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Greek Parliament Unanimously Passes Historic 2026 National Funds Budgets

Groundbreaking Approval In Parliament

For the first time, the Hellenic Parliament has unanimously approved the 2026 budgets for four major national funds. The decision marks an important step in public financial planning and signals broad political agreement on fiscal priorities and spending discipline.

Social Security Fund Budget: A Surplus Vision

The enactment of the first law confirmed the 2026 budget for the Social Security Fund (TEKA), which allocates expenditures amounting to €2,743,074,164. With total revenues estimated at €3,769,782,936, the fund is positioned as surplus. The revenue stream is largely driven by contributions of €3,217,065,000, supplemented by receipts from the National Reserve Fund intended for the minimum pension (€34,451,000), interest earnings of €225,916,292, and additional income of €292,350,644. Notably, the dominant expenditure category is pension disbursements at €2,172,611,000, with further allocations for supplementary benefits, unemployment allowances, procurement of services, administrative expenses, and other outlays.

Central Licensing Fund’s Balanced Outlook

In tandem with the Social Security Fund, Parliament also approved the 2026 budget for the Central Licensing Fund. This fund outlines total expenditures of €132,433,736 against revenues of €144,319,048, emerging with a surplus. Revenues are forecasted mainly from contributions of €140,036,010, interest earnings of €4,248,038, and accrued minor receipts, while expenditures primarily cover licensing disbursements, associated administrative expenses, and contingency allocations.

Protecting Employee Rights in Insolvency

The budget for the Fund for the Protection of Employee Rights in the Event of Employer Insolvency was also given the green light. This fund is designed to manage €231,452 in expenditures against revenues of €33,287,400, indicating a considerable surplus. With revenues predominantly sourced from contributions of €27,417,936 and interest earnings of €5,869,454, the fund’s primary expenses include payments associated with employer insolvency, service procurement by the Social Security Agency, and modest administrative and reserve allocations.

Addressing Excess Personnel Costs

The final fund approved is the Excess Personnel Fund for 2026, which details expenditures of €58,103,793 alongside revenues of €180,819,059. Contributions of €165,168,286 form the major revenue component, complemented by interest and ancillary incomes. The fund’s principal expenses cover compensation for surplus staffing, transfers to the Employee Rights Protection Fund under insolvency, service purchases from the Social Security Services, legal fees, discretionary administrative expenses, and a designated reserve for unforeseen costs.

Strategic Fiscal Oversight

These pioneering budget submissions, presented to Parliament following a proposal by the House of Representatives and in accordance with the Law on Fiscal Responsibility and the Fiscal Framework Law, reflect a robust and balanced approach toward national financial management. This coordinated effort reinforces the government’s commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline while safeguarding essential social benefits and labor rights.

Bank Of Cyprus Approves 2025 Results With €3 Billion Lending And €481 Million Profit

Robust Growth And Strategic Initiatives

Bank of Cyprus said its board approved the annual financial report for the year ended December 31, 2025, including audited consolidated results for the group. The report covers Bank of Cyprus Holdings Public Limited Company, Bank of Cyprus Public Company Limited, and subsidiaries. The document is available through the bank’s investor relations platform.

Impressive Lending Volume And Financial Performance

New lending reached €3 billion, up 23% year on year. Gross performing loans increased to €10.9 billion, rising 8%. Retail deposits grew to €22.2 billion, also up 8%. Profit after tax totaled €481 million, including €128 million in the fourth quarter. Return on tangible equity stood at 18.6%, while basic earnings per share reached €1.10.

Operational Efficiency And Resilience

Cost to income ratio was 37%, reflecting operating efficiency. Non-performing exposure ratio stood at 1.2%, while cost of risk was 33 basis points. Liquidity coverage ratio reached 321%, supported by surplus liquidity of €9.2 billion.

Enhanced Capital And Stress Test Performance

Common equity tier 1 ratio stood at 21.0%, while total capital ratio reached 25.9% as of December 31, 2025. Capital levels were supported by profitability despite distributions and business growth. The bank participated in the 2025 European Central Bank supervisory stress test and reported results above the average of participating institutions. Regulatory buffers are set to increase, with the countercyclical buffer rising from about 0.90% to 1.50% and the systemically important institution buffer from 1.9375% to 2.25% starting January 2026.

Shareholder Value And Dividend Policy

The bank targets a payout ratio between 50% and 70%. Total distribution for 2025 reached €305 million, equal to 70% of adjusted recurring profitability. This includes a cash dividend of €0.70 per share. An interim dividend of €0.20 per share was paid in October 2025. A final dividend of €0.50 per share is proposed for approval at the annual general meeting on May 15, 2026, compared with €0.48 per share in 2024. A share buyback programme resulted in the cancellation of more than 5.1 million shares at an average price of €5.83.

Strategic Acquisitions And Future Outlook

Recent developments include a minority investment in Wealthyhood and the acquisition of a performing loan portfolio and deposits from Cyprus Development Bank Public Company Limited. These transactions expand the bank’s portfolio alongside existing liquidity and capital levels.

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