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Cyprus Eyes United Arab Emirates Partnership On Landmark Subsea Cable Project

Strategic Political Engagement

Cyprus has turned to the United Arab Emirates as it looks to forge a stronger cooperative bond to develop an ambitious EU-financed subsea power cable. This initiative, designed to link Europe with the eastern Mediterranean, underscores Cyprus’ unwavering backing of the project. In a recent meeting, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and his foreign minister held discussions with UAE leadership to explore the potential for joint investment and broader collaboration in related sectors.

Investing In Infrastructure and Future Growth

The dialogue marks a notable step forward in international energy infrastructure, paralleling the vigorous political interest in regional connectivity. The discussions come in the wake of remarks from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which prompted Cyprus to elaborate on its strategic plans. A partnership with the UAE could not only inject fresh capital into the project but also signal robust, multinational support in an era when energy security and sustainability are paramount.

Technical Milestone With Global Implications

At a length of 1,240 km and reaching depths of 3,000 metres, the cable – currently under construction by Greek transmission operator Admie – is poised to become the world’s longest high-voltage and deepest subsea link. Building on nearly a decade of groundwork by Cyprus-based developers, the project now navigates complex financial and operational challenges, including clarifications on overall cost, viability, and accountability for delays.

Regulatory Hurdles And Future Outlook

Adding to the scrutiny, European prosecutors recently initiated an investigation into potential criminal offences related to the €1.9 billion venture that aims not only to connect Cyprus with Greece but also extend to Israel. Despite these challenges, the trilateral support from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel is a robust testament to the project’s strategic importance and its potential to reshape regional energy dynamics.

Mortgage And Business Loan Rate Dynamics Among Cyprus Banks

Stable Mortgage Loan Rates Post-Mergers

Recent consolidations in the Cyprus banking sector have led to a striking uniformity in mortgage loan interest rates. For example, data from November 2025 reveal that Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, and Ancoria Bank are all offering an average rate of 2.98%. Alpha Bank even offers a marginally lower rate of 2.81% for home purchases, whereas smaller market players continue to provide loans at higher costs.

Differentiated Business Loan Offerings

In contrast, business loan interest rates demonstrate greater variability. For loans up to €1 million, Alpha Bank offers the most competitive rate at 3.31%, followed by the National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) at 3.78% (NBG Cyprus). Eurobank Ltd, Kyprian Bank of Development, and Bank of Cyprus post higher averages at 4.00%, 4.46%, and 4.47% respectively, while Societe Generale Bank Cyprus and Banque SBA register even steeper rates at 6.05% and 6.54%.

For loans exceeding €1 million, the trend remains similar: Alpha Bank leads with 3.64%, trailed by National Bank of Greece (Cyprus) at 3.99% and Bank of Cyprus at 4.18%. Eurobank Ltd and Kyprian Bank of Development follow with rates of 4.54% and 4.30%, whereas Societe Generale Bank Cyprus stands out with an average rate of 6.23%.

Competitive Deposit Rates Reflect High Liquidity

Deposits in Cyprus are offered at some of the lowest interest rates in the Eurozone, a situation that reflects the exceptionally high liquidity across the local banking systems. With a Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) recorded at 319% in November 2025, well above the Eurozone median of 191%, major institutions such as Bank of Cyprus, Eurobank Ltd, and Alpha Bank feature household deposit averages of 0.67%, 1.11%, and 1.36% respectively.

Meanwhile, smaller banks including Ancoria Bank, National Bank of Greece (Cyprus), and Kyprian Bank of Development report higher deposit rates of 1.47%, 1.49%, and 1.25% respectively. For business term deposits (up to one year), Ancoria Bank offers the highest average rate at 1.51%, closely followed by Alpha Bank at 1.43%. Other institutions maintain averages between 1.12% and 1.42%, underscoring a competitive yet stratified market landscape.

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