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Cyprus Prepares For 2026 EU Presidency With Vision For A Stronger Europe

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 30, 2025

Cyprus is gearing up to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the first half of 2026, a pivotal opportunity to reinforce its role as a strategic bridge between Europe and the broader region. President Nikos Christodoulides, presenting the Official Governance Agenda 2025 at the Presidential Palace on Wednesday, outlined the government’s priorities as it prepares for this crucial leadership role.

A Presidency Beyond Agenda Management

The Cypriot government, Christodoulides emphasized, is not approaching the EU Presidency as a mere administrative task but as a chance to actively shape policies and drive solutions that benefit Europe. The focus will be on deepening European integration and enhancing the EU’s strategic autonomy, ensuring a more resilient, competitive, and united Europe.

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“Our objective is a Presidency that goes beyond managing the European agenda,” the President stated. “We aim to act as an honest mediator, shaping policies with tangible actions, not just rhetoric, and advancing common European interests.”

Strengthening Cyprus’ Global Engagement

Looking ahead to 2025, the government plans to expand its diplomatic, strategic, and development partnerships, particularly with nations where Cyprus currently lacks a diplomatic presence. This will be achieved through educational and humanitarian diplomacy, spearheaded by the upgraded Cyprus Aid agency.

Highlighting Cyprus’ growing role on the international stage, Christodoulides reaffirmed the country’s commitment to reinforcing bilateral relations with African nations, working closely with fellow EU member states to institutionalize cooperation and foster meaningful partnerships.

Cyprus: A Reliable And Proactive EU Partner

The 2026 EU Presidency, Christodoulides stressed, is more than a symbolic leadership role—it is an opportunity for Cyprus to demonstrate its value as a dependable and proactive EU member state.

“Cyprus is not just a participant but a core contributor to the Union’s future—a reliable, results-driven partner that strengthens Europe with action, not just words,” he affirmed.

As preparations accelerate, Cyprus positions itself as a key player in shaping Europe’s trajectory, reinforcing its strategic importance and commitment to a stronger, more united European Union.

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FinTech’s Dominance In MENA: Three Strategic Drivers Behind Unyielding VC Success

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 11, 2025

Despite facing tightening global liquidity and macroeconomic headwinds, the FinTech sector continues to assert its leadership in the MENA region. In the first half of 2025, FinTech emerged as the most resilient and appealing arena for venture capital investments, proving its worth as a catalyst for financial innovation and inclusion.

Addressing Structural Financial Gaps

In many parts of MENA, a significant proportion of the population remains underbanked and underserved by traditional financial institutions. FinTech companies are uniquely positioned to address these persistent challenges by bridging critical access gaps and driving financial inclusion. With the proliferation of payment apps, digital wallets, and micro-lending platforms, investors have witnessed firsthand how these solutions pave the way for scalable growth and eventual exits. Early-stage momentum in the region is underscored by a doubling of pre-seed deals year-over-year, reinforcing the sector’s capacity for rapid innovation and sustainable expansion.

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Highly Scalable and Replicable Business Models

One of the key factors behind FinTech’s dominance is the inherent scalability of its business models. Once the necessary infrastructure and regulatory approvals are in place, these models have demonstrated robust performance across borders. The first half of 2025 saw a marked acceleration in deal activity, with payment solutions leading the charge with 28 deals in MENA—a significant increase over the previous year. Lending platforms, in particular, experienced a meteoric 500% year-over-year increase in funding, emerging as the fastest-growing subindustry. Such replicability makes FinTech an attractive proposition for investors seeking high-growth opportunities in diverse markets.

Supportive Regulatory And Government Backing

The strategic support offered by key government initiatives in the UAE and Saudi Arabia has been instrumental in propelling the FinTech sector forward. Progressive frameworks, such as the UAE’s open finance and digital asset directives, coupled with Saudi Arabia’s live-testing sandboxes, have materially lowered entry barriers for startups. These measures not only foster innovation but also streamline the path to commercialization. Consequently, the combined efforts of these regulatory bodies have enabled the UAE and Saudi Arabia to account for 86% of MENA’s total FinTech funding in H1 2025.

The resilience of FinTech in MENA is not merely a reflection of contemporary market trends—it signals a fundamental shift in the region’s economic fabric. With an unwavering commitment to addressing real financial challenges, scalable and replicable business practices, and robust regulatory support, FinTech is setting the benchmark for sustainable innovation. As capital markets become increasingly discerning, this sector stands out as a beacon of long-term growth and transformative impact.