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Cyprus Economic Activity Declines For Second Consecutive Month

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Cyprus Economy Shows Signs Of A Slowdown

Latest data from the Economics Research Centre of the University of Cyprus showed an annual decline of 1.72% in April 2026, marking a second consecutive month of weakening economic momentum in Cyprus. The decline reflected growing pressure from geopolitical tensions, weaker external economic conditions and slowing tourism activity.

Economic Slowdown And Regional Tensions

April figures followed a marginal decline in March, which came after an annual growth of 0.82% recorded in February. According to the report, the latest deterioration in the composite index highlighted the impact of geopolitical developments and external economic pressures on Cyprus’s broader growth outlook.

External Pressures And Rising Energy Prices

Researchers also pointed to worsening economic conditions in both the euro area and Cyprus during the reporting period. Higher Brent crude oil prices in April added further pressure on economic activity, reinforcing concerns over rising energy-related costs across the region.

Tourism Headwinds And Sectoral Impacts

The tourism sector was among the areas most affected during the period, particularly following flight cancellations and concerns over possible fuel shortages. Those disruptions contributed to lower tourist arrivals and added pressure to broader economic activity across Cyprus.

Balanced Indicators And Future Considerations

Despite the overall slowdown, several indicators continued to show resilience. Temperature-adjusted electricity production, real estate transactions, credit card spending and retail sales all recorded positive contributions within the index during April. The report noted that those indicators partially offset weaker performance in other sectors of the economy.

Early Warning And Strategic Insights

The Cyprus Composite Leading Economic Index (CCLEI) continues to serve as an early indicator of shifts in economic activity by tracking variables including energy prices, economic sentiment and sector-level performance metrics. The index is used to monitor potential turning points in the business cycle and assess broader economic trends affecting Cyprus.

Cyprus Has One Of The EU’s Oldest Teaching Workforces

by News Editor

Only 3% of teachers in Cyprus are under 30, putting the country alongside Portugal for the lowest share of young teachers in the European Union, according to a European Commission report. The figure is well below the EU average of 8%, while Malta has the highest proportion at 17%, followed by Belgium and Luxembourg at around 15%.

Cyprus is also the only EU member state identified in the report as having a surplus of teachers, despite the workforce being relatively old.

Older Teachers Remain Highly Satisfied

The teaching profession appears to remain attractive to those already working in it. In 2024, 73% of Cypriot teachers said they were satisfied with their salaries, compared with just 37.3% across the EU. Job satisfaction was also high, reaching 93% in Cyprus versus 90% across the bloc.

The age gap is particularly visible in secondary education, where teachers in Cyprus averaged 46 years old in 2024, compared with 45 across OECD member states. Only 4% were under 30, while 33% were aged 50 or older.

Reform Could Change The System

The findings come as Cyprus moves toward the final stage of its teacher evaluation reform. Until August next year, vacancies will continue to be divided between the old appointment list and the newer system introduced in 2015.

From next September, first-appointment vacancies will be filled exclusively through the new list. The European Commission has meanwhile called for stronger efforts to attract and retain younger teachers, including through better working conditions and greater support for people entering the profession.

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