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Cyprus’ Public Debt Falls: An Economic Breakthrough?

As of December 31, 2024, Cyprus achieved a noteworthy decline in its public debt, now standing at €20.92 billion—a reduction from €22.18 billion at the close of 2023. This data is sourced from the latest fiscal report by the Republic of Cyprus. The report, presented to both the Finance Minister Makis Keravnos and the Council of Ministers, offers an in-depth analysis of fiscal operations over the year.

Exclusions And Clarifications

It’s essential to note that the total debt figures exclude intergovernmental borrowing, which increased from €10.73 billion in 2023 to €12.03 billion in 2024.

Revenue And Expenditure Insights

Despite recording a deficit of €0.32 billion in 2024, improvements from a €0.45 billion deficit in 2023, Cyprus’ total revenues rose impressively to €9.57 billion from the previous year’s €8.72 billion. This increase was primarily driven by taxation, which contributed a significant 84%, equating to €8.06 billion of total revenues.

Personnel-related expenses and social benefits were among the largest expenditure categories, the latter also includes the government’s €0.77 billion contribution to the General Healthcare System (Gesy).

Social Impact And Transfers

Transfers, mainly involving grants and state contributions to various organizations, including EU-directed funds, accounted for €1.53 billion.

Overall, the financial report sheds light on a dynamic economic year for Cyprus—with significant implications for future fiscal strategies and economic health.

Cyprus Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.

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