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Cyprus Investment Sector Calls For Deputy Ministry To Drive Sustainable Growth And Competitiveness

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 21, 2025

The Association of Large Investment Projects has renewed its call for establishing a dedicated Deputy Ministry for Development and Competitiveness. In a statement to President Nikos Christodoulides, association president Andreas Demetriades emphasized the need for a coherent national strategy centered on healthy, sustainable development and well-defined incentives.

Driving Job Creation And Economic Resilience

Addressing stakeholders at the association’s general assembly, Demetriades asserted that large-scale projects not only create jobs but also strengthen the social fabric and secure Cyprus’ future. The deputy ministry would be tasked with bolstering competitiveness, attracting high-quality investments, and coordinating much-needed reforms—from streamlining licensing processes and digitalizing services to establishing a one-stop shop for investors.

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Accelerating Reforms And Simplifying Approvals

The proposed body would oversee targeted licensing for strategic projects, thereby accelerating the development process in measurable ways. This aligns with a broader vision to position Cyprus as a regional business hub, attracting investments in high-end healthcare, higher education, technology, IT, tourism, shipping, green energy, and modern infrastructure.

Showcasing A Portfolio Of Impactful Developments

Demetriades highlighted that the 16 association members manage the island’s largest developments, attracting consistent foreign interest with an €8 billion portfolio spanning marinas, casinos, golf courses, universities, medical centers, research parks, and expansive tourist projects. Such initiatives have not only upgraded Cyprus’ investment and tourism landscape but have also supported thousands of jobs and improved living standards.

Policy Initiatives And Institutional Enhancements

In discussing long-term priorities, Demetriades stressed the importance of continual improvements in the business environment. He cited the recent cost of living allowance (CoLA) agreement as a demonstration of institutional maturity among the state, employers, and unions—a success that reinforces stability and predictability. As Cyprus prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency, these policy improvements are critical for handling weighty European dossiers, including the multiannual financial framework, competitiveness, defense, and security.

Addressing Housing And Infrastructure Challenges

Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Demetriades underscored the pressing need to address housing shortages and expand educational infrastructure. He recommended targeted incentives, such as increasing building coefficients in selected areas and employing VAT mechanisms for investments in rental properties, to meet the rising demand for affordable housing.

Energy Strategy, Schengen Accession And Local Governance

High energy costs demand a robust, long-term national strategy, which includes improving natural gas supply, accelerating storage system deployment, and constructing critical infrastructure to enhance security and sufficiency. Additionally, accession to the Schengen Area would expand Cyprus’ economic reach and enhance its credibility among international investors.

Collaboration To Overcome Institutional Hurdles

Speakers representing key institutions, including Andreas Tsouloftas conveying President Stavros Stavrou’s message and Constantinos Yiorkadjis from the Nicosia EOA, stressed the importance of multi-level cooperation. They outlined measures such as digitizing permit processes and creating dedicated development services to address longstanding obstacles like bureaucracy, slow licensing, and manpower shortages. Local authorities, especially in sectors like water supply and sewage management, play an essential role in facilitating development and mitigating infrastructure constraints.

A Pivotal Moment For Cyprus

Despite global uncertainty, the resilient Cypriot economy continues to attract quality foreign investment. As institutional reforms progress and strategic incentives are implemented, large-scale developments are poised to sustain and further elevate Cyprus’ competitive edge. Through an integrated approach and strong public-private collaboration, Cyprus is well-positioned to emerge as a pillar of stability, modern governance, and sustainable growth in the region.

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EU Agrees On Major Overhaul Of Financial Market Supervision

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 9, 2026

European Union finance ministers have reached agreement on a sweeping package designed to strengthen oversight of the bloc’s financial markets, in a move aimed at reducing fragmentation and improving the flow of capital across borders.

A Push To Deepen Capital Markets

The Market Integration and Supervision Package, or MISP, would grant the European Securities and Markets Authority direct supervision over major market operators that are currently regulated by national authorities. The reforms are intended to make Europe’s capital markets more integrated, more efficient and better able to channel savings into productive investment.

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According to the Irish presidency, the package is meant to help savings and investments move more freely across the European Union, improving access to finance for companies while giving households broader opportunities to earn returns on their savings.

What The Reform Would Change

Under the new framework, ESMA would take direct oversight of key trading venues, clearing houses, securities settlement bodies and crypto-asset service providers. The package would also establish a permanent, independent executive board within the regulator, strengthening its institutional capacity.

Market operators would be able to opt into a new EU-wide operating framework. In parallel, the reforms would seek to make national supervision more consistent and update rules governing trading, transaction completion, investment management and the use of blockchain technology.

Why The Agreement Matters

Supporters of deeper capital markets argue that Europe has long paid a price for regulatory inconsistency. While many rules are harmonised across the bloc, differences in enforcement and supervision have contributed to a patchwork system that can make cross-border investment slower and more costly.

A more integrated framework, proponents say, could lower costs for companies seeking funding and broaden the menu of investment options available to savers and institutional investors alike.

Outstanding Questions Remain

Despite the broad agreement, some important details remain unresolved. Trading venues operated by Deutsche Börse, the company behind the Frankfurt stock exchange, may remain outside ESMA’s direct supervision.

Euronews previously reported that Germany had secured an exemption for Deutsche Börse’s domestically focused trading venues, leaving part of the system under regional supervision. The latest announcement did not clarify whether that arrangement will stand.

A Step Forward For The Savings And Investments Union

Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen welcomed the deal, calling it a major advance for the Capital Markets Union and saying Europe had made more progress in 10 months than in the previous 10 years.

The agreement is an important milestone in the Savings and Investments Union, the EU’s broader effort to channel more of Europeans’ savings into investments that can support growth, innovation and competitiveness across the bloc.