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Ena Foundation Launches New Era of Collective Progress In Cyprus

Introduction

In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering a more equitable and resilient society, the Ena Foundation has officially commenced its operations in Cyprus. This independent, non-profit organization is committed to mobilizing the power of every individual, act, and community to drive collective progress and generate lasting societal impact.

Mission And Vision

Founded by entrepreneur Tasos Papanastasiou and co-founded by Christiana Panagi, the Ena Foundation is inspired by deep-rooted Cypriot and Greek values of unity, integrity, and selfless generosity. The organization is funded primarily through private resources and is dedicated to enhancing social progress through concrete, sustainable initiatives.

Empowering Athlete Careers

Central to its suite of programs is Beyond The Medal, a pioneering initiative designed to support Olympic and Paralympic-level athletes. Recognizing that an athlete’s journey extends well beyond the playing field, the program is structured to promote dual careers by integrating educational advancement with athletic success. With targeted support through the 2028 Olympic Games, the initiative emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and perseverance, as evidenced by the commitment of the first eight athletes who have joined the program.

Grants For Change

The Grants For Change initiative seeks to empower local communities by providing up to €20,000 in funding to projects that foster empowerment and promote the social inclusion of vulnerable groups. Currently under evaluation, selected projects will be announced in mid-November, setting the stage for transformative community impact and sustainable project development.

Envision Together: Revitalizing Public Spaces

Further reinforcing its commitment to social cohesion, the Ena Foundation has introduced Envision Together, a program dedicated to enhancing public spaces. By improving parks and communal infrastructure, the organization aims to create vibrant spaces that encourage social interaction and strengthen community bonds. Upcoming projects under this initiative are poised to redefine communal life and quality of living for local residents.

Leadership And A Call To Action

Driven by a philosophy that success is measured by one’s ability to uplift others, the Ena Foundation’s leadership emphasizes transparency, strategic partnerships, and the power of collective action. As coordinator Anastasia Ellina notes, the foundation is evolving to support innovative, sustainable solutions in partnership with society. Likewise, Constantinos Kkaili reinforces the importance of collaboration in driving social progress.

Conclusion

The Ena Foundation firmly believes that change begins with one person, one act, and one community. By uniting citizens, organizations, and stakeholders in a shared journey toward progress, the foundation sets a new standard for social contribution and tangible change in Cyprus.

Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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