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Cyprus President Outlines Strategic Steps To Address Energy Crisis And Cyprus Resolution

The Cyprus government is preparing additional measures to address rising energy costs, with spending already exceeding €100 million, President Nikos Christodoulidis said. Announcements are expected later this week. Comments were made during a press briefing that also covered developments related to the Cyprus issue. The government is managing both economic and political priorities.

Government Measures To Combat The Energy Crisis

The President said more than €100 million has already been allocated to support households and businesses facing higher energy prices. Additional measures are under preparation. Ongoing discussions involve the Ministry of Finance, with further support under consideration. The government is expected to present new steps in a public address.

Dialogue With The United Nations

The President referred to recent developments following the National Council meeting, noting that some confidential discussions had become public. He said the disclosures raised concerns about the handling of sensitive information. António Guterres is expected to submit a framework for a Cyprus settlement before the end of his term. According to the President, recent discussions with the United Nations were productive.

Economic Initiatives To Curb Price Increases

Efforts are focused on limiting the impact of energy costs on households and businesses. Measures include financial support and policy actions aimed at stabilizing prices. Further details are expected in the coming days, as the government prepares additional announcements.

Eurobank Launches First UPI Cross-Border Payment From Greece To India

Eurobank has launched its first cross-border payment from Greece to India through the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), marking a new step in the bank’s international expansion and its strategy to strengthen financial ties between Europe and India.

The transaction, completed in cooperation with NPCI International, follows the launch of Eurobank’s new payment service. The inaugural payment was made in the presence of India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal, Eurobank Chief Executive Fokion Karavias and senior executives from NPCI International.

A Strategic Bet On India’s Digital Payments Ecosystem

According to Eleftherios Vlachogiannis, Eurobank’s head of transaction banking, the service currently supports outgoing payments by Indian citizens living in Greece to recipients in India, representing the first phase of a broader collaboration with NPCI International.

UPI is operated by NPCI International. By integrating the system into its e-banking platform and mobile app, Eurobank enables customers to make real-time transfers.

“The most important aspect is the philosophy behind the initiative,” Vlachogiannis said. “Instead of creating another closed payment system, we are integrating mature and internationally recognised payment ecosystems into the bank’s services so customers enjoy a simple, secure and modern transaction experience.”

He added: “Innovation creates value when it delivers a genuine benefit for the customer.”

Building A Financial Bridge Between Europe And India

The UPI launch follows Eurobank’s opening of a representative office in Mumbai, making it the first Greek and Cypriot bank with a physical presence in India. The bank has also expanded its presence through the India-Greece-Cyprus Business and Investment Council, a technology centre in Pune and partnerships with Indian institutions.

Vlachogiannis said India’s economic growth and closer ties with the European Union support the bank’s long-term strategy. He also pointed to progress in negotiations on the EU-India Free Trade Agreement.

Mumbai Office Serves As A Regional Business Hub

Eurobank’s Mumbai office supports businesses seeking to establish operations between India, Greece, Cyprus and the wider European market. It provides access to banking services, business networks and market support.

For Greek companies expanding into India, the bank offers international payments, foreign exchange management, trade finance and supply chain finance. Indian businesses investing in Greece, Cyprus or elsewhere in the European Union can also access financing and corporate banking services through Eurobank.

Aiming To Strengthen The India-Europe Corridor

Looking ahead, Eurobank said it will continue investing in technology, international payments, trade finance and partnerships with Indian organisations.

“Our ambition is to act not only as a banking services provider but also as a strategic partner for businesses and investors seeking to benefit from the opportunities created by this dynamic market,” Vlachogiannis said.

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