process. Rising oil prices, linked to developments in the Persian Gulf, may increase construction costs beyond initial estimates prepared in May 2025. This factor could influence bid pricing during evaluation.

A second risk relates to potential post-award appeals to the Revision Authority, which could delay project initiation. Previous legal challenges have already demonstrated the impact of such procedures on timelines. Authorities indicate readiness to respond quickly to any new appeals in order to limit additional delays.

Outlook For Timely Execution

Evaluation of submitted bids will proceed under established procedures, with the aim of awarding the contract and starting works without further delays, subject to the absence of new legal challenges.

Project duration is set at 30 months. After a prolonged and complex tender phase, the outcome now depends on whether the remaining risks materialize during the final stages.

Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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