Cyprus Faces One Of Europe’s Widest Gaps In Home Energy Efficiency Upgrades

Cyprus has emerged as one of the European Union’s clearest examples of how the benefits of the energy transition are not being shared evenly.

A Wider Divide Than Most Of Europe

New Eurostat data show that 30.3% of Cypriots not at risk of poverty or social exclusion lived in homes that had undergone energy efficiency improvements during the previous five years. Among those at risk of poverty or social exclusion, the figure dropped to 16.7%.

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The resulting gap of 13.6 percentage points ranks among the three widest in the EU.

Only the Netherlands recorded a larger disparity, with 63.3% of people not at risk of poverty living in upgraded homes compared with 45.3% of those at risk, a difference of 18 percentage points. Denmark followed with a gap of 13.5 percentage points, as 36.4% of higher-income households had benefited from energy efficiency improvements versus 22.9% of vulnerable households.

The EU Picture Still Favors Better-Off Households

Across the EU, 23.9% of people lived in homes that had undergone energy efficiency improvements over the previous five years.

The overall figure, however, masks a persistent inequality. Only 17.4% of people at risk of poverty or social exclusion lived in upgraded homes, compared with 25.6% of those not at risk.

For lower-income households, access to improvements such as better insulation, more efficient heating systems and upgraded windows can significantly reduce energy bills while improving resilience to future price increases.

Netherlands Leads, Italy Trails

The Netherlands recorded the highest overall share of residents living in energy-efficient homes, at 60.5%, followed by Denmark at 34.0%. France and Slovenia shared third place, with 33.3% each.

Italy ranked last at just 2.6%, followed by Malta at 7.8% and Greece at 9.5%.

A Challenge For Europe’s Green Transition

The figures suggest that while energy efficiency upgrades are becoming more common across Europe, access remains uneven both between and within member states.

For policymakers, the challenge extends beyond improving buildings. Ensuring that lower-income households can benefit from the energy transition will be essential if Europe wants to reduce both emissions and energy poverty at the same time.

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Shein Targets $25 Billion Valuation In Hong Kong IPO As Growth Slows

by News Editor

August 17, 2026

Shein is reportedly targeting a valuation of around $25 billion in its planned Hong Kong IPO, a sharp decline from the nearly $100 billion valuation the online fashion retailer achieved in a 2022 fundraising round.

Two people familiar with the plans said the company was likely to target about $25 billion, while another source put the expected range at $25 billion to $28 billion based on the proposed price band.

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IPO Valuation Falls Sharply

Shein plans to sell up to 8% of its shares in the offering, according to a person familiar with the plans. At a $25 billion valuation, that would translate into an IPO of as much as $2 billion.

The latest target is also below the $30 billion to $40 billion valuation the company was seeking earlier this month as it began meeting with potential investors.

Founded in China in 2012 and now headquartered in Singapore, Shein sells low-cost clothing to consumers in about 160 countries. The company is expected to launch its long-awaited Hong Kong IPO later this week.

Trade Restrictions Weigh On Growth

Shein’s valuation has come under pressure as major markets tighten rules affecting low-cost e-commerce shipments. The European Union, for example, has moved to impose additional fees on cheap parcels from platforms such as Shein and Temu. EU Tightens Rules On Low-Cost E-Commerce Parcels

In the U.S., the removal of an import duty exemption for small packages has also affected the company. Shein reported a $99 million quarterly loss in the first quarter of 2026 as sales growth slowed, while a one-time accounting charge further weighed on its results. Shein Reports First-Quarter Loss Ahead Of IPO

Investors Question Shein’s Growth Prospects

The steep reduction in valuation reflects growing concerns over slower growth, higher trade costs, regulatory pressure and stronger competition across global e-commerce.

Some investors who reviewed Shein’s recent financial statements or attended IPO presentations told Reuters they were skeptical that the company could return to the growth rates that supported its $98.2 billion valuation in 2022. Shein’s Slowing Growth Tests Investor Appetite

A lower IPO valuation could also affect Shein’s existing investors. Under the terms of its IPO filing, the company may have to issue additional shares to certain pre-IPO investors if its valuation falls below agreed thresholds.

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