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DBRS Morningstar Elevates Cyprus’s Credit Rating, Bolstering Economic Confidence

Robust Fiscal Recovery Propels Cyprus’s Rating Upgrade

The internationally respected ratings firm DBRS Morningstar has raised Cyprus’s sovereign credit rating from ‘A(Low)’ to ‘A’, while adjusting its outlook from ‘positive’ to ‘stable’. The upgrade reflects the island’s rapid public debt reduction and strong economic indicators, with expectations that further improvements will continue in the coming years.

Fiscal Discipline and Debt Reduction

Recent fiscal data reveals a significant decline in the general government debt as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), dropping from 96.5% in December 2021 to 64.3% by March 2025. This reduction is attributed to substantial fiscal surpluses and robust nominal GDP growth driven by strong domestic demand and expanding service exports. DBRS Morningstar anticipates that the debt-to-GDP ratio will maintain its downward trajectory as the government continues to deliver large surpluses and favorable economic conditions prevail.

Structural Reforms and Revenue Growth

Beyond cyclic factors, structural improvements have bolstered Cyprus’s fiscal performance. An uptick in income tax revenues, largely due to the relocation of numerous companies to Cyprus, has significantly enhanced government income. The government’s Annual Progress Report outlines projected fiscal surpluses of 3.5% of GDP in 2025 and 3.7% for the period 2026-2028, with forecasts suggesting that government debt will drop to 43.3% of GDP by 2028.

Stable Political Environment and Strategic Governance

The stable political backdrop and resilient domestic banking sector underscore Cyprus’s robust economic framework. The country’s prudent fiscal and economic policies, combined with moderate interest burdens, have consistently received favorable evaluations by international rating agencies. While challenges remain—such as the limited size of an economy centered on services, relatively low labor productivity, and a significant current account deficit—the integration into the European Union continues to strengthen institutional quality and governance standards.

Enhanced Investor Confidence and Future Prospects

Cyprus’s recent rating upgrade has galvanized investor confidence by positioning the nation well within the high-investment grade spectrum. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos emphasized that the latest upgrade from DBRS Morningstar is a clear testament to Cyprus’s rational economic policies and fiscal discipline. He noted that this marks the second upgrade for the country in 2025, underscoring a sustained commitment to favorable economic policies that not only promote growth but also secure fiscal stability in the face of global uncertainties.

Outlook: Securing Growth and Attracting Investment

Looking ahead, the government remains committed to maintaining stringent financial policies while implementing a social strategy to support vulnerable groups and the small and medium-sized sector. With the momentum of continuous fiscal enhancements and a favorable policy environment, Cyprus is well-positioned to attract foreign investments, enhance competitiveness, and generate new employment opportunities.

EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.

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