Cyprus Trade Dynamics: Balancing Export Growth Against Import Surge

by News Editor

April 10, 2025

The initial months of 2025 signal a complex economic landscape for Cyprus, driven by robust export performance but overshadowed by a more pronounced rise in imports. According to recent data from the Cyprus Statistical Service, the nation’s trade deficit experienced an increase of €102.7 million, reaching a total of €1.24 billion.

Exports On The Rise

Cyprus saw its goods exports climb by a substantial 55.9%, totaling €913.3 million, thanks to strengthening market presence. February 2025 itself showcased a notable export figure of €476.4 million, representing a 73.8% jump from February 2024.

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Import Surge Expands Deficit

Despite the encouraging export growth, imports surged even higher, growing by 24.8% and reaching €2,160.7 million. The month of February alone witnessed an import volume of €1,027.2 million, marking an 18.9% year-on-year increase.

Diversified Trade: EU And Beyond

EU trade reveals intriguing dynamics with imports from EU members at €560.8 million and third-country imports considerably higher at €466.4 million. February’s export distribution includes €117.4 million to EU partners and €359.0 million to non-EU countries.

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Digital Euro Moves Forward In EU Push For Payment Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

April 28, 2026

Strengthening Strategic Autonomy

At an event held at the House of the Euro in Brussels on April 22, central bank officials discussed the role of a digital euro in strengthening the European Union’s financial independence. Participants included Stelios Georgakis, Payments Supervision Director at the Central Bank of Cyprus, and Joachim Nagel, President of the Deutsche Bundesbank.

Redefining Central Bank Role In A Digital Era

Nagel stated that the digital euro is no longer viewed solely as a technical development but also as part of a broader policy direction. He emphasized the need to strengthen Europe’s payment infrastructure to ensure resilience and independence. The digital euro is intended to complement cash rather than replace it, maintaining the role of central bank money in a more digital financial system.

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Reducing Dependence On Non-European Infrastructure

According to Nagel, around two-thirds of card payments in Europe currently rely on non-European systems. This reliance is seen as a structural vulnerability. A digital euro could help reduce this dependency by supporting a more integrated and locally controlled payments framework.

Legislative Roadmap And Timeline

Looking ahead, Nagel expressed a strong optimism regarding the legislative process, suggesting that completion could occur by year‑end. This progress may set the stage for the first issuance of the digital euro as early as 2029, in alignment with Europe’s broader ambitions for financial resilience and technological advancement.

Comprehensive Payments Strategy

During the discussion, Georgakis outlined the European Central Bank’s approach to payments. The strategy combines retail and wholesale systems, including instant payments, a digital euro, and infrastructure based on distributed ledger technology. Improving cross-border payment efficiency remains a key objective.

Transforming Europe’s Financial Landscape

The discussion reflected alignment between central banks, policymakers, and other stakeholders on the direction of Europe’s payment systems. Development of a digital euro is positioned as part of a broader effort to strengthen financial infrastructure, support economic resilience, and maintain the euro’s role in a changing global environment.

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