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Cyprus Set To Propel Its Space Ambitions With First Homegrown Satellite Launch

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 7, 2025

Cyprus is gearing up for a landmark achievement with the planned launch in 2026 of its first domestically developed satellite. Spearheaded by Dimitris Skouridis, Chief Scientist and President of the Foundation for Research and Innovation (ΙΔΕΚ), this ambitious project benefits from the support of both NASA and COSPAR, the global space research organization. This milestone not only underscores Cyprus’ technological progress, but also signals a bold entrance into the international space arena.

International Collaboration And Prestigious Conferences

Dimitris Skouridis inaugurated the sixth global COSPAR conference, “Exploration Of Space 2025: Humanity’s Challenges And Celestial Solutions,” held in Nicosia from November 3 to 7, 2025. The event, organized under the aegis of his office and with the Foundation for Research and Innovation as a major national sponsor, brought together ambassadors, over 40 representatives from international space agencies, leading astronauts, and prominent industry figures including Niklas Hedman, the newly appointed Chief Executive of COSPAR, former deputy director at UNOOSA; John G. Reed of United Launch Alliance; and Jean-Yves Le Gall, former CEO of Arianespace.

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Building A National Space Infrastructure

Among the significant initiatives is the establishment of the Cyprus Space Research and Innovation Center (C-SpaRC), described by Skouridis as a cornerstone in advancing national scientific capabilities. With a budget of €2.5 million financed by ΙΔΕΚ, this state-of-the-art facility is managed by the Cyprus Space Exploration Organization (CSEO) and benefits from collaborative ties with NASA’s TRISH, Lockheed Martin, the Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory, and leading Cypriot research institutions. The C-SpaRC’s ultramodern facilities are set to streamline prototype development, production, and space testing, positioning Cyprus as a key participant in European and global space missions.

Enhancing Cyprus’ Regional And Global Influence

Skouridis also highlighted the strategic importance of Cyprus’ integration into the European Space Agency (ESA) as an associate member, along with the nation’s recent signing of the Artemis agreements with NASA in 2024. These developments fortify Cyprus’ role in international space exploration and collaborative research.

Resounding Endorsements And Future Prospects

The conference opened with remarks from George Danos, President of the Cyprus Space Exploration Organization (CSEO), and included addresses by influential figures such as Professor Pascale Ehrenfreund, President of COSPAR, who heralded the event as the beginning of an exciting week of scientific exchange focused on harnessing space observation for global climate research ahead of COP13 in Brazil.

Additional endorsements came from key government representatives and industry leaders. George Komodromos, Deputy Director General of the Undersecretary of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy on behalf of the President of the Republic, pointed to the rapid evolution of Cyprus’ national space ecosystem. Dr. Eric Smith, Director of Optical Detection and Exploitation at Lockheed Martin Space, emphasized the long-standing collaboration between the private and academic sectors, while Marios Tannousis, CEO of Invest Cyprus, reiterated the nation’s commitment to fostering a robust international space network.

A New Era In Space Research

As Cyprus embarks on this exciting journey toward launching its first homegrown satellite, the strategic initiatives and international partnerships being forged promise to elevate the country on the global stage. With expertise spanning government, industry, and academia, Cyprus is poised to become a significant hub for space research, innovation, and crisis management solutions in the Mediterranean region.

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Cyprus Records EU’s Largest Quarterly Drop In Public Debt Ratio

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 21, 2026

Cyprus recorded the European Union’s largest quarterly decline in government debt as a share of GDP in the second quarter of 2026, as its debt burden continued to fall while borrowing levels across the bloc increased, according to Eurostat.

Debt Ratio Falls To 48.5%

Cyprus’ government debt fell to 48.5% of GDP at the end of June, down from 51.5% in the first quarter and 58.1% a year earlier.

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In absolute terms, debt declined to €19.2 billion from €20.03 billion at the end of March and €21.7 billion in June 2025. Cyprus also recorded the EU’s second-largest annual reduction in its debt-to-GDP ratio, after Greece.

Cyprus Outpaces Other EU Member States

Greece recorded the largest annual decline, at 11.2 percentage points, followed by Cyprus at 9.5 points, Slovenia at 4.5 points and Portugal at 3.4 points.

Quarterly, Cyprus led the bloc, ahead of Greece, where the ratio fell by 2.7 percentage points, and Hungary, which recorded a 2-point decline.

By contrast, the EU’s debt-to-GDP ratio increased to 82.9% in the second quarter from 82.5% in the first. The euro area ratio rose to 88.8% from 88.4%. Compared with the same period in 2025, the figures increased from 81.4% and 87.3%, respectively.

Debt Levels Remain High Across Europe

Greece had the EU’s highest debt ratio at the end of June, at 140.8% of GDP, followed by Italy at 139.9%, France at 119.1%, Belgium at 110.2% and Spain at 101.4%.

The lowest ratios were recorded in Estonia at 26.1%, Denmark at 27.1%, Luxembourg at 28.2% and Bulgaria at 28.7%.

Compared with the first quarter, debt ratios rose in 15 member states and fell in 10, while the Netherlands and Spain remained unchanged. Poland recorded the largest quarterly increase, at 3 percentage points.

Cyprus Maintains A Government Surplus

Cyprus’ debt reduction comes alongside a strong fiscal position. In 2025, the country recorded a government surplus of 3.6% of GDP, the highest in the EU, according to audited figures published by Cystat and Eurostat. Government debt at the end of that year stood at €20.05 billion, or 52.3% of GDP.

However, Cyprus’ seasonally adjusted government surplus narrowed to 3.3% of GDP in the second quarter of 2026, from 3.8% in the first quarter.

The figures come from Eurostat’s latest government deficit and debt release, based on member states’ second 2026 notifications under the EU’s Excessive Deficit Procedure and compiled under the European System of Accounts 2010 methodology.