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IMF Advises ECB on Interest Rates Amid Economic Challenges

by News Editor

April 28, 2025

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has suggested that the European Central Bank (ECB) should reduce its deposit rate to 2% by this summer, maintaining this rate unless significant economic shocks occur. This recommendation aligns with the projected sustainable inflation target of 2% in the Eurozone by the second half of 2025.

Economic Outlook and Risks

According to Alfred Kammer, the IMF’s European Director, faster inflation convergence towards the target is expected, driven by declining energy costs and reduced demand amidst a trade war between the US and Europe. However, increased US tariffs and uncertain trade policies pose downside risks to growth. The IMF emphasizes the need for Europe to enhance its growth potential through structural reforms and balanced economic policies. For more on economic predictions, see our related AI and economic benefits article.

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Policy Measures and Reforms

To ensure stability, policymakers need to adopt balanced macroeconomic policies while targeting inflation rates. The ECB’s deflation combat strategies have been notably successful, but global tensions might hike inflation expectations. Maintaining flexible monetary policies is crucial. Countries should restore fiscal buffers, with low-deficit nations temporarily boosting priority defensive spending, while high-debt countries either reallocate spending or increase revenue.

Unlocking Europe’s Growth Potential

Implementing EU-wide and national structural reforms can unchain Europe’s growth prospects, making it more resilient to shocks. Current trade barriers within the EU remain significant. The IMF estimates that applicable reforms could increase the EU’s GDP by about 3% over the next decade. Essential areas for improvement include reducing labor mobility barriers, enhancing capital market functionality, creating an integrated electricity market, and harmonizing regulations. Discover how Cyprus real estate is setting trends in our related article.

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Cypriot Government Employment Sees Modest Growth in April

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 12, 2025

Total government employment in Cyprus increased by 237 persons, a rise of 0.4 per cent, in April, compared to the same month in 2024, reaching a total of 55,490 employees, according to the state statistical service.

Employment in the civil service and the security forces decreased by 1.2 per cent and 1.1 per cent respectively, while the educational service saw an increase of 3.8 per cent.

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Civil Service and Educational Service Breakdown

In April 2025, the civil service employed 11,960 permanent staff, 4,141 employees with contracts of indefinite duration, 1,458 with contracts of definite duration, and 5,798 hourly paid workers.

Permanent employees represented the highest proportion of the civil service workforce at 51.2 per cent, while employees with contracts of definite duration made up the lowest proportion at 6.2 per cent.

In the educational service, there were 12,461 permanent employees, 947 with contracts of indefinite duration, 4,824 with contracts of definite duration, and 141 hourly paid workers.

Permanent staff formed the majority of the educational workforce at 67.8 per cent, while hourly paid workers accounted for only 0.8 per cent.

Security Forces Breakdown

Within the security forces, 8,430 were permanent employees, 4,304 held contracts of indefinite duration, 267 were on definite-duration contracts, and 759 were hourly paid workers.

Permanent employees again made up the largest group in the security forces at 61.3 per cent, with definite-duration contracts representing just 1.9 per cent.