Breaking news

Cyprus Economic Outlook Strengthens With Revised Growth Projections

The European Commission’s latest economic forecast has raised Cyprus’ growth projection for 2025 to 3.4 per cent, a revision that reflects the enduring resilience and dynamic progress of the island nation even amid persistent geopolitical challenges. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos hailed the findings as a testament to Cyprus’ steady economic advancement and the strength of its fundamentals.

Robust Policy and Strategic Reforms

In an official statement, Keravnos emphasized that the upward revision by 0.4 percentage points from the spring forecast is especially encouraging. The Finance Minister pointed to the government’s consistent economic policy, which is paving the way for a sustainable, outward-looking, and socially inclusive growth model. The report also noted a modest upward adjustment for 2026—now forecast at 2.6 per cent—positioning Cyprus third in the Eurozone behind Ireland and Malta.

Foundations of Stable Growth

The revised projections underscore a broader vote of confidence in Cyprus’ economic strategy. Keravnos highlighted that the steady progress is driven by a measured and responsible fiscal approach, with ongoing reforms such as an anticipated tax overhaul aimed at boosting incomes, attracting high-quality investments, and fortifying the economy’s competitive edge. This aligns with the government’s commitment to stability, planning, and fiscal prudence.

Wider Economic Landscape

The comprehensive outlook from the European Commission projects domestic demand as the primary engine for growth, with household consumption moderating as real wage growth decelerates. Meanwhile, increased investment backed by the completion of projects under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) is expected to propel economic activity in 2026. Services exports are anticipated to remain robust, bolstering the overall growth narrative.

Inflation, Labour Market And Public Finances

Inflation is projected to ease, with headline rates falling to 0.9 per cent in 2025 before gradually rising to 1.9 per cent by 2027. Although core inflation will remain slightly elevated, medium-term expectations suggest it will stabilize slightly below 2 per cent. Labour market indicators remain strong, with unemployment expected to stabilize at 4.7 per cent in 2025 before easing further in subsequent years. Additionally, public finances are on a firm footing, with the government balance forecast to be in surplus at 3.3 per cent of GDP in 2025 and with public debt decreasing steadily to 45.7 per cent of GDP by 2027.

Conclusion

The upgraded economic forecast not only reinforces the confidence of European institutions in Cyprus but also validates the government’s strategic initiatives and reforms. As the island economy continues on its resilient path, stakeholders can look forward to a period of stable growth, sound fiscal management, and progressive economic transformation.

Cyprus Expands RESTART Research Funding With Cybersecurity Measures

Cyprus has widened its support for research and innovation with an expanded version of the Restart 2016–2020 programmes, adding fresh funding capacity and a new cybersecurity-focused initiative designed to accelerate the commercialisation of innovative products and services.

Expanded Scheme Approved Under Existing State Aid Framework

State Aid Control Commissioner Stella Michaelidou has approved amendments to the measure titled “Restart 2016–2020 Programmes for Research, Technological Development and Innovation of the Research and Innovation Foundation”, allowing the continuation of the scheme under revised terms. The programme had already been deemed compatible with state aid rules under Decision No. 471, issued on July 18, 2025.

The updated framework reflects both a broader scope and a modest increase in the approved budget, underscoring Cyprus’ continuing effort to strengthen its innovation ecosystem and improve the country’s capacity to support applied research and new technology development.

New Cybersecurity Programme Targets Fast-Track Innovation

The most notable addition is the Fast Track Innovation (FTI) programme, which will support the rapid development of innovative products and services in the cybersecurity sector. The initiative is aimed at established businesses across all sectors that are investing in the fast delivery of internationally competitive solutions.

In practical terms, the new programme gives Cyprus a more targeted tool for backing high-potential innovation where speed to market can be decisive, particularly in a field such as cybersecurity, where demand is rising, and competitive advantage often depends on rapid execution.

Budget Increases To €308.4 Million

According to the Office of the State Aid Control Commissioner, the scheme’s approved budget has been increased from €306.9 million to €308.4 million. The expansion follows the earlier approval under Decision No. 471 and reflects the widening of the programme’s scope.

The revised measure also includes updated standard cost scales for staff remuneration and extends the deadline for funding decisions under the scheme to June 30, 2027.

Broad Eligibility Across The Innovation Ecosystem

The Restart scheme remains open to a wide range of beneficiaries, including research organisations, higher education institutions, scientific and professional bodies, businesses, business associations, non-governmental organisations, public services and public utility organisations.

Individuals such as academics, scientists, researchers, technical personnel, students and pupils may also take part in relevant programmes supported under the measure, broadening the pipeline of participation across Cyprus’ research and innovation landscape.

Strategic Push For Innovation Capacity

The State Aid Control Commissioner’s office said the measure was approved following a decision by the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation and the issuance of the relevant state aid decision. Decision No. 488 was published in the Official Gazette of the Republic on July 10, 2026, and has also been made available on the commissioner’s website.

The revised Restart programme comes as Cyprus continues to invest in research, technological development and innovation as core drivers of long-term competitiveness. By increasing support for businesses, researchers and institutions developing new products, services and technologies, the government is signalling that innovation remains a strategic economic priority.

Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
eCredo
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter