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European Investment Bank Invests In Expanding Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure In Greece And Cyprus

Robust Growth In Cyprus’ Automotive Sector

Recent data from Cyprus underscores a marked acceleration in the adoption of sustainable vehicles. An analysis by the state statistical service reveals that between January and August 2025, electric vehicle registrations climbed from 3.3% to 4.8%, while hybrid vehicles experienced an even steeper increase—from 36.8% to 43.6%. This upward trend comes amidst a modest overall rise in vehicle registrations and a notable pivot away from traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars.

Shifting Trends In Vehicle Registrations

Comprehensive insights into the sector delineate a rebalancing in transport preferences. Passenger saloon cars saw a marginal increase, and rental vehicles, particularly passenger saloon and rental goods vehicles, reported significant gains. Conversely, declines were noted in registrations of motor coaches, buses, and mopeds under 50cc. Such trends underscore an evolving market dynamic, with consumers gravitating towards more sustainable and economically efficient transport solutions.

EIB Financing Fuels EV Charging Expansion

In a strategic move to bolster the infrastructure supporting this green transition, the European Investment Bank (EIB) announced financing of up to €17.5 million to Greek company Joltie SA. Funded under the InvestEU programme, this initiative is designed to establish approximately 2,200 new electric vehicle charging points across Greece and Cyprus by 2029. This investment not only aims to decarbonise road transport but also reinforces the European Union’s broader climate and economic cohesion objectives in Southeast Europe.

EIB Vice-President Ioannis Tsakiris emphasized the critical role of this project in accelerating the region’s sustainable mobility agenda. “Our collaboration with Joltie will strengthen EV charging infrastructure in Greece and Cyprus, contributing to more accessible and economically viable electric mobility,” Tsakiris stated. The bank envisions that this infusion of capital will galvanize further private investment and enhance local capabilities to meet ambitious climate action goals.

Founded in 2022 and based in Attica, Joltie SA is rapidly emerging as a pivotal player in the EV charging landscape, integrating charging equipment manufacturing with the operation of its own network. This dual capability has enabled the company to install a substantial fraction of the charging points in Greece, thereby positioning it at the forefront of Europe’s sustainable mobility evolution.

Cyprus Hits Historic Tourism Peak As Overtourism Risks Mount

Record-Breaking Performance In Tourism

Cyprus’ tourism sector achieved unprecedented success in 2025 with record-breaking arrivals and revenues. According to Eurobank analyst Konstantinos Vrachimis, the island’s performance was underpinned by solid real income growth and enhanced market diversification.

Robust Growth In Arrivals And Revenues

Total tourist arrivals reached 4.5 million in 2025, rising 12.2% from 4 million in 2024, with momentum sustained through the final quarter. Tourism receipts for the January–November period climbed to €3.6 billion, marking a 15.3% year-on-year increase that exceeded inflation. The improvement was not driven by volume alone. Average expenditure per visitor increased by 4.6%, while daily spending rose by 9.2%, indicating stronger purchasing power and higher-value tourism activity.

Economic Impact And Diversification Of Source Markets

The stronger performance translated into tangible gains for the broader services economy, lifting real tourism-related income and overall sector turnover. Demand patterns are also shifting. While the United Kingdom remains Cyprus’ largest source market, its relative share has moderated as arrivals from Israel, Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Austria, and Poland have expanded. This gradual diversification reduces dependency on a single market and strengthens resilience against external shocks.

Enhanced Air Connectivity And Seasonal Dynamics

Air connectivity has improved markedly in 2025, with flight volumes expanding substantially compared to 2019. This expansion is driven by increased airline capacity, enhanced route coverage, and more frequent flights, supporting demand during shoulder seasons and reducing overreliance on peak-month flows. Seasonal patterns remain prominent, with arrivals building through the spring and peaking in summer, thereby bolstering employment, fiscal receipts, and corporate earnings across hospitality, transport, and retail sectors.

Structural Risks And Future Considerations

Despite strong headline figures, structural challenges remain. The European Commission’s EU Tourism Dashboard highlights tourism intensity, seasonality, and market concentration as key risk indicators. Cyprus records a high ratio of overnight stays relative to its resident population, signalling potential overtourism pressures. Continued reliance on a limited group of origin markets also exposes the sector to geopolitical uncertainty and sudden demand swings. Seasonal peaks place additional strain on infrastructure, housing availability, labour supply, and natural resources, particularly water.

Strategic Investment And Market Resilience

Vrachimis concludes that sustained growth will depend on targeted investment, product upgrading, and continued market diversification. Strengthening year-round offerings, improving infrastructure capacity, and promoting higher-value experiences can help balance demand while preserving long-term competitiveness. These measures are essential not only to manage overtourism risks but also to ensure tourism remains a stable pillar of Cyprus’ economic development.

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