Opens in a new tab

Breaking news

Cyprus Posts Third Highest GDP Surge in Q2 2025: Employment and Productivity on the Rise

Strong Economic Momentum in Cyprus

In the second quarter of 2025, Cyprus recorded a 3.3 percent increase in its gross domestic product, securing the position of the third highest GDP growth rate within the European Union. This performance comes on the heels of Ireland’s impressive 18 percent surge and Bulgaria’s 3.4 percent rise, underscoring Cyprus’ robust economic advancement despite a modest 0.5 percent increase from the previous quarter.

Comparative Analysis Within the European Union

Eurostat’s data reveals a broader picture of economic strides across the EU. Seasonally adjusted GDP growth reached 1.5 percent in the eurozone and 1.6 percent in the EU overall compared to the same quarter in 2024. Furthermore, modest quarter-on-quarter gains of 0.1 percent in the eurozone and 0.2 percent in the EU highlight the region’s gradual recovery following stronger quarterly performances earlier in the year.

Advancements in Employment Metrics

Equally noteworthy is the rise in employment figures within Cyprus, where the nation marked the fifth largest increase in the EU. Employment expanded by 1.8 percent year-on-year and showed a 0.5 percent growth from the previous quarter. This dual expansion in GDP and employment serves as a key indicator of rising labour productivity and economic resilience across the region.

Labour Productivity Improvements

Labour productivity experienced upward momentum, with per capita productivity increasing by 0.8 percent in the eurozone and 1.2 percent across the EU compared to the same period in 2024. Additionally, productivity measured in terms of hours worked surged by 1.1 percent in the eurozone and 1.5 percent in the EU. Cyprus, in particular, showcased a robust 2.2 percent year-on-year productivity gain based on hours worked, ranking third in the EU, although it witnessed a slight 0.2 percent dip from the previous quarter.

Global Benchmarks and Strategic Implications

On a global scale, these developments are mirrored by trends such as the United States’ 2.1 percent year-on-year GDP growth, emphasizing the competitive landscape and underlying shifts in economic performance. The combined figures on GDP and employment not only highlight shifts in regional productivity but also provide crucial insights for policymakers and business leaders aiming to navigate the evolving economic environment.

Evel Elects New President As Maria Theocharous Takes Over For 2026–2029 Term

Maria Theocharous has been elected president of the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel), taking over from Yiannis Tsouloftas for a three-year term covering 2026–2029. Theocharous previously served as the chamber’s vice-president for tourism.

The leadership transition marks a new chapter for one of Cyprus’ main regional business organisations, with the new board set to represent the district’s key economic sectors.

New Leadership Emphasises Cooperation

The chamber’s annual meeting brought together government, business and local authority representatives, including Energy, Commerce and Industry Minister Michael Damianos, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) president Stavros Stavrou, Limassol district local government organisation president Yiannis Tsouloftas and Limassol mayor Yiannis Armeftis.

Speakers highlighted the importance of closer cooperation between public authorities and businesses in supporting Limassol’s economic development.

Representatives of the Cyprus Shipping Chamber (CSC) also congratulated Theocharous on her election and thanked the outgoing president for his cooperation. The CSC described Evel as a longstanding partner, noting the chamber’s contribution to Limassol’s business development over more than six decades.

Tsouloftas Reviews Six Years As President

In his final address, Tsouloftas reviewed the chamber’s work between 2020 and 2026, highlighting its advocacy for major infrastructure projects and efforts to address development challenges across the district.

He also outlined initiatives to remove obstacles facing local businesses, accelerate development plans and improve the conditions for economic activity.

Tsouloftas will remain involved as immediate past president, providing continuity during the transition.

New Board Covers Key Business Sectors

The new board includes representatives responsible for the chamber’s main portfolios:

  • Ilikos Charalambous, vice-president for commerce
  • Vasos Demetriades, vice-president for industry
  • Christos Nicolaou, vice-president for services
  • Nicolas Agiomamitis, vice-president for tourism
  • Ilias Theodorou, vice-president for finance
  • Demosthenes Mavrellis, vice-president for innovation and technology
  • Ilias Neocleous, honorary secretary

Other board members are Minos Agathocleous, Marios Antoniou, George Demetriou, Anastasios Kounoudis, Marios Constantinou, Xanthos Nemptsas, Antonis Pappas, Charalambos Pattichis, Chrysis Petousis, Farah Shammas, Andreas Tsouloftas and Kyriacos Hadjiathanasiou.

Costas Ioannides, Agathi Katsi, Anna Petraki, Filippos Filis and Tonis Hadjiloucas have been appointed members by distinction. The chamber also highlighted the growing participation of women in business leadership and decision-making.

Chamber Recognises Longstanding Contributions

The annual meeting also recognised businesses and individuals for their contributions, including members who have maintained continuous membership for 50 years.

Tributes were paid to three former contributors to the chamber, Tonis Antoniou, Dimi Mavropoulos and Andreas Laou, in recognition of their service.

Under Theocharous’ leadership, Evel begins its 2026–2029 term with a board covering commerce, industry, services, tourism, finance and innovation. Its priorities include continuing to represent Limassol businesses and advocating for the investment and cooperation needed to support the district’s economic growth.

eCredo
Uol
Aretilaw firm
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter