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Cyprus Removed from EU’s Macroeconomic Imbalance List – What This Means

EU Lifts Cyprus from Macroeconomic Imbalance List

Breaking News: The European Commission’s 2025 Spring Package confirms that Cyprus is off the list of countries with macroeconomic imbalances. This achievement stems from a consistent decrease in external and private debt vulnerabilities, bolstered by solid economic growth.

Nevertheless, Cyprus still faces challenges in areas like innovation and the green transition. According to a senior EU official, “Economic growth in Cyprus remains robust despite a volatile global landscape.”

Major improvements include public finances showing substantial surpluses and a swiftly declining public debt. Diversification efforts in Cyprus’ economy are finally yielding positive outcomes, complemented by enhanced performance across United Nations sustainable development indicators.

Yet, ten predominant challenges have been identified by the commission, warning of risks tied to increasing public expenditures and slight deviations from the fiscal trajectory set for 2025. A glaring issue is research and innovation investment, which falls short compared to the EU average, presenting a need for enhanced collaboration among universities, the financial sector, and businesses.

The commission suggests the development of Cyprus’s financial system beyond banking and emphasizes the need to raise financial literacy levels.

Moreover, Cyprus must intensify its push towards cleaner energy. The nation’s current over-reliance on fossil fuels and imported energy leaves it vulnerable. High electricity costs for domestic usage, alongside low environmental performance, underline the urgency for these reforms.

Notably, Cyprus stands as a low investor in climate change adaptation when set against the EU norm. Using resources from the Recovery and Resilience Facility, Cyprus could address these critical areas swiftly.

Looking to the future, Cyprus is urged to enhance its labor market conditions. Youth engagement in vocational training and education in STEM fields need nurturing to tackle skill mismatches.

Though recent economic achievements mark progress for Cyprus, the commission stresses the importance of continued vigilance and reform to ensure lasting stability and prosperity.

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.

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