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Cyta Powers Ahead: Over €400M In Revenue, 5G Supremacy, And Bold Digital Investments

Cyta, the leading telecommunications authority in Cyprus, reported revenues of €415 million and an expected pre-tax profit of €59 million for 2024, according to Chairwoman Maria Tsiakka. Speaking at a House finance committee meeting on the 2025 budget, Tsiakka emphasized that Cyta’s financial strength and strategic investments are not just impressive figures—they’re critical to Cyprus’ economic future.

Financial Strength And National Impact

Since 2000, Cyta has funneled over €1.27 billion back to the state—€914 million in dividends and €359 million in taxes. “This contribution is not just numbers, it is an investment for Cyprus and its citizens,” Tsiakka noted. More than a public service, Cyta is a modern telecommunications powerhouse, ensuring that every person, business, and community across the island has equal access to cutting-edge technology.

Leading The Digital Revolution

A standout achievement in 2024 was the completion of transformative infrastructure projects that have vaulted Cyprus to the forefront of digital connectivity. Thanks to significant investments in satellite and undersea infrastructure, Cyprus has soared from 17th to the top spot in Europe for 5G network coverage. Strategic moves, including a deal to extend the BlueMed cable to its Yeroskipou landfall station, have reinforced Cyprus’ reputation as a reliable telecommunications hub in the eastern Mediterranean.

Investing In The Future

Looking ahead, Cyta has earmarked €108 million for its 2025 development budget, focusing on cementing its leadership in digital infrastructure. Its primary goal? Achieving full optical fiber coverage across Cyprus, making it the first EU country to reach 100% connectivity—even in remote mountainous regions, with upgrades set for completion by the end of 2025. In parallel, Cyta is overhauling its data centers, including constructing a groundbreaking, internationally certified green data center poised to attract both local and global clients, all while championing energy independence and reducing environmental impact.

Political Endorsements And Ongoing Debates

Cyta’s performance has garnered robust political support. Akel MP Andreas Kafkalias praised the organization for its vital contributions to public coffers, arguing that its success effectively counters the call for privatization. Dipa MP Alekos Tryfonides echoed this sentiment, lauding the expansion of 5G coverage and enhanced international connectivity. However, concerns persist over the transparency of Cyta’s pension fund investments and the recruitment of 50 private-sector executives, with critics warning that these moves must not compromise the public character of this key institution.

In a rapidly digitalizing world, Cyta stands out as a modern, competitive public entity driving Cyprus’s economic growth and technological advancement.

Cyprus Construction Trends: Permit Count Slips While Value and Scale Surge in 2025

The Cyprus Statistical Service (Cystat) has reported a notable shift in the construction landscape for 2025. The latest figures reveal a modest 1.9% decline in building permits issued in March compared to the same month last year, signaling a nuanced trend in the nation’s developmental activities.

Permit Count Decline in March

In March 2025, authorities authorised 572 building permits—down from 583 in March 2024. The permits, which total a value of €361.5 million and cover 296,900 square metres of construction, underscore a cautious pace in permit approval despite ongoing projects. Notably, these permits are set to facilitate the construction of 1,480 dwelling units, reflecting an underlying demand in the housing sector.

Q1 2025: Growth in Value, Construction Area, and Dwelling Units

While the number of permits in the first quarter (January to March) decreased by 15.8% from 1,876 to 1,580, more significant, economically relevant metrics saw robust growth. Total permit value surged by 21.7%, and the authorised construction area expanded by 15.6%. Additionally, the number of prospective dwelling units increased by 16.7% compared to the corresponding period last year. This divergence suggests that although fewer permits were issued, the scale and ambition of the approved projects have intensified.

New Regulatory Framework and the Ippodamos System

Since 1 July 2024, a pivotal transition has taken place in permit administration. The responsibility for issuing permits has moved from municipalities and district administration offices to the newly established local government organisations (EOAs). The integrated information system, Ippodamos, now oversees the licensing process, streamlining data collection on both residential and non-residential projects across urban and rural areas.

Comprehensive Data Collection for Enhanced Oversight

The Ippodamos system categorises construction projects using the EU Classification of Types of Construction (CC). This platform gathers extensive data on the number of permits authorised, project area and value, and the expected number of dwelling units. It covers a broad spectrum of construction activities—from new builds and civil engineering projects to plot divisions and road construction—while excluding renewals and building divisions. The thoroughness of this new regulatory structure promises greater operational transparency and more informed decision-making for policymakers and industry stakeholders.

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