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Cyprus President Outlines Strategic Business Agenda Amid EU Presidency

In a decisive address at the Eurochambres presidency meeting hosted by the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEVE) in Nicosia, President Nikos Christodoulides outlined an ambitious blueprint for business, trade, and competitiveness. Speaking before a distinguished audience representing over 1,700 local chambers throughout the European Union, he linked Cyprus’s strategic priorities directly with the broader interests of European businesses, particularly as Cyprus embarks on its Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Forging a Robust Partnership With Business Leaders

President Christodoulides emphasized that forging close ties with the business community is essential at this critical juncture. “Your presence here, especially just weeks after assuming the EU Council Presidency, signifies our commitment to reinforcing a dynamic and competitive Europe,” he asserted. He described Eurochambres, which encapsulates more than 20 million companies, as the leading institutional partner underpinning the economic direction of the EU.

Pioneering Strategic Trade Initiatives

Turning his focus to trade and investment, the President announced a high-profile visit to India scheduled for May. This engagement, featuring key economic hubs such as New Delhi and Mumbai, is designed to solidify Cyprus’s position as a vital link between India and the EU. “The Prime Minister of India’s invitation marks a pivotal development,” he remarked. The visit will include a dedicated business delegation and an organized forum aimed at enhancing commercial relations, further underscoring Cyprus’s strategic importance as an entry point to the EU’s single market of 450 million consumers.

Enhancing Competitiveness in an Unstable Global Landscape

Against the backdrop of global uncertainty, President Christodoulides reinforced the notion that economic strength must be paired with geopolitical clout. He noted that recent events, including the challenges stemming from the conflict in Ukraine, have underscored the imperative of stable and reliable policies. Emphasizing that “economic strength is inseparable from geopolitical relevance,” he advocated for regulatory reforms designed to reduce administrative burdens and streamline processes through measures like the Omnibus Simplification Packages.

Expanding Regional Engagement and Resilience

The President also spotlighted the strategic significance of the EU’s southeastern neighborhood and the Gulf region, noting recent diplomatic and economic initiatives, including engagements in Bahrain. “Our focus on this region is vital because it directly impacts Europe’s long-term security and prosperity,” he explained. He also showcased Cyprus’ robust economic performance—achieving one of the highest growth rates in the eurozone, significant improvements in unemployment figures, and enhanced public finances—as a testament to the nation’s reform momentum and resilience.

Commitment To Delivering European Success

Concluding his address, President Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’s dedication to a proactive and confident European agenda. “Our Presidency is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to deliver enduring value for Europe and its citizens,” he declared. By linking internal reforms with broader European ambitions, he positioned Cyprus as a beacon of economic success and resilience in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Cyprus Food Costs In Focus: Which Products Exceed EU Averages?

Food prices in Cyprus continue to vary significantly by category, according to Eurostat data for 2025. While some everyday products remain more expensive than the European Union average, others are priced more competitively, highlighting notable differences across the country’s grocery basket.

Dairy Remains One Of The Costliest Categories

Among the categories surveyed, milk, cheese, and eggs remain the most expensive relative to the EU average. Cyprus recorded a price index of 127.1, compared with the EU benchmark of 99.9, placing prices nearly 29% higher than the bloc average.

Only a handful of countries reported similar levels, including Greece at 129.9 and Bulgaria at 126.2. By contrast, several large European markets remained below or close to the EU average, including Spain (95.3), Poland (92.7), Germany (96.1), the Czech Republic (97.2), the Netherlands (99.3), and Belgium (100.3).

Oils And Fats Also Rank Above Average

A similar trend can be seen in oils and fats. Cyprus posted a price index of 113.4, exceeding the EU average of 98.9 by more than 14%. Price differences across Europe remain substantial. Spain recorded the lowest index at 73.2, while Latvia ranked highest at 145.1. Estonia also reported elevated prices at 127.2, whereas Greece stood at 107.5, Poland at 94.3, and Portugal at 95.9.

Bread And Cereals Are Close To The European Average

Prices for bread and cereals remain broadly aligned with European levels. Cyprus recorded an index of 104.2, only slightly above the EU average of 103.3.

Across the bloc, however, differences remain pronounced. Bulgaria reported an index of 81.4, while Denmark reached 136.1. Luxembourg stood at 128.8 and Austria at 120.4, compared with 89.9 in the Netherlands, 94.0 in Spain, 88.9 in Poland, and 87.1 in the Czech Republic. Greece recorded the same level as Cyprus at 104.2.

Produce Offers Clearer Value

Fresh produce remains one of the areas where Cyprus compares more favourably with the rest of Europe.

In the fruit and nuts category, the country’s price index reached 95.0, below the EU average of 104.2. Cyprus therefore, ranks among the more affordable markets, particularly when compared with Luxembourg (124.3), France (125.1), Germany (107.7), and Italy (107.2). Lower prices were recorded in Slovenia (83.4) and Greece (84.9).

Vegetables follow a similar pattern. Cyprus posted an index of 90.6 against an EU average of 101.9. Comparable figures include 93.3 in Croatia, 101.4 in Portugal, 103.2 in Lithuania, 89.8 in Slovenia, 93.2 in Greece, 100.1 in Italy, and 103.1 in Germany.

Meat Is Cheaper, While Fish Sits Near The Average

Meat prices in Cyprus remain well below the European average. The category recorded an index of 85.5, compared with 106.0 across the EU. Several neighbouring and European markets reported higher levels, including Greece at 95.2, Germany at 112.3, and Luxembourg at 137.0. Portugal was closer to Cyprus at 87.9.

Fish prices, meanwhile, remain broadly in line with the European benchmark. Cyprus recorded an index of 103.2, compared with an EU average of 100.7. Greece stood at 112.7, Denmark at 103.5, Austria at 123.5, and Portugal at 95.4.

What The Wider European Picture Shows

The broader European landscape reveals significant differences between member states. Denmark ranks among the most expensive countries across several food categories, while Poland frequently appears among the most affordable. Spain recorded the lowest prices for oils and fats, while Romania reported the lowest price levels for both fruit and nuts and vegetables.

For Cyprus, the data point to a mixed picture rather than a consistent pricing trend. Dairy products and oils remain comparatively expensive, while fruit, vegetables, and meat are generally more affordable relative to the European average. The figures illustrate how food inflation and pricing pressures continue to affect product categories differently across both Cyprus and the wider European market.

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