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Cyprus Unemployment Drops To 4.0% In Q4 2025 As Workforce Participation Rises

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 1, 2026

The unemployment rate in Cyprus fell to 4.0% in the fourth quarter of 2025, according to data from the Cyprus Statistical Service. This compares with 4.5% in the corresponding quarter of 2024 and 4.1% in Q3 2025, reflecting continued improvement alongside growth in both employment and labour force participation.

Robust Growth In The Workforce

The Labour Force Survey shows that the labour force expanded to 531,062 individuals, representing 65.2% of the population, up from 518,053 individuals (64.3%) a year earlier. Participation rates reached 70.3% for men and 60.4% for women, indicating stronger overall engagement in the labour market.

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Employment Trends And Sector Performance

Total employment rose to 509,773 people, lifting the employment rate to 62.6% from 61.4% in Q4 2024. Employment among men reached 67.6%, while women recorded 57.9%. Within the 20–64 age group, the employment rate increased to 81.7% from 80.2% a year earlier, with rates standing at 86.2% for men and 77.4% for women. Employment among those aged 55–64 also improved, rising to 71.7% compared with 69.9% in the previous year.

Sectoral Composition Of Employment

The services sector remained the dominant employer, accounting for 81.3% of total employment. Industry represented 16.5%, while agriculture accounted for 2.2%, with sector shares largely unchanged from 2024.

Part-Time And Temporary Employment Dynamics

Part-time employment represented 8.6% of the workforce, or 43,703 individuals, slightly down from 8.8% a year earlier. The share remained higher among women (10.4%) than men (6.9%).

Employees accounted for 90.2% of all employed persons, totaling 460,003 individuals. Among them, 14.8% were working under temporary contracts, up from 13.6% in the previous year, indicating a moderate increase in flexible employment arrangements.

Shifting Landscape In Unemployment

The number of unemployed declined to 21,289 from 23,454 in Q4 2024. However, youth unemployment among individuals aged 15–24 increased to 14.7% from 9.6% a year earlier.

At the same time, long-term unemployment continued to ease, falling to 18.3% from 25.4%, while 66.6% of unemployed persons reported searching for work for less than six months.

Outlook

The latest figures point to a labour market that continues to strengthen overall, supported by higher employment and labour force participation. At the same time, rising youth unemployment highlights a segment that may require closer policy attention going forward.

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Lithuania And Cyprus Forge Enhanced Partnership In Tourism And Defence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 22, 2026

Expanding Cooperation Beyond The Surface

Kristupas Vaitiekūnas highlighted opportunities for closer cooperation between Lithuania and Cyprus during his visit to Nicosia for the informal ECOFIN meeting. Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency, the Lithuanian finance minister said both countries share common challenges and could expand collaboration in areas including tourism, defence and financial services.

Addressing Shared Challenges

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said Lithuania and Cyprus face similar security and economic pressures despite their geographic differences. Particular attention was given to emerging security threats, including drone-related risks, alongside the importance of maintaining resilient financial sectors. According to Vaitiekūnas, stronger coordination in those areas could deliver long-term economic and strategic benefits for both countries.

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Focus On Fiscal Stability And Energy Security

Discussions at the ECOFIN meeting are expected to focus on Europe’s economic outlook, energy market volatility and fiscal stability. Kristupas Vaitiekūnas warned that instability in the Middle East could continue affecting oil markets and broader economic performance across Europe. Housing affordability was also identified as a growing challenge, with rising property prices in cities such as Vilnius reflecting broader pressures seen across European markets.

Coordinated Energy Strategy And Future Investments

The Lithuanian finance minister also called for a more coordinated European approach to energy and economic resilience. Vaitiekūnas suggested that targeted and temporary policy measures could prove more effective than large-scale structural reforms in addressing short-term pressures. Lithuania continues to increase investment in renewable energy generation and storage infrastructure as part of efforts to strengthen energy independence and begin producing surplus electricity by 2028.

Support For Ukraine And Enhancing Defence Funding

Finance Minister Kristupas Vaitiekūnas reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Ukraine, describing the war as a broader struggle tied to European security and democratic values. He also backed accelerating Ukraine’s accession process to the European Union, arguing that deeper integration would strengthen regional stability and economic prosperity. Vaitiekūnas welcomed the EU’s SAFE programme, which is expected to support Lithuania’s defence capabilities while contributing additional assistance to Ukraine.

Looking Ahead To A More Unified Europe

Addressing the European Union’s future budget framework, Kristupas Vaitiekūnas said increased funding for security and defence represented a positive development. At the same time, he warned that reductions in cohesion funding and agricultural support could negatively affect purchasing power and long-term European unity. Lithuania is expected to place continued emphasis on Ukraine and regional security ahead of its upcoming EU Council Presidency in early 2027.