Government Champions Hydrogen Development In Cyprus To Secure European Industrial Leadership

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 18, 2025

The Cypriot government is actively propelling the development of hydrogen by fostering private initiatives and piloting innovative projects. At the recent “Hydrogen For A Clean Future” conference hosted at Frederick University and organized by the Cyprus Hydrogen Association and OEΒ, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry George Pananastasiou underscored the nation’s commitment to advancing this critical technology.

European Strategic Imperative And Geopolitical Leverage

Minister Pananastasiou emphasized that hydrogen is a cornerstone of the European decarbonization strategy and a potent lever for industrial competitiveness. His remarks referenced key EU initiatives including the EU Hydrogen Strategy (2020), REPowerEU, the establishment of the European Hydrogen Bank, and the framework provided by the European Network of Hydrogen System Operators (ENNOH). Cyprus’s role as a connected partner in ENNOH reaffirms its determination to play a decisive role in shaping the future of European hydrogen energy.

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National Hydrogen Strategy 2025–2030

The minister presented the pillars of the National Hydrogen Strategy, engineered to address the unique needs and challenges of Cyprus. The strategy is designed to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for the entire hydrogen value chain and aims to implement clear licensing processes and stringent safety standards by 2027. While the plan anticipates the gradual integration of hydrogen into heavy transportation, it maintains that electrification remains the most viable option for passenger vehicles given the island’s substantial renewable energy potential and short travel distances.

Challenges And Roadblocks

Despite the promising outlook, significant challenges remain. Chief among these are the high water requirements for producing green hydrogen (estimated at 9–15 kilograms of water per kilogram of hydrogen) and the substantial infrastructure costs associated with production, storage, and transportation. Additionally, there is a broader European trend of a slower green transition as a result of increased financial burdens. Nonetheless, the minister stressed that Cyprus must not lag behind in the global technology race.

The Role Of Private Initiatives

Minister Pananastasiou called for the expansion of pilot programs and the accelerated development of innovative hydrogen technologies. He affirmed that the government is poised to implement the necessary legislative and regulatory frameworks to support a dynamic and sustainable hydrogen ecosystem. This coordinated approach between public policy and private sector ingenuity is expected to propel Cyprus to the forefront of the evolving European energy landscape.

In an era marked by urgent climate action and transformative energy policies, Cyprus is strategically positioning itself to become a significant player in the hydrogen economy, ensuring robust participation in the competitive international arena.

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Bank of Cyprus Upgrade Signals Fresh Optimism For Greek And Cypriot Banks

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 26, 2026

Regional Banks Enter A More Favorable Cycle

Bank of Cyprus and Eurobank are well positioned to benefit from a renewed re-rating of Greek and Cypriot bank stocks, according to Cyprus-based investment firm Roemer Capital, which upgraded Bank of Cyprus to a buy rating and reaffirmed its positive view on Eurobank.

The firm cited easing geopolitical tensions, resilient economic growth in Greece and Cyprus, lower funding costs and Greece’s expected transition to developed-market status as the main factors supporting the sector.

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Roemer Capital also lowered its cost of equity assumptions, updated its forecasts following first-quarter 2026 results and extended its valuation horizon to the end of 2027, raising target prices across its banking coverage.

Bank Of Cyprus Gets The Largest Upgrade

Bank of Cyprus received the biggest revision, with Roemer Capital upgrading the stock from hold to buy and setting a target price of €11.10, implying potential total upside of 27%.

The firm highlighted the bank’s strong capital generation, profitability and projected 100% dividend payout, describing it as the strongest capital-return story among the banks under coverage. Roemer Capital maintained its buy rating on Eurobank, assigning a target price of €4.90 and forecasting potential upside of 28%. The report said the bank is well placed to benefit from loan growth, improving operating performance and merger-and-acquisition synergies.

National Bank of Greece and Piraeus Bank also retained buy ratings, with expected returns ranging from 25% to 36%. Optima Bank was upgraded to buy, while Alpha Bank remained at hold on valuation grounds.

Why Growth Still Sets The Region Apart

According to Roemer Capital, Greek and Cypriot banks continue to benefit from stronger economic fundamentals than many western European peers. The report pointed to faster economic growth, healthier balance sheets, low levels of non-performing exposures, capital ratios approaching 20% and strong customer deposit bases.

Analysts expect performing loans across the sector to grow at a compound annual rate of 6% to 8% through 2028, supported by private investment, digitalisation, green manufacturing, supply-chain expansion and a gradual recovery in household lending.

The report also said the conclusion of lending under the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility is unlikely to materially affect credit growth, as banks have already shifted back towards traditional commercial lending. Roemer Capital expects Euribor to remain between 2.2% and 2.5%, a level it believes should support both lending activity and net interest margins.

Geopolitics, Valuation And Market Structure Support The Case

The report said improving geopolitical conditions have strengthened the investment outlook, noting that Brent crude prices have largely returned to pre-war levels while Greek government bond yields have stabilised at around 3.5%. Although geopolitical risks remain, Roemer Capital believes the likelihood of a major inflationary shock or significant pressure on bank profitability has eased.

Another important catalyst identified by the firm is Greece’s expected promotion to developed-market status by FTSE Russell, STOXX and MSCI over the coming months.

According to the report, the reclassification should improve liquidity and attract a broader base of international investors. Roemer Capital also said Euronext’s acquisition of the Athens Exchange is expected to strengthen market infrastructure and increase international visibility, particularly for Bank of Cyprus and Optima Bank.

The firm noted that Bank of Cyprus has already benefited from its Athens listing, with average daily trading value increasing from less than €400,000 before its September 2024 move to nearly €6 million afterwards.

Economic Momentum Remains A Core Tailwind

Roemer Capital said both Greece and Cyprus have moved beyond post-crisis recovery and are now supported by private-sector-led growth. For Cyprus, the report highlighted recent tax reform and efforts to simplify the legal and regulatory framework, while also noting that limited foreign banking competition continues to support domestic lenders.

Overall, Roemer Capital expects Greek and Cypriot banks to remain well-positioned for profitable loan growth over the coming years.

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