Finance Minister Keravnos Addresses Public Sector Concerns Amid IMF Recommendations

In a recent statement, Cyprus’s Finance Minister Makis Keravnos reassured public sector employees following recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking to Philenews, Keravnos emphasised that there is no immediate cause for concern regarding job security or wages for public sector workers, aiming to alleviate anxieties sparked by the IMF’s review.

IMF Recommendations: A Double-Edged Sword

The IMF’s review, while recognising Cyprus’s economic recovery and growth prospects, highlighted the need for structural reforms, including those related to the public sector. The recommendations included calls for greater fiscal discipline, enhanced efficiency, and potential rationalisation of public sector employment and wages. These suggestions are part of the broader effort to ensure long-term economic stability and resilience.

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However, such recommendations often evoke apprehension among public sector employees, who fear potential job cuts, wage freezes, or other austerity measures. The public sector in Cyprus, being a significant employer, plays a crucial role in the island’s socio-economic fabric, making any proposed changes particularly sensitive.

Keravnos’s Reassurances

In his address, Minister Keravnos sought to calm these fears. He emphasised that the government acknowledges the importance of the public sector and its contribution to the economy and society. Keravnos assured public employees that the government’s approach would be measured and considerate, aiming to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain public sector stability and morale.

Keravnos highlighted that while the IMF’s recommendations are valuable, they are advisory and will be adapted to fit Cyprus’s unique context and needs. He underscored that any reforms undertaken would not be abrupt or unilaterally imposed but would involve dialogue and consultation with all stakeholders, including public sector unions and employees.

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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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