Cyprus’ Young Entrepreneurs Set Record as Stelios Awards Funding Doubles

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 10, 2025

Record-Breaking Application Numbers

This year, Cyprus witnessed a landmark moment for its entrepreneurial community as 77 applications were submitted for the Stelios Awards for Young Entrepreneurs, marking the highest participation to date. The unprecedented interest underscores the drive and ambition of the nation’s emerging business leaders.

Enhanced Prize Structure for Higher Impact

The awards have evolved notably, with the prize fund now doubled to €200,000. The funding distribution is clear and motivating: €100,000 for first place, €60,000 for second, and €40,000 for third. These incentives, directly funded by Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou—founder of the easy brand family and the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation—promise to empower innovative ideas and catalyze growth in the start-up ecosystem.

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A Platform for Innovation and Growth

Celebrating its third consecutive year in Cyprus, the competition is recognized as a premier stage for young entrepreneurs to showcase their creativity and solid business acumen. Eligibility is reserved for individuals under 34 who have founded a company in Cyprus within the past five years and achieved an annual turnover of at least €40,000. Interviews with selected candidates will commence online, culminating in a highly anticipated awards ceremony on October 7, graced by the presence of the First Lady, Philippa Karsera-Christodoulides.

Broad-Spectrum Philanthropy and Community Impact

Beyond the entrepreneurial accolades, the Stelios Philanthropic Foundation continues to extend its support across several countries, including Cyprus, Greece, the UK, Ireland, Monaco, and France. The Foundation’s initiatives, such as the Bi-Communal Business Cooperation Awards, the Youth Entrepreneurship Awards, and the ‘Food from the Heart’ program, are testament to its commitment to social responsibility. Financial aid to vulnerable groups, disaster relief, and university scholarships further highlight its multifaceted mission to drive positive change.

Looking Ahead

The outcome of this record-setting year is poised to influence the entrepreneurial landscape in Cyprus significantly. As the new generation of business leaders gears up to transform innovative concepts into tangible realities, the Stelios Awards stand as a critical catalyst for progress and economic dynamism in the region.

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Central Bank Of Cyprus Balance Sheet Reflects Strong Eurosystem Position

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 17, 2026

Overview Of Financial Stability

The Central Bank of Cyprus (CBC) has released its latest balance sheet, reaffirming its steadfast role within the Eurosystem. The balance sheet, featuring total assets and liabilities of €29.545 billion, underscores the institution’s stable financial posture at the close of January 2026.

Asset Allocation And Strategic Holdings

Governor Christodoulos Patsalides issued the balance sheet, which details the CBC’s asset composition under the Eurosystem framework. Notably, the bank’s gold and gold receivables amounted to €1.635 billion, providing a significant hedge and stability to its balance sheet. Additional asset categories include claims on non-euro area residents denominated in foreign currency at €1.099 billion, while claims on euro area residents in both foreign and domestic currency add further depth to its portfolio.

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The most substantial asset category, intra-Eurosystem claims, reached €19.438 billion, an indication of the CBC’s deep integration with its European counterparts. Furthermore, euro-denominated securities held by euro area residents contributed €6.587 billion. Despite a marked emphasis on these areas, lending to euro area credit institutions in monetary policy operations recorded no activity during the period.

Liability Structure And Monetary Policy Implications

On the liabilities side, banknotes in circulation contributed €3.218 billion. Liabilities to euro area credit institutions associated with monetary policy operations were notably the largest single category, totaling €17.636 billion. Supplementary liabilities included those to other euro area residents, which aggregated to €4.989 billion, with government liabilities playing a predominant role at €4.754 billion.

Other liability items, such as claims related to special drawing rights allocated by the International Monetary Fund at €494.193 million, and provisions of €596.571 million, further articulate the CBC’s exposure. Revaluation accounts stood at €1.643 billion, and overall capital and reserves were confirmed at €333.822 million, completing the picture of a well-capitalized institution.

Conclusive Insights And Strategic Alignment

The detailed breakdown illustrates the CBC’s sizeable intra-Eurosystem exposures, reinforcing its central role within Europe’s monetary landscape. With an asset-liability balance maintained at €29.545 billion, the CBC’s financial position remains robust, indicating a commitment to structural stability and strategic risk management.

This fiscal disclosure not only provides transparency into the CBC’s operations but also serves as a benchmark for comparative analysis among other central banks within the Eurosystem, highlighting the intricate balance between asset liquidity, regulatory oversight, and monetary policy imperatives.

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