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Cyprus’ Economic Momentum: Stability, Growth, and a Resilient Banking Sector

Cyprus continues to show economic resilience, with strong fiscal policies and key industries driving growth. Speaking at the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC), Central Bank Governor Christodoulos Patsalides highlighted a sharp decline in public debt and a positive GDP outlook.

Public debt fell from 114% of GDP in 2020 to 74% in 2023, with a target of below 50% by 2028. The CBC forecasts 3.7% growth for 2024, well above the Eurozone’s 0.7%, driven by technology, trade, tourism, financial services, shipping, and construction. Annual GDP growth is expected to remain around 3% through 2027, supported by rising domestic demand and infrastructure investments under the Recovery and Resilience Plan.

Shipping, Employment, And Inflation

Despite global challenges, Cyprus’ shipping sector remains strong, ranking third in service exports at 17.2%. Unemployment fell to 5% in 2024, with a projected drop to 4.6% by 2027, outperforming the Eurozone’s 6.1%. Inflation eased to 2.2% in late 2024, with forecasts stabilizing near 2% through 2027.

Banking Sector: Progress With Challenges

Cyprus’ banking sector has strengthened, with the non-performing loan (NPL) ratio dropping from 7.9% in December 2023 to 6.5% in September 2024. However, the country still lags behind the EU average of 1.9%. Patsalides urged weaker banks to accelerate improvements.

With sound fiscal policies, a stable banking system, and ongoing investment, Cyprus is well-positioned for sustained growth despite global uncertainties. “We are strategically prepared for the challenges ahead,” Patsalides concluded.

Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

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