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Cyprus Outperforms EU In Global Trade And Investment Growth, EIB Survey Reveals

Cypriot businesses have proven to be more resilient and globally integrated than many of their European counterparts, according to the latest findings from the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group Investment Survey. The report, which surveyed approximately 13,000 companies across the EU and the United States, highlights the strength and adaptability of Cypriot firms in the face of recent challenges.

Notably, Cyprus has experienced an 18% increase in investment since the pre-pandemic period, a growth that surpasses many other EU countries. This surge is partly attributed to the financial support provided by the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF). Moreover, Cypriot businesses report higher satisfaction with their investment levels compared to the broader EU landscape.

The survey also reveals that Cypriot companies are leading the way in terms of global trade integration. A remarkable 81% of businesses in Cyprus are engaged in global markets, far exceeding the EU average of 63%. This strong international presence puts Cyprus in a prime position for future growth and competitiveness.

In terms of diversity, Cyprus is also ahead of the curve, with 44% of senior management roles held by women. This compares favorably to the EU’s average of just 23%.

However, despite these successes, Cypriot businesses face challenges. The survey identifies a shortage of skilled labor and limited access to financing as key obstacles, more pressing in Cyprus than across the EU as a whole.

Kyriacos Kakouris, EIB Vice-President, commented, “The EIB Investment Survey underscores the remarkable resilience and global outlook of Cypriot businesses. With investment levels above pre-pandemic figures and strong integration into global trade, Cyprus is well-positioned for sustainable growth. I am optimistic that these ongoing investments in innovation and modernization will propel the country’s long-term prosperity.”

The detailed report on Cyprus, along with insights from other EU nations, was released on 12 February 2025. The results will also inform the EIB’s annual Investment Report, which is due for release on 5 March 2025 at the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg. This event will bring together industry leaders to discuss key topics such as decarbonization, AI, and the capital markets union under the theme “Investing in a More Sustainable and Secure Europe.”

Cyprus Posts €573.3M Fiscal Surplus In Q1 2026

Robust Fiscal Health Marks Strong Start To 2026

The Cyprus government has reported a fiscal surplus of €573.3 million in the first quarter of 2026, according to preliminary figures from the Cyprus Statistical Service. This healthy surplus, which accounts for 1.5% of the nation’s GDP, reflects a slight decrease from the €600.60 million surplus (1.6% of GDP) recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Revenue Growth: A Detailed Break Down

Total revenue surged by €194.00 million, or 5.4%, reaching €3.81 billion compared with €3.61 billion during the same quarter last year. Key components of this growth include:

  • Income and wealth taxes increased by €107.80 million (10.9%), amounting to €1.09 billion.
  • Social contributions rose by €86.00 million (7.3%) to €1.26 billion.
  • Taxes on production and imports grew by €31.50 million (2.9%), totaling €1.12 billion.
  • Net VAT revenue climbed by €34.60 million (4.8%), reaching €758.80 million.
  • Capital transfers, though modest, increased by €0.60 million (13.6%) to €5.00 million.

Expenditure Shifts And Sectoral Variances

Despite robust revenue, the governmental expenditure also increased notably by €221.30 million (7.3%) to €3.23 billion. Noteworthy changes include:

  • Intermediate consumption grew by €25.60 million (9.2%), reaching €303.70 million.
  • Compensation of employees, including social contributions and civil service pensions, rose by €23.00 million (2.4%) to €974.80 million.
  • Social benefits experienced an increase of €82.30 million (6.4%), climbing to €1.36 billion.
  • Interest payments surged by €29.90 million (41.1%), totaling €102.70 million.
  • Current transfers saw a significant uptick of €58.80 million (31.6%), reaching €245.00 million.
  • Other fiscal components, such as the capital account and gross capital formation, also recorded modest improvements.
  • However, some areas experienced a decline with property income falling by €3.30 million (17.5%) and revenue from the sale of goods and services dropping by €19.00 million (7.2%).
  • Subsidies were reduced by €3.90 million (19.5%), totaling €16.10 million compared to the previous period.

Strategic Implications For The Cypriot Economy

Overall, the data indicate concurrent growth in both revenue and expenditure during the quarter. Higher tax income and social contributions supported revenue performance, while increased spending on social benefits, transfers, and interest payments contributed to the rise in expenditure.

Outlook

As the fiscal year progresses, the balance between revenue growth and expenditure levels will remain central to maintaining a surplus. Future outcomes will depend on how these trends evolve across both sides of the budget.

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