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Eurozone Retail Trade Remains Flat As Year‐Over‐Year Growth Accelerates

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 7, 2025

The latest preliminary figures released by Eurostat reveal that retail trade volume in the euro area experienced a marginal decline of 0.1% in September 2025, while remaining stable across the European Union. Despite this slight monthly dip, a year‐on‐year analysis tells a more positive story.

Steady Month‐to‐Month Performance

After a 0.1% decrease in August 2025, the euro area’s retail trade volume maintained its level in September. In the broader EU, the figures held steady, highlighting a temporary pause in the fluctuating retail environment. Sector-specific analysis indicates that food, drinks, and tobacco maintained stability in the euro area, while non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) fell by 0.2% and automotive fuel in specialized stores experienced a sharper 1.0% decline.

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Compelling Annual Trends

On an annual basis, the calendar‐adjusted retail sales index demonstrated notable growth. The euro area recorded a 1.0% increase compared with September 2024, while the broader EU outpaced this with a 1.3% rise. This uptick is driven by contrasting performances among member states, with Cyprus leading the charge with an 8.5% increase. Malta and Bulgaria followed with increases of 6.6% and 5.7% respectively.

Divergent Market Performances Across Nations

Conversely, several member states showed declines. Italy faced a 2.3% reduction, with Romania (2.1%), Belgium (0.8%), and Austria (0.1%) trailing behind. On a monthly basis, the largest decreases were observed in Lithuania (1.1%), while Latvia, Slovenia, and Italy also saw significant drops. In contrast, Luxembourg and Malta recorded the highest monthly gains at 1.7%, followed by Estonia (1.5%) and Slovakia (1.4%).

Sector-Specific Insights

When analyzing annual changes in more specific sectors within the euro area, the food, drinks, and tobacco segment increased by 1.0%, and non-food products (excluding automotive fuel) by 1.4%. Notably, automotive fuel in specialized stores decreased by 0.7%. Across the EU, food, drinks, and tobacco grew by 0.5%, non-food products by 1.9%, and automotive fuel in specialized outlets saw a modest gain of 0.5%.

These granular insights offer a clearer picture of the evolving dynamics within the retail sector across Europe, underscoring both resilience and regional variability amid an overall positive annual trend.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Cyprus Property Valuers Advocate Investment Funds For Affordable Housing Initiative

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 10, 2025

A Strategic Investment for Social Stability

Cyprus’ property valuers association has put forward a compelling proposal for the creation of 500 new affordable housing units. The association recommends that investment funds, including the social insurance fund and other private initiatives, actively participate in the development process. This strategic move is intended to secure the long-term financial stability required for such a vital infrastructure project.

An Innovative Financial Model

Polys Kourousides, President of the association, emphasized that the financial structure should be designed to avoid additional strain on the state budget. “The model should prioritize sustainability and efficiency, especially since the private sector is tasked with the delivery of these housing units,” Kourousides stated. His remarks highlight the importance of blending public interest with private sector expertise to effectively address pressing social challenges.

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Addressing a Growing Social Need

Kourousides further described the initiative as a timely response to one of the most urgent social issues of our time. The association has long championed the use of state-owned land for affordable housing projects, underlining its commitment to socially balanced urban development. In addition, the association remains prepared to assist the government by providing essential technical and scientific perspectives to shape a modern, efficient housing framework.

Looking Ahead

This proposal underscores the growing recognition among industry leaders that innovative financial models and public-private collaboration are essential to address housing shortages. With a clear roadmap and the right investment partners, Cyprus may well set a benchmark in sustainable and inclusive urban development.