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Cyprus Secures €55 Million Investment for Research and National Growth

Strategic Financial Agreements Propel Innovation

Cyprus has taken a decisive leap in bolstering its research and development capabilities with two strategic financing agreements totaling €55 million. In a ceremony held at the Finance Ministry in Nicosia, Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, European Investment Bank (EIB) Vice President Kyriacos Kakouris, and CING Chief Executive Leonidas Phylactou underscored the power of enduring partnerships. The agreements, which include €5 million for the construction of a new CING research building and €50 million for the Thalia 2021–2027 programme, highlight a shared commitment to national development and sustainable growth.

Boosting Research Infrastructure and Advanced Care

The first agreement, infusing an additional €5 million into the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics (CING), raises the total EIB support for the institute to €31 million. This initiative, underpinned by a state guarantee and supplementary grant adjustments, will finance the construction of a new building designed to house pioneering research and development projects. As Finance Minister Keravnos noted, this investment is poised to enhance the nation’s research capacity and elevate Cyprus’ performance in global biomedical indicators. Kakouris highlighted the tangible benefits of the project, including advanced patient care and enriched opportunities for scientific research.

Driving Economic Growth Through Cohesion

The second agreement earmarks €50 million for the Thalia 2021–2027 programme—a cornerstone of the EU cohesion policy in Cyprus. This initiative is forecast to contribute a 5.9% increase in the country’s GDP and generate approximately 8,500 jobs by 2029. Vice President Kakouris emphasized the transformative nature of projects under the Thalia programme, which span from energy management and digital public services to modernizing educational and research infrastructures. These investments are central to the government’s mission to foster a smarter, greener, and more equitable Cyprus.

Strengthening International Ties and Future Prospects

During the ceremony, Minister Keravnos praised the longstanding relationship between Cyprus and the EIB, built on shared values and mutual trust. He also acknowledged Vice President Kakouris’ contributions, noting that his efforts have not only benefitted Cyprus but have also set a precedent for representation by small states at the European Investment Bank. Additionally, CING’s expansion will soon welcome six new research teams, further cementing the country’s position as a hub for biomedical innovation, job creation, and international scientific collaboration.

Conclusion: A Blueprint for Resilient Growth

This dual-faceted investment marks a significant milestone for Cyprus as it cultivates a resilient and sustainable future. With enhanced research infrastructure, robust economic growth, and a commitment to public well-being, Cyprus is poised to become a leading centre for innovation and development in the region.

EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.

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