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Eurobank And EIF Forge Strategic Partnership To Broaden SME Loan Access In Cyprus

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
September 23, 2025

Unlocking Growth For SMEs And Start-ups

In a strategic alliance poised to transform the Cypriot financial landscape, Eurobank (Cyprus) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have launched the inaugural InvestEU Guarantee transaction on the island. This breakthrough initiative unlocks €62.5 million in new financing, underscoring the commitment to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and innovative start-ups traditionally sidelined by conventional credit channels.

Enhanced Financing Terms For Entrepreneurial Success

Speaking on the partnership, Kyriakos Kakouris, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, emphasized the transformational potential of the agreement. “This first EIF InvestEU agreement in Cyprus opens new doors for entrepreneurs,” he stated, highlighting the role of the enhanced financing package in reducing collateral requirements and extending repayment periods. These incentives are designed to empower viable businesses that previously struggled to secure adequate guarantees, offering them greater time and flexibility to accelerate growth.

Reshaping The Investment Landscape

Marjut Falkstedt, Chief Executive of the EIF, underscored the significance of a more accessible financing framework across Europe. “The InvestEU programme equips us with the tools to make financing more inclusive, simpler, and ultimately more effective. It is an honor to mark this milestone in Cyprus,” she remarked. Andreas Petsas, Deputy CEO of Eurobank, reinforced this view by pointing out that the initiative not only supports business expansion but also drives job creation, innovation, and economic resilience in Cyprus.

A Model For European Competitiveness

Eurobank’s commitment to this partnership is further underlined by its targeted approach to key sectors including energy, health, tourism, and transport. Such sectoral focus mirrors the broader objectives of the InvestEU programme, which seeks to mobilize both public and private funds in support of EU priorities. By simplifying the financing process and streamlining access to credit, the programme promises to foster a more competitive and sustainable European economy.

Looking Ahead

The far-reaching impact of this agreement is set to extend beyond immediate financial support. As the EIF continues to pioneer venture capital, guarantee, and microfinance instruments, Cyprus stands to benefit from enhanced investment conditions that drive long-term growth. With the European Investment Bank Group playing a pivotal role in channeling nearly €89 billion into high-impact projects across Europe in 2024, this partnership marks a critical step forward in aligning regional economic development with broader EU objectives.

Through robust collaborations like this, Eurobank and the EIF are not only fostering a more inclusive financial environment but are also shaping a future where entrepreneurial vision and economic opportunity go hand in hand—reinforcing the competitive edge of European markets on the global stage.

EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM
November 15, 2025

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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