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Cyprus, Greece And Jordan Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Cyprus, Greece and Jordan have renewed their trilateral defence cooperation programme, reinforcing coordination between their armed forces as the three countries seek closer collaboration on regional security.

Renewed Defence Framework

The agreement provides for the continuation and further development of cooperation between the three countries’ armed forces under the existing framework, according to the General Staff.

The programme is aimed at strengthening coordination and joint action while expanding cooperation in defence and security.

The trilateral framework has been in place since 2018 and also covers areas including energy, civil protection, economic relations and regional security.

Focus On Regional Stability

The renewal comes as Cyprus, Greece and Jordan continue efforts to deepen their strategic relationship amid ongoing security concerns across the Levant.

The three countries held their fifth trilateral summit in Amman in May. President Nikos Christodoulides, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Jordanian King Abdullah II discussed regional developments and further cooperation.

The leaders highlighted the need for closer coordination on security, energy, migration and maritime routes. Christodoulides described the partnership as “vital for our region” and an important bridge between the European Union and the Middle East.

The summit also covered developments in Iran, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and Iraq, with the three countries calling for de-escalation and greater regional stability.

The renewed programme is expected to further strengthen cooperation between Cyprus, Greece and Jordan, particularly in defence and security.

Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.

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