Breaking news

Cyprus Industrial Output Edges Up 0.3% In June As Mining And Manufacturing Grow

Cyprus’ industrial sector posted modest growth in June 2026, with production rising by 0.3% year on year, according to figures released by the statistical service Cystat.

The overall industrial production index reached 117.6 points, using 2021 as the base year of 100. Over the first six months of 2026, industrial output was 1.2% higher than in the same period a year earlier, indicating a sector that is expanding, albeit unevenly.

Mining And Water Supply Lead Monthly Gains

June’s performance was driven by strength in mining and quarrying, which rose 11.4% annually, and by water supply and materials recovery, which increased 1.5%. Manufacturing also registered a gain, albeit a narrower one, rising 0.6% from June 2025.

By contrast, electricity supply fell 4% over the same period, underscoring the mixed nature of the country’s industrial trajectory.

Mixed Performance Across Industrial Activities

Within water supply and materials recovery, the two activities diverged sharply. Water collection, treatment and supply climbed 14.2%, while materials recovery dropped 15.1%.

Among manufacturing subsectors, other non-metallic mineral products recorded the strongest annual increase in June, up 7.5%. Rubber and plastic products followed with growth of 4.7%, while wood and cork products excluding furniture and basic metals and fabricated metal products each advanced 2.3%.

Smaller gains were seen in textiles, wearing apparel and leather products, which edged up 0.4%.

Several manufacturing categories, however, moved in the opposite direction. Machinery, equipment, motor vehicles and other transport equipment saw the steepest decline, falling 8.5%. Production of electronic and optical products and electrical equipment decreased 2.4%, while furniture, other manufacturing, and the repair and installation of machinery and equipment slipped 2.3%.

Paper products and printing fell 0.7%, food, beverages and tobacco products declined 0.6%, and refined petroleum products, chemicals and pharmaceutical products and preparations were down 0.5%.

First-Half Output Shows Broader Stability

Looking at the January-to-June period, the underlying picture was more stable. Manufacturing output increased 0.7% year on year, mining and quarrying rose 1.1%, and water supply and materials recovery grew 2.5%.

Among individual activities, water collection, treatment and supply delivered the strongest first-half expansion, increasing 11.5%. Basic metals and fabricated metal products followed with growth of 5.1%, while electricity supply rose 4.3%.

Other non-metallic mineral products advanced 3.4%, and wood and cork products excluding furniture increased 3.2%. Refined petroleum products, chemicals and pharmaceutical products and preparations were up 1.8%, while rubber and plastic products rose 1.4%. Paper products and printing increased 0.7%, and food, beverages and tobacco products were unchanged from the same period in 2025.

On the downside, materials recovery recorded the sharpest decline in the first half, falling 8.8%. Machinery, equipment, motor vehicles and other transport equipment dropped 5.9%, while furniture, other manufacturing, and the repair and installation of machinery and equipment decreased 4.2%. Textiles, wearing apparel and leather products declined 3.9%, and electronic and optical products and electrical equipment edged down 0.4%.

The latest data point to an industrial economy moving forward at a measured pace, with gains in essential and extractive activities helping to offset weakness in several manufacturing segments.

Europe’s Most Popular Castles And Palaces For 2026: Prague Castle Leads As Heritage Travel Surges

As autumn settles across Europe, culture is moving to the top of the travel agenda. According to the European Travel Commission, cooler months such as October and November are increasingly prompting travellers to build trips around history, heritage and landmark experiences.

TUI Musement’s latest data reinforces that shift. The travel company found that 94% of respondents say they are interested, or very interested, in experiences tied to history, culture and heritage on their next city break. Meanwhile, eight in 10 said they have already visited a monument or landmark near where they live.

Against that backdrop, TUI Musement has released a new ranking of Europe’s 30 most popular castles and palaces for 2026, based on accumulated Google reviews. The analysis compares review volumes from 2023 and 2026, offering a useful snapshot of which historic sites are gaining the most traction with visitors.

Spain Stands Out In A Wide-ranging European List

The ranking reveals a broad geographic spread, but Spain emerges as the most represented country, with six sites in the top 30. Both the Alhambra in Granada and the Royal Palace of Madrid secured places in the top 10, underscoring the country’s enduring appeal as a destination for heritage tourism.

At the top of the list, Prague Castle retains first place, while Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna climbs into the top three. The only new entrant is Buda Castle in Budapest, which posted a 65% increase in accumulated Google reviews compared with 2023.

The Top 10 Castles And Palaces In Europe

Prague Castle remains the benchmark for European heritage tourism. With 199,000 reviews, a 31% increase from 2023, it is one of the largest palace complexes in the world and a concentrated showcase of centuries of history. Visitors can explore St Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace and Golden Lane with a single ticket.

In second place is Buckingham Palace, one of London’s most recognisable landmarks and one of the official residences of the British monarchy. Its daily Changing of the Guard continues to draw crowds, while summer opening periods allow visitors inside the state rooms.

Schönbrunn Palace moves up to third, marking the 30th anniversary of its designation as a World Heritage Site. In Vienna, the palace offers a window into Austria’s imperial past and the dynastic legacy that shaped the country’s history.

Versailles follows in fourth place. The former residence of the kings of France remains one of Europe’s most significant historical sites, with the Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments and formal gardens helping tell the story of absolutism, monarchy and the later Treaty of Versailles.

Wawel Castle in Kraków holds fifth place despite slipping two positions. Once the residence and coronation site of Poland’s kings, it remains one of the country’s most important cultural attractions, with the Dragon’s Den statue at its base adding another layer of local symbolism.

Spain claims sixth and seventh place. The Alhambra in Granada ranks sixth with its palaces, gardens and fortresses, including the Nasrid Palaces, Generalife, Alcazaba and Palace of Charles V. The Royal Palace of Madrid climbs to seventh after a 47% rise in accumulated Google reviews since 2023. Still used for official receptions, it also opens select highlights such as the throne room, Gasparini Room and royal chapel to the public.

London appears again in eighth place with the Tower of London, a fortress that has played a defining role in English history. Today, it is best known as the home of the Crown Jewels and for its Yeoman Warders and resident ravens, which have become part of its enduring identity.

Neuschwanstein Castle rises to ninth place after a strong increase in reviews. Set in the Bavarian Alps, the fairy-tale palace reflects the imagination of King Ludwig II of Bavaria and his fascination with art, architecture and medieval legend.

Rounding out the top 10 is Bran Castle in Romania, long associated with the Dracula myth but historically important in its own right. Beyond its fictional reputation, the fortress tells the story of Transylvania through its role as a frontier stronghold and later a royal residence.

The Top 10 Most Popular Castles In Europe

1. Prague Castle, Czechia
2. Buckingham Palace, United Kingdom
3. Schönbrunn Palace, Austria
4. Palace of Versailles, France
5. Wawel Castle, Poland
6. The Alhambra, Spain
7. The Royal Palace of Madrid, Spain
8. The Tower of London, United Kingdom
9. Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany
10. Bran Castle, Romania

For travellers looking beyond the usual city break circuit, the message is clear: Europe’s castles and palaces are not just surviving history. They remain some of the continent’s most powerful magnets for modern tourism.

eCredo
Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter