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Cyprus Enterprises Strengthen Cloud Adoption Amid EU Digital Shift

Overview Of Cloud Adoption In Cyprus And The EU

Recent Eurostat data reveals that 51.38% of Cypriot enterprises engaged with paid cloud computing services in 2025, aligning closely with the overall European Union average of 52.74%. This consistency underscores the region’s commitment to digital transformation, despite a slight decline from Cyprus’ 52.93% usage in 2023.

Acceleration Across The European Landscape

At the EU level, there was a notable 7.4 percentage point increase in cloud adoption since 2023. The long‐term trajectory is even more remarkable, considering that only 17.8% of EU enterprises used these services in 2014. This significant growth over the past decade is a testament to the rapid integration of digital infrastructures in European business operations.

Differentiated Digital Maturity Across Member States

Within the union, the distribution of cloud service adoption varies significantly. In Finland, 79.2% of enterprises have embraced paid cloud solutions, reflecting a high level of digital maturity. Italy (75.6%) and Malta (74.9%) also demonstrate robust engagement, positioning Southern Europe among the leading adopters. Conversely, Romania (24.9%), Greece (24.3%), and Bulgaria (17.8%) indicate that a segmented digital catch-up is still underway.

Core And Specialized Cloud Applications

Paid cloud services now underpin essential business functions. Email services lead at 85.2%, followed by office software at 71.7% and file storage at 71.5%. Enterprises have also integrated security software (65.5%), finance or accounting applications (58.2%), and enterprise database hosting (45.5%) into their operational ecosystems. Moreover, specialized applications such as enterprise resource planning (30.1%), in-house computing power (28.2%), customer relationship management (27.9%), and development platforms (26.1%) further illustrate the expanding role of cloud technology in enabling modern business complexity.

Conclusion

The data clearly illustrates that Cypriot enterprises remain well integrated within the broader European digital agenda. While operating marginally below the EU average, Cyprus has sustained its competitive position amidst a rapidly evolving technological landscape. As cloud adoption continues to accelerate across European markets, the ongoing digital transformation will no doubt remain a pivotal factor in shaping business strategy and competitive advantage.

Mercedes-Benz Posts Higher Profit Despite China Slowdown

Mercedes-Benz reported stronger-than-expected second-quarter results, lifting its shares on Tuesday despite mounting pressure from Chinese automakers and a weaker outlook for sales and revenue.

The earnings provided a boost for Europe’s auto sector, where manufacturers continue to grapple with tariffs, softer demand and intensifying competition from Chinese rivals. Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have all accelerated restructuring efforts in response.

Cost Discipline Lifts Quarterly Profit

Mercedes-Benz shares rose as much as 5.9% following the results before trimming gains to trade 3.5% higher by 1118 GMT. The company reaffirmed its profit margin guidance for its core passenger car business after reporting an adjusted return on sales of 4.0% for the second quarter, above market expectations and within its 3% to 5% target range.

“In an environment where some automakers are ringing alarm bells on their competitive positioning, Mercedes delivered a clear and confident message,” Morningstar analyst Rella Suskin said.

Second-quarter operating profit increased 22% to €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion), despite a 3% decline in revenue. Lower administrative and research and development costs, together with strong performances from the financial services and vans divisions, supported earnings, while the results also included a €131 million gain related to the planned sale of leasing subsidiary Athlon.

China Remains The Key Pressure Point

Despite stronger profitability, Mercedes continues to face a challenging market environment. Sales in China fell 30% during the second quarter, prompting the company to abandon earlier expectations for stable car sales and group revenue. It now expects both to decline slightly from a year earlier.

BMW also lowered its outlook in June following a deeper-than-expected slowdown in China, highlighting the pressure facing Germany’s premium carmakers. At the same time, Mercedes said Chinese manufacturers are increasingly expanding into European markets, although Chief Executive Ola Kaellenius said their focus remains on higher-volume segments rather than the premium market.

“But that is not a reason to sit back and be relaxed,” he said.

Manufacturing Shift Continues

Mercedes is also reshaping its manufacturing footprint. The company said its German factories will undergo a more aggressive push toward leaner production, although it declined to provide further details while talks with labour representatives continue. Production is also being expanded in lower-cost Eastern European locations, including Hungary, where the company is increasing capacity at its Kecskemet plant, as well as in Poland.

Chief Financial Officer Harald Wilhelm said the full-year margin for the passenger car division is expected to come in at the lower end of the company’s guidance range, reflecting a higher share of electric vehicle sales in Europe, which remain more expensive to produce and continue to weigh on profitability.

“We must continue to work flat out to reduce costs so that we can remain competitive on the prices of our products,” Kaellenius said.

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