Cyprus Government’s Economic Policy: A Blueprint for Growth and Stability

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 1, 2025

Strong Budgetary Outlook for 2026

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, announced positive outcomes from the government’s policy initiatives during an afternoon session of the Cabinet Council held at the Presidential Mansion. The focal point of the meeting was the 2026 state budget, heralded as a symbol of economic strength and forward-looking development.

A Robust and Surplus Budget

At the outset, President Christodoulidis highlighted the importance of maintaining a dynamic economy—a priority among the government’s top five strategic objectives. The newly presented budget is not only surplus but also grounded in stability, offering a blend of social and developmental mandates. This financial blueprint underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to strategic investments and sustainable growth.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Enhanced Social and Developmental Investments

Significant increases are planned in both developmental spending and social policy allocations. Notably, developmental expenditures are set to rise by 4.7% in addition to the 4% increase recorded in the 2025 budget. Social services, which saw a 5.3% boost in the previous year, are slated for a further 6.7% increase. Such measures are indicative of a policy designed to balance fiscal discipline with impactful public spending.

Reduction in Public Debt

One of the key highlights of the session was the projected decline in public debt. The debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decrease from 73.6% in 2023, when the current administration assumed office, to 52.9% by 2026—placing Cyprus among the low-debt economies within the Eurozone. This significant reduction demonstrates prudent fiscal management and augurs well for long-term economic stability.

Strategic Focus on Education, Health, and Transformation

President Christodoulidis reiterated the government’s prioritization of sectors critical to national development. Investments in education, healthcare, and social welfare are being bolstered alongside initiatives for digital transformation and the green transition. Projections for 2026 include a growth rate of 3.1% and an unemployment rate maintained below 5%, approximately at 4.6%. Such targets reflect a resilient and balanced approach in the face of global uncertainties.

A Commitment to Responsible Governance

Drawing comparisons with economic conditions in major Eurozone countries and acknowledging Cyprus’s unique geopolitical challenges, the President emphasized that these results are a testament to responsible economic policy. The administration’s clear mandate remains: to act in the best interests of the Cypriot people, ensuring that responsible governance prevails without resorting to experimentation.

Looking Ahead

Concluding the address, President Christodoulidis affirmed that the government would persist in delivering results with the same sense of accountability. The approved 2026 budget marks the third fiscal plan under the current administration, underscoring a consistent commitment to transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic development.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

Breaking news