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Eurobank Delivers Robust Q1 Results Amid Gulf Tensions

Resilient Performance In A Challenging Environment

Eurobank reported adjusted net profit of €351 million for the first quarter of 2026, supported by stronger lending activity, operational efficiency and continued growth across its core markets. Reported net profit reached €331 million, while earnings per share stood at €0.09 and return on tangible book value reached 15.1%. The bank said performance remained resilient despite geopolitical tensions affecting global markets and the broader economic outlook.

Strong Lending And Organic Growth

According to CEO Fokion Karavias, the bank’s credit expansion was pronounced in all its key markets.  Organic loan growth reached €1.1 billion, representing an increase of nearly 10% year-on-year, while the overall loan portfolio also expanded by 10%. Managed funds increased by €0.3 billion and rose 25.9% compared with the same period last year, reflecting continued growth in wealth management activities.

International Operations Continue Supporting Growth

International operations accounted for 47% of adjusted net profit, with Cyprus and Bulgaria among the strongest-performing markets. In Greece, growth in corporate lending was supported by higher investment activity, while the mortgage market continued showing gradual improvement.

Strategic Navigation Through Geopolitical Uncertainty

Karavias said global and regional growth forecasts have weakened amid developments in the Gulf region, although Eurobank still expects its core markets to outperform broader eurozone growth levels. He added that Greece and Cyprus entered the current period of uncertainty with relatively strong fiscal positions, helping support households and businesses against external pressures.

Impressive Financial Metrics And Future Outlook

Eurobank’s first-quarter results also reflected continued operational efficiency across its core banking activities. Net interest income increased 4% year-on-year to €664 million, despite a decline in the net interest margin to 2.46%, mainly linked to lower interest rates set by the European Central Bank. At the same time, net fee and commission income rose nearly 20% to €203 million, supported by stronger lending activity, growth in wealth management services and contributions from the acquisition of ERB Insurance subsidiaries in Cyprus.

Additional financial indicators, including core income and pre-provision income, also recorded solid growth during the quarter. Eurobank maintained a capital adequacy ratio of 20.4% and a CET1 ratio of 15.4%, reinforcing the bank’s balance sheet strength amid continued geopolitical and market uncertainty. The bank said it remains on track to meet its 2026 targets while continuing to focus on organic growth opportunities across its core markets.

Conclusion

Eurobank’s first-quarter performance highlighted the bank’s ability to maintain profitability and growth despite a more volatile external environment. Continued lending expansion, stronger international operations and stable capital levels remain central to the group’s strategy as it navigates shifting economic and geopolitical conditions.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

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