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Cyprus RIF Deploys €18M Funding Program To Empower Private Sector Competitiveness

Introduction

The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve), in its role as coordinator for the Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus, has announced that the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) is extending substantial funding opportunities to the private sector. This initiative underscores Cyprus’s commitment to advancing research, innovation, and competitiveness across industries.

Investing In The Future

As a pivotal component of Cyprus’s research and innovation ecosystem, the RIF has unveiled a series of funding programmes backed by a total budget of €18,015,000. These programmes are designed to enhance competitiveness, promote international market engagement, and stimulate groundbreaking innovation that can drive businesses on a global scale.

Strategic Information Sessions

To ensure that the business community is well informed, the RIF is organizing a series of personalized information sessions across all districts. A designated RIF officer will be available at the Keve offices from 08:00 to 15:00 on specific dates, including 4 and 18 September, 2, 16 and 30 October, 13 and 27 November, and 11 December. These sessions are set up by prior appointment, guaranteeing that each company receives tailored guidance and can gain direct access to critical funding details.

Driving Competitiveness Through Support

These one-on-one meetings are structured to provide comprehensive support to company representatives, ensuring they have all the information required to capitalize on these funding opportunities. By fostering an environment of direct communication and expert advice, the RIF is proactively strengthening the bridge between innovative research and practical business applications.

Conclusion

With this targeted funding initiative, Cyprus is strategically positioning its private sector for enhanced global competitiveness. The structured outreach and personalized support provided through these sessions are poised to unlock significant growth opportunities, marking a decisive step forward in the nation’s innovation agenda.

Cyprus Government’s Economic Policy: A Blueprint for Growth and Stability

Strong Budgetary Outlook for 2026

The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, announced positive outcomes from the government’s policy initiatives during an afternoon session of the Cabinet Council held at the Presidential Mansion. The focal point of the meeting was the 2026 state budget, heralded as a symbol of economic strength and forward-looking development.

A Robust and Surplus Budget

At the outset, President Christodoulidis highlighted the importance of maintaining a dynamic economy—a priority among the government’s top five strategic objectives. The newly presented budget is not only surplus but also grounded in stability, offering a blend of social and developmental mandates. This financial blueprint underscores the government’s unwavering commitment to strategic investments and sustainable growth.

Enhanced Social and Developmental Investments

Significant increases are planned in both developmental spending and social policy allocations. Notably, developmental expenditures are set to rise by 4.7% in addition to the 4% increase recorded in the 2025 budget. Social services, which saw a 5.3% boost in the previous year, are slated for a further 6.7% increase. Such measures are indicative of a policy designed to balance fiscal discipline with impactful public spending.

Reduction in Public Debt

One of the key highlights of the session was the projected decline in public debt. The debt-to-GDP ratio is expected to decrease from 73.6% in 2023, when the current administration assumed office, to 52.9% by 2026—placing Cyprus among the low-debt economies within the Eurozone. This significant reduction demonstrates prudent fiscal management and augurs well for long-term economic stability.

Strategic Focus on Education, Health, and Transformation

President Christodoulidis reiterated the government’s prioritization of sectors critical to national development. Investments in education, healthcare, and social welfare are being bolstered alongside initiatives for digital transformation and the green transition. Projections for 2026 include a growth rate of 3.1% and an unemployment rate maintained below 5%, approximately at 4.6%. Such targets reflect a resilient and balanced approach in the face of global uncertainties.

A Commitment to Responsible Governance

Drawing comparisons with economic conditions in major Eurozone countries and acknowledging Cyprus’s unique geopolitical challenges, the President emphasized that these results are a testament to responsible economic policy. The administration’s clear mandate remains: to act in the best interests of the Cypriot people, ensuring that responsible governance prevails without resorting to experimentation.

Looking Ahead

Concluding the address, President Christodoulidis affirmed that the government would persist in delivering results with the same sense of accountability. The approved 2026 budget marks the third fiscal plan under the current administration, underscoring a consistent commitment to transparency, fiscal prudence, and strategic development.

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