Breaking news

Cyprus Parliament Reviews National Loss Fund Amid Asset Reforms

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 19, 2026

National Loss Fund And Confiscated Assets

In its recent session, the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees revisited the law proposal aimed at securing the National Loss Fund for the Use of Confiscated Assets. A representative from the Ministry of Finance affirmed that the accompanying regulations are under preparation and will be submitted once finalized, while also voicing opposition to the creation of an independent agency.

Legislative Proposals And Fiscal Perspectives

Originally introduced by DISY in September, the law is supported by two amendments tabled by AKEL and anticipates the incorporation of forthcoming regulations from the Ministry of Interior into legislation governing the Central Agency For Equitable Resource Distribution. Committee member Nikos Kettseros emphasized that with funding of €20 million, roughly four in ten confiscated property owners would receive about €2 per month, a figure that remains modest even under a €100 million scenario. The proposed amendments include reallocating unassigned funds from the Agency into a dedicated loss-of-use fund to bolster financial support.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Housing Loan Subsidies And Transition Measures

Additional amendments under discussion involve the subsidization of housing loans at a 0% rate and the establishment of a six‐month transitional period starting January 1, 2027, to integrate older loans into the governing framework. The Ministry of Interior has stated that the regulations will focus on land valuation, clarifying that those who have sought refuge in the committee regarding confiscated assets will not be entitled to compensation. These measures indicate that the fund could operate effectively under the existing structure without necessitating a separate independent body. DISY legislator George Karoulas has advocated for a legally entrenched national fund with sustainable financing, while also expressing concerns about potential delays in finalizing the regulations.

KtiZó Initiative And Housing Regulations

The session also addressed the KtiZó initiative, designed to provide grants for existing multi-family buildings in government housing projects. Senior official Eirini Giannakou from the Department of Urban Planning and Housing announced the completion of a new guide spanning approximately 500 pages, which clearly defines procedures and responsibilities. Despite this progress, stakeholders noted ongoing challenges related to beneficiary contributions and property ownership classifications. Giannis Sofokleous, a senior official from the Ministry of Interior, confirmed that the guidelines are currently under review and will undergo legal scrutiny, with the expectation that minimal further revisions will be required thereafter.

Property Issues In The Industrial Zone

The committee also examined property disputes and delayed contracts affecting displaced residents in the Pane Polemidion Industrial Zone. The committee chair announced that a formal letter will be dispatched to the Minister of Interior, with the matter slated for further discussion on March 17. Local officials from the Municipality of Kato Polemidion and representatives of refugee organizations raised issues regarding access, parking, and property rights, calling for immediate remedial action.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.