Breaking news

Cyprus Parliament Endorses 2026 State Budget With Strategic Reforms

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Parliamentary Approval And Key Statistics

After an intensive three‐day debate at the OLOMELEIA, the Cyprus Parliament has ratified the state budget for 2026 along with significant amendments proposed by various political factions. The measure passed with 37 votes in favor and 19 against, mirroring the diverse political landscape. Notable supporters include DI.SY, DI.KO, EDEK, ELAM, DIPA, and independent legislators such as Michalis Giakoumi, Andreas Apostolou, and Andreas Themistocleous, while opposition came from AKEL, the Movement of Ecologists, Alexandra Attalidi, and Kostis Efstathious.

Fiscal Projections And Strategic Investments

The 2026 budget earmarks primary expenditures of €10.7 billion, representing an increase of approximately €508 million (5.0%) compared to the previous year. In addition, developmental spending is projected to rise by 4.7% and social benefits—which encompass education, healthcare, and welfare—by 6.7%. Notably, this budget stands as the final financial framework under the current parliamentary term ahead of the May elections.

Key Amendments And Infrastructure Commitments

Among the 92 submitted amendments, several pivotal changes received approval. These include safeguards against reductions in state spending related to the privatization of public sector entities, with exceptions for leading infrastructural projects such as the development of the Troodos region, enhancements at the Cyprus Stock Exchange, and the expansion of Larnaca Marina. Further allocations include funding for the master plan in the Vasiliko area, the inaugural phase of Macedonia Avenue, and investments aimed at upgrading primary road networks in municipalities, along with social housing and welfare initiatives.

Closing Insights

This decisive budget approval marks a critical juncture in Cyprus’s fiscal policy, underscoring a commitment to balanced economic growth and infrastructural modernization. As the nation prepares for upcoming parliamentary elections, the 2026 budget reflects both continuity in current policy directions and an ambitious roadmap for future development.

2026 State Budget Visual Representation

For additional details on the extensive parliamentary debates and the amendment process, please refer to the in-depth coverage of the budget deliberations.

Rolls-Royce Raises Guidance As Defense And Power Systems Drive Growth

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

Rolls-Royce raised its full-year profit and cash flow guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected first-half results, supported by growth across its civil aerospace, defense and power systems businesses.

Underlying operating profit rose 46% year on year to £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) in the first six months of 2026, while revenue increased more than 24% to £11.3 billion.

The company now expects full-year underlying operating profit of £4.7 billion to £4.9 billion, up from previous guidance of £4 billion to £4.2 billion. It also raised its free cash flow forecast to £3.8 billion to £4 billion, compared with £3.6 billion to £3.8 billion previously.

Shares rose as much as 6% in early trading before paring gains to trade about 4% higher.

Data Center Demand Supports Power Systems

Chief Financial Officer Helen McCabe told CNBC that orders in Rolls-Royce’s data center power business increased by more than 50% in the first half as operators invested in backup and on-site power systems.

The company has benefited from growing demand for power infrastructure as data center operators expand capacity.

Defense Spending Provides Additional Support

McCabe also said Rolls-Royce expects to benefit from higher defense spending in the U.K. and across NATO countries. She cited the U.K.’s long-term defense investment plan, which provides funding visibility through 2030 and beyond.

“We’ve had very positive initial conversations with the new government,” McCabe said, adding that the company supports its focus on growth, defense and industrial manufacturing.

Turnaround Continues

Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the company’s transformation strategy continued to deliver results. “Our transformation continues to deliver,” he said in a statement. “We have unlocked new growth opportunities across the Group.”

Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter