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Cyprus: Harnessing €1.8 Billion EU Funds for Ambitious Development by 2029

Cyprus has embarked on an ambitious journey with the THALIA 2021-2027 programme, securing a record €1.8 billion, the largest since joining the EU in 2004.

With the European Commission’s approval in July 2022, €969 million in EU funds will complement the rest from Cyprus’ national budget. Already, €600 million has been put to work in over 100 projects, either completed or in progress.

Projections are promising with a potential 6% GDP boost and 8,500 new jobs by 2029, concentrating on green, digital, local development, job creation, and social inclusion initiatives.

Building on the momentum from the 2014-2020 period, Cyprus led the EU in fund absorption, channeling €880 million for public investment, fueling 24,000 jobs and 6% GDP growth.

In Nicosia, projects have revitalized Eleftheria Square, upgraded Aglantzia Avenue, and restored the Municipal Theatre. Larnaca has seen new municipal markets and cultural spaces.

Paphos projects include the Ibrahim Khan restoration and Kennedy Square upgrades. Limassol focuses on port enhancements.

Key undertakings include the Stelios Ioannou Library and the Green Points network across Cyprus. Future THALIA projects aim at energy efficiency, local growth, youth entrepreneurship, and social inclusion.

With 160 projects expected by 2029, Cyprus is set to make a transformative leap forward.

Cyprus Government Moves to Cut Electricity Prices

According to the government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) and the energy regulator are set to meet this week to discuss a formula to lower the price of electricity.

This development comes from President Nikos Christodoulides’ remarks over the weekend, where he urged the EAC not to increase electricity rates. Christodoulides confirmed that he had a meeting with the EAC, asking them not to impose any increases at this juncture.

The government spokesman emphasized that the current administration is committed to bringing down the price of electricity in any way possible. Letymbiotis noted that the state-run power utility and the regulator would make their own assessments based on the wider direction of the government regarding reductions in the coming time period.

It is worth noting that Cypriots pay the second-highest rates for electricity in Europe when adjusted for spending power, according to Eurostat data released last week. Only consumers in the Czech Republic paid more for their household energy bills than those in Cyprus.

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