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Cyprus Holds The Helm: Among EU’s Top Maritime Freight Hubs In 2023

by News Editor

April 18, 2025

In a year where the sea remained the backbone of freight logistics across Europe, Cyprus emerged as a leading maritime force. According to new Eurostat data, the island ranked second among EU member states for the volume of goods transported by sea, with 96.5% of its freight moving via maritime routes in 2023.

Across the European Union, sea transport dominated the freight landscape, accounting for 67.4% of total tonne-kilometres—a measure that factors cargo volume and distance travelled. While Portugal led with 98.2%, Cyprus and Greece closely followed, showcasing the strategic importance of the Eastern Mediterranean in European trade flows.

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For 15 of the 22 coastal EU countries, shipping was the primary mode of freight transport. In 10 of them, it represented more than 70% of all movement. Cyprus stood out not only for its reliance on sea freight but also due to the absence of rail infrastructure and minimal inland waterway activity, further cementing its dependence on—and efficiency in—maritime logistics.

While road freight made up 25.3% of EU cargo transport, and rail lagged at 5.5%, Cyprus’ numbers underscore a regional contrast where shipping lanes—not highways—move the economy. Inland waterways (1.6%) and air freight (0.2%) played only marginal roles across the bloc, with Cyprus among countries where these modes are nearly nonexistent.

The report also reveals long-term shifts. Since 2013, only road transport has gained ground in the EU (+2.8 percentage points). Sea freight slightly dipped (-2.0 pp), indicating gradual diversification in continental logistics—but not in island nations like Cyprus, where geography still dictates logistics strategy.

Elsewhere in Europe, countries like Luxembourg (84.5%), Czechia (77.7%), and Hungary (70.7%) leaned heavily on road freight. Rail transport remained strong in Lithuania (31.7%) and Slovakia (30.1%), while Romania led in inland waterway transport (18.9%).

As Cyprus doubles down on its port infrastructure and continues to position itself as a critical maritime hub bridging Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, these figures highlight both a present strength and a future opportunity. In a shifting transport landscape, the island’s maritime dominance remains not just a necessity but a strategic advantage.

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Cyprus Foreclosure Reform Debate Intensifies Amid Rising Non-Performing Loans

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 18, 2026

Political Stakes And Foreclosure Regulation

Cypriot political parties are engaging in a high-stakes debate in parliament as they deliberate changes to the legal framework governing foreclosures ahead of the May parliamentary elections. The proposed shifts are aimed at curbing the rapid escalation in the value of non-performing loans, a trend that has sparked significant public and legislative concern. Confidential data from the Central Bank of Cyprus indicates that the nation has not yet moved away from its longstanding issues related to so-called “red loans.”

Non-Performing Loans: A Mounting Financial Challenge

Recent figures show that the value of distressed loans has continued to rise, surpassing €20 billion following transfers involving banks and credit recovery companies. This level exceeds the approximately €15 billion recorded during the economic crisis period. Central Bank data indicates that after loan sales, credit recovery firms now manage portfolios totaling €19.7 billion, of which €18.5 billion are classified as non-performing. About 87% of these loans are considered terminated, while the firms acquired 141,478 loans for €3.2 billion, roughly 80% below their original value.

Credit Recovery Companies: Overshooting Investment Returns

By June, credit recovery companies had recovered €5.7 billion through a combination of cash repayments, judicial asset auctions and property-for-debt exchanges. Cash repayments accounted for €3.6 billion, judicial recoveries contributed €619 million, and property swaps added €1.5 billion. These recoveries exceeded the original purchase cost of many loan portfolios while overall balances continued to increase due to accrued interest, a development that remains a concern for policymakers.

Bank Portfolios And The Impact On Financial Stability

Data from the State Guarantee Fund for Deposits and Loans shows that 77,561 loans valued at €7.5 billion were transferred, leaving a remaining balance of €5.7 billion by June 2025, of which €5 billion are non-performing. Within the banking sector, non-performing loans totaled €1.45 billion across 24,736 accounts as of last June. Since December 2024, these figures have improved by approximately €86 million due to repayments and asset recoveries. The reduction in problematic loans has lowered bank exposure compared with levels recorded during the 2013 crisis.

Legislative Proposals And Government Considerations

Political leaders argue that adjustments to foreclosure procedures can be introduced without undermining banking stability. Parliament’s Economic Committee is scheduled to begin discussions on March 9, with an estimated 20 to 30 legislative proposals currently pending from multiple parties. While the Ministry of Finance has not announced immediate legislative action, officials are evaluating the potential reintroduction of elements of the Rent-Versus-Rate plan for vulnerable borrowers, subject to fiscal impact assessments.

Advocacy From AKEL And Environmental Groups

Proposals supported by the AKEL party and several civil organizations focus on strengthening legal protections for borrowers. Among the suggested measures is restoring the right to seek judicial relief to delay foreclosures in cases involving disputed charges or alleged abusive contract clauses. AKEL representative Aristos Damianou criticized the pace of foreclosure proceedings and warned of risks to primary residences and small businesses.

Proposals Targeting Guarantors And Foreclosure Processes

The Democratic Rally party has introduced a proposal aimed at limiting guarantor liability during foreclosure procedures. Under the draft measure, if a property is auctioned or repossessed, the guarantor’s responsibility would be capped at the original loan amount adjusted by recovered sums. The proposal also requires that enforcement actions against guarantors be suspended until a court ruling is issued if the borrower formally disputes the debt.

Revisions Proposed By The Democratic Party of Cyprus

The Democratic Party is also preparing new legislative measures to be introduced on Thursday. Party leader Mario Karogian outlined plans to suspend the foreclosures of primary residences valued up to €350,000 until the end of the year, allowing time to address legislative gaps. Additional proposals include broadening the powers of the Financial Ombudsperson to make binding decisions on disputes up to €50,000, enforcing the Central Bank’s code of conduct, and ensuring strict adherence to refinancing guidelines for first residences.

Outlook And Strategic Implications

The range of proposals reflects an ongoing effort to balance financial system stability with stronger consumer protections. Decisions made in the coming months are expected to shape the regulatory environment for foreclosures and influence broader confidence in Cyprus’ financial sector and economic outlook.