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Cyprus Lawmakers Push Changes To Foreign Property Ownership Law

Legislative Initiative Ahead Of Parliamentary Dissolution

Members of the Committee on Internal Affairs approved amendments to the law regulating real estate acquisition by foreign nationals. The proposal is expected to be submitted for a plenary vote before a possible parliamentary dissolution ahead of elections. Timing reflects efforts to complete the legislative process within the current parliamentary term.

Streamlined Revisions And Timely Delivery

Aristos Damianou said the committee has finalized key amendments. The revised text is expected to be circulated to members by Monday. He said the aim is to bring the proposal to a plenary vote before any dissolution. Timeline is aligned with the parliamentary schedule.

Balancing Economic Prospects With National Security

Marinos Sizopoulos said foreign investment brings benefits but also carries risks. He noted the need to avoid excessive concentration of land ownership by non-nationals. Discussion focused on balancing investment flows with national security considerations.

Preventing Monopolistic Trends In High-Value Sectors

Lawmakers raised concerns about the potential concentration of assets in key sectors. Discussion included risks linked to companies operating through local entities. Focus extends to sectors such as hospitality, energy and healthcare. Concerns also cover acquisitions in strategically sensitive areas.

Amendments are expected to be voted on before a potential parliamentary dissolution. Outcome will shape rules governing foreign real estate investment.

Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.

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