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Government Prioritizes Energy Security While Reducing Consumer Costs

Energy Security As The Primary Policy Focus

Michalis Damianos reiterated that ensuring energy security remains the government’s primary objective, with reducing costs for consumers identified as the next key priority. Speaking on a televised program, he explained that there is general agreement on the targets set in cooperation with Public Power Corporation, although approaches to achieving these objectives continue to differ. The discussion reflects an ongoing effort to balance long-term planning with immediate market pressures.

Natural Gas: A Strategic Pillar

A central element of this strategy is the introduction of natural gas into the energy system at Vasiliko. According to the minister, natural gas is expected to offer a more cost-efficient and less polluting alternative compared with existing fuels. Its integration is seen as a necessary step toward modernizing the energy mix and supporting a more stable pricing environment over time.

Investing In Storage And Renewables For Future Stability

Alongside natural gas, attention is also being directed toward expanding energy storage capacity and accelerating the development of renewable energy sources. These initiatives are expected to play a key role in improving grid stability and managing fluctuations in supply. Over the medium term, such investments are also intended to contribute to a gradual reduction in electricity costs, while supporting broader environmental objectives.

Addressing Persistent Challenges

Progress on major infrastructure projects has not been without obstacles. Delays affecting developments such as the Vasiliko power station and the broader rollout of natural gas have been acknowledged. Minister Damianos attributed these setbacks to structural and coordination challenges involving multiple stakeholders, noting that large-scale energy transitions often require complex alignment between public institutions, private operators, and regulatory bodies.

Engaging In Constructive Dialogue

Recent developments involving labor groups and the potential for further industrial action have added another layer of complexity to the sector. In response, the government has emphasized the importance of maintaining open and constructive dialogue. The aim is to reach balanced solutions that address workforce concerns while ensuring that strategic energy objectives remain on track.

Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.

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