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Cyprus’ Financing Programme On Track Amidst Economic Optimism

Cyprus is advancing its annual financing programme efficiently, aligning closely with its fiscal targets for 2024. The approved borrowing ceiling stands at €1.3 billion, predominantly sourced from European Medium-Term Notes (EMTN). So far, Cyprus has successfully raised nearly €1.2 billion, including a recent €1 billion, seven-year fixed-rate bond issued in June.

The financing strategy also includes public treasury bills and domestic bonds aimed at individual investors. To date, €87.5 million of the targeted €120 million in treasury bills and €6.4 million of the intended €40 million in domestic bonds have been issued. Furthermore, Cyprus has secured €92.75 million in loans from supranational organisations, progressing towards the €140 million goal.

Public treasury bills, set to mature in October 2024, offer an annualised yield between 3.65% and 3.75%, presenting an attractive option for non-professional investors and businesses seeking secure liquidity management.

Sophic, a financial platform, plans to acquire a portion of the upcoming treasury bill issuance, replicating its strategy from June where it, alongside Athlos Capital, acquired over 80% of the €21.5 million issuance for client allocation.

Cyprus’ prudent financial management and structured approach towards funding reflect a robust fiscal framework aimed at maintaining economic stability and fostering investor confidence. This meticulous execution of the financing programme underscores Cyprus’ commitment to strategic fiscal governance and economic resilience, which are vital for sustaining long-term growth.

The ongoing success of Cyprus’ financing programme highlights the nation’s proactive fiscal planning and the effectiveness of its public debt management office. By securing diverse funding sources and maintaining investor engagement, Cyprus continues to bolster its financial stability and economic prospects.

As Cyprus progresses with its financing activities, the focus remains on sustaining fiscal discipline while leveraging favourable market conditions to optimise funding costs. This approach not only ensures the fulfilment of immediate financing needs but also lays a solid foundation for future economic resilience.

Cyprus Economy At Risk As Prolonged Drought Intensifies, New Analysis Warns

Overview: Rethinking The Threat Landscape

Recent analysis by the Cyprus Economy and Competitiveness Council indicates that neither regional geopolitical tensions, a potential surge in public debt, a collapse of the healthcare system, nor a systemic banking failure currently pose the gravest threat to the Cypriot economy. Instead, the dominant risk remains the protracted drought conditions affecting the island.

Drought: The Critical Economic Vulnerability

According to the report, extended dry periods now represent the most immediate and far-reaching danger to Cyprus’ economic stability. Water shortages affect far more than agriculture. They influence energy production, tourism, public infrastructure and long-term investment confidence, making drought a cross-sector challenge rather than an isolated environmental issue.

Key Risk Indicators And Expert Analysis

Compiled in the fourth consecutive annual risk assessment by the Cyprus Economy and Competitiveness Council, the study enlisted the perspectives of 54 leading figures from the private sector, academia, and economic policy. Contributors such as Evangelos Tryfonos, Council Member, and Panagiotis Panagiotou, Director of Pulse Market Research, provided critical insights into a range of potential economic hazards.

Assessing Risks: A Data-Driven Approach

The research methodology involved ranking risks based on their likelihood of occurrence, the severity of potential outcomes, and the expected timeframe for their manifestation. Among the findings, four primary risks emerged based on a combined probability and impact score:

  • Protracted Drought and Water Scarcity (91%)
  • Cyber Attacks On Critical Infrastructure (82%)
  • Deteriorating Climate Conditions (80%)
  • Shortage Of Skilled Personnel (80%)
  • Digital Transformation Failures (79%)

Digital Vulnerabilities And The Skills Gap

Beyond environmental threats, digital risks are gaining prominence. Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure received an 82% risk score in the assessment, placing them among the most urgent concerns. Increased reliance on online services and automated systems has made both businesses and public institutions more exposed to disruptions. At the same time, the shortage of specialised talent continues to slow digital progress and heighten operational vulnerability across sectors.

A Comprehensive Framework For Risk Mitigation

Beyond individual hazards, the research categorizes the risks into four broader segments to enhance strategic understanding and policy response:

  • Geopolitical Security & External Shocks
  • Institutional Strengthening & Structural Risks
  • Social & Environmental Resilience
  • Macroeconomic Stability

Governmental Dialogue And Policy Implications

Cyprus Economy and Competitiveness Council President Dimitris Georgiadis emphasized that the risk evaluation process is not confined to the Council alone. Instead, it represents a coordinated effort involving key institutions such as the Ministry of Finance, the Central Bank, and the Fiscal Council. The ongoing public dialogue has proven essential in identifying and prioritizing the nation’s critical vulnerabilities.

This rigorous research underscores the necessity for proactive measures and robust policy frameworks to safeguard Cyprus’s economic future against both immediate and systemic risks.

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