Cyprus Launches “Digital Citizen” App, Strengthening Ties with Greece on Digital Transformation

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 6, 2024

The Republic of Cyprus marked a significant step in its digital evolution with the launch of the “Digital Citizen” application on December 5. Built to the standards of Greece’s “Gov.gr Wallet,” the app represents a deepening collaboration between Cyprus and Greece in digital transformation, according to a joint statement by Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and Greece’s Ministry of Digital Governance.

The new app is now available for download on Google Play and the App Store. This milestone follows a memorandum of understanding between the two ministries, aimed at sharing expertise, best practices, and know-how in developing digital tools and services for citizens.

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Looking ahead, the “Digital Citizen” and “Gov.gr Wallet” applications are expected to achieve full interoperability by the first quarter of 2025. Once operational, digital documents from both platforms will be mutually recognised, streamlining identification and transactions for citizens in Cyprus and Greece.

Greece’s Minister of Digital Governance, Dimitris Papastergiou, called the “Digital Citizen” app a pivotal achievement, describing it as “the Cypriot equivalent of our Gov.gr Wallet.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration in the digital sphere, stating that the exchange of expertise and innovative practices is crucial for addressing challenges at a European level.

“Digital transformation is a multidimensional effort,” Papastergiou said. “Our partnership sets an example for how countries can tackle significant issues collaboratively, delivering the best outcomes for their citizens.”

The launch of the “Digital Citizen” app underscores the shared commitment of Cyprus and Greece to embracing technology and enhancing the lives of their citizens through innovative solutions.

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Cyprus Government Surplus Rises To €1.61 Billion In First Nine Months Of 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 5, 2026

Cyprus recorded a general government surplus of €1.61 billion in the first nine months of 2026, equal to 4.0% of gross domestic product, as revenue growth outpaced the rise in public spending. Higher receipts from income taxes, social contributions and value-added tax (VAT) drove the improvement, while lower capital expenditure helped restrain spending.

Preliminary figures released Tuesday by the Statistical Service of Cyprus show the surplus rose to €1.17 billion, or 3.0% of GDP, up from € 442.1 million in the same period of 2025.

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Total government revenue increased 6.5% to €12.09 billion, while expenditure rose 2.9% to €10.48 billion.

Key Fiscal Measure	January–September 2025	January–September 2026
Total revenue	€11,353.9 million	€12,091.8 million
Total expenditure	€10,186.2 million	€10,482.1 million
Government surplus	€1,167.6 million	€1,609.7 million
Surplus as a share of GDP	3.0%	4.0%

Income Taxes And VAT Lead Revenue Growth

Taxes on income and wealth made the largest contribution to the increase in revenue. Receipts in this category climbed by €442.2 million, or 15.3%, to €3.34 billion, compared with €2.89 billion a year earlier.

Social contributions rose by €235 million, or 6.6%, to €3.78 billion. Taxes on production and imports increased by €251.5 million, or 7.2%, reaching €3.77 billion.

Net VAT receipts, after refunds, totalled €2.64 billion, up €293.1 million, or 12.5%, from €2.35 billion in the first nine months of 2025.

Some Revenue Streams Decline

Not all revenue categories moved higher. Capital transfers fell by €74.6 million to €96.7 million, while current transfers declined by €71.6 million, or 20.5%, to €278.2 million.

Revenue from services slipped 1.0% to €743.5 million. Interest and dividend receipts dropped by €37 million, or 28.6%, to €92.4 million.

Social Benefits And Personnel Costs Increase

On the expenditure side, social benefits rose by €199.6 million, or 4.9%, to €4.27 billion. Compensation of employees—which includes imputed social contributions and public-sector pensions—increased by €108.3 million, or 3.8%, to €2.99 billion.

Intermediate consumption, covering goods and services used in the delivery of public services, rose by €114.3 million, or 11.0%, to €1.16 billion. Interest payments increased by €8.7 million, or 2.6%, to €340.7 million. Current transfers were up €68.7 million, or 10.6%, at €714.7 million.

Lower Capital Spending Limits Expenditure Growth

The overall increase in spending was tempered by a decline in capital expenditure. Capital-account spending fell by €189.9 million, or 16.9%, to €936.2 million from €1.13 billion in the same period last year.

Investment in fixed capital declined by €94.1 million, or 12.1%, to €686.4 million. Other capital transfers fell by €95.8 million, or 27.7%, to €249.8 million. Subsidies also decreased, dropping by €13.9 million, or 15.5%, to €75.8 million.

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