Former Bank Of Cyprus Shareholders Demand Inclusion In 2025 Solidarity Fund Budget

Former BoC Shareholders Call For Equal Treatment

The association representing former Bank of Cyprus shareholders has formally appealed to the House of Representatives to include them in the 2025 national solidarity fund budget. In a strongly worded letter addressed to both parliament and the Finance Ministry, the group underscored its disappointment at being excluded from the current draft budget, despite their historical grievances dating back to the 2013 banking crisis.

Legislative Scrutiny And Budgetary Framework

As legislators prepare to vote on the proposed legislation authorizing compensation for depositors and bondholders affected by the 2013 crisis, the association argues that over 93,000 ‘bailed-in’ former shareholders deserve equal recognition under the national solidarity fund law. The bill, titled ‘The Budget Law Of The National Solidarity Fund For 2025’, proposes a comprehensive budget of €100,005,010 for the coming year, even as the Finance Ministry projects a significant shortfall, with revenues capped at €50,000,020 sourced entirely from a government grant.

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Compensation Scheme Details And Administrative Measures

The fund, originally established to redress losses incurred during the resolution measures for Laiki Bank and the Bank of Cyprus, is set to enact a tailored compensation scheme for 2025. This new initiative, approved by the Council of Ministers, specifies eligibility criteria, compensation levels, and a clear payment process. Key administrative concerns—including the reactivation of the online application portal for late applicants and precise compensation calculations based on uninsured losses—remain central to ongoing deliberations.

Call For Immediate Legislative Action

In its letter, the association urged lawmakers to either amend the current budget or delay its passage until the Finance Ministry revisits the provision for former BoC shareholders. The group insists that honoring the laws passed by the House is essential, thereby ensuring that all affected parties, including Laiki depositors and bank bondholders, are treated equitably within the national solidarity fund.

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EU Farm Output Prices Decline For The First Time In Nine Months

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 12, 2026

EU Market Adjustments Signal New Price Trends

Agricultural output prices across the European Union declined in the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a shift after several quarters of increases. Data from Eurostat shows that farm gate prices fell by 1.9% compared with the same period in 2024.

Crisis of Declining Prices In Select Markets

Cyprus recorded one of the more notable decreases in agricultural input costs among EU member states, with prices falling by 2.6% compared with Q4 2024. The reduction eased cost pressures for the local agricultural sector following periods of higher prices earlier in 2025. Across the EU, prices for goods and services consumed in agriculture remained relatively stable. Non-investment inputs such as energy, fertilisers and feedingstuffs showed limited overall changes during the quarter.

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Country-Specific Divergence In Price Movements

Eurostat data highlights considerable variation across member states. Fifteen EU countries recorded declines in agricultural output prices. Belgium registered the largest decrease at 12.9%, followed by Lithuania (8.2%) and Germany (6.0%). At the same time, twelve countries reported increases in output prices. Ireland recorded the strongest rise at 6.8%, followed by Slovenia (5.6%) and Malta (4.2%).

Stability In Agricultural Inputs Amid Commodity Shifts

Agricultural input prices also showed mixed developments. Eleven member states recorded declines, including Cyprus (2.6%), Belgium (2.1%) and Sweden (2.0%). Other countries experienced moderate increases, including Lithuania (4.2%), Ireland (3.3%) and Romania (2.5%). Among major agricultural commodities, milk prices declined by 4.1% while cereal prices fell by 8.9% across the EU. In contrast, fertilisers and soil improvers increased by 7.9%, reflecting continued volatility in input markets.

Outlook For EU Agriculture

The latest Eurostat data points to uneven price developments across the EU agricultural sector. While input prices remained broadly stable in many markets, movements in output prices varied significantly between member states. These trends highlight the need for farmers and policymakers to adapt to shifting commodity prices and changing cost structures across the European agricultural market.

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