Middle East Tensions Increase Risks For Greece And Cyprus Economies

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

March 30, 2026

Morningstar DBRS said Greece and Cyprus face increased economic risks due to tensions in the Middle East. Both economies rely on tourism and shipping, which are sensitive to geopolitical disruptions. Cyprus is more exposed due to its geographic proximity to conflict areas. Rising costs and route changes are affecting transport and travel.

Geopolitical Disruptions And Economic Exposure

Instability in the region is affecting freight rates and tourist flows. Shipping operators are adjusting routes, leading to higher fuel and insurance costs. Extended disruptions could increase pressure on economies that depend on external demand. Impact is stronger where tourism and transport are closely linked.

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Impact On Shipping And Tourism

Tourism remains a key driver of economic activity, with effects across transport, services and consumption. The sector supports a broad share of domestic demand. Shipping plays a smaller direct role but remains important for both countries. Ports such as the Port of Piraeus and the Port of Limassol are affected by route changes. Longer shipping routes and higher risk premiums are increasing costs. Adjustments reflect efforts to avoid affected regions.

Banking Sector And Credit Risks

Despite these challenges, the report notes that the banking systems in both countries maintain robust profitability and solid capital buffers. However, banks in Cyprus are particularly exposed due to a heavier reliance on tourism-related loans, rendering them more susceptible to falling visitor numbers and associated revenue pressures. Conversely, Greek banks have relatively limited exposure to tourism, although they face risks linked to shipping-related activities. The evolving situation could strain asset quality over time, especially if prolonged high fuel costs and disrupted supply chains persist.

Broader Economic Implications And Policy Outlook

Both economies face higher energy costs, inflation pressure and slower growth. Forecasts have been revised to reflect these conditions. The Central Bank of Cyprus lowered its 2026 growth projection, while the Bank of Greece expects moderate growth under current conditions.

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Meta’s $18 Billion Settlement Limits State Claims Over Children’s Data

by News Editor

August 28, 2026

Meta’s $18 billion settlement with attorneys general from 29 U.S. states includes a provision limiting future state claims over the company’s use of children’s data for age-assurance systems.

Under the agreement, Meta must develop, train and begin testing a system to identify users under 13 within a year of the settlement taking effect. The company already uses AI-based age-detection tools, although the agreement does not require the new system to use AI.

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States Agree To Limits On Future Claims

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) generally restricts the collection and retention of personal data from children under 13. Under the settlement, the 29 state attorneys general agreed not to bring past, present or future claims under COPPA or similar state laws over the specified use of children’s data.

Meta will not be permitted to use information from users under 13 for advertising, marketing or algorithmic optimisation.

Federal Enforcement Remains Unclear

COPPA is primarily enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, which is not a party to the agreement. That leaves open the possibility of separate federal action over how Meta collects or uses children’s data.

Another issue is whether Meta can keep age-assurance data isolated from its other systems. An independent auditor will monitor compliance, but the settlement does not fully specify what data Meta can retain for training, how long it can be stored or whether derived insights can be used elsewhere.

Legal Risks Remain

Joshua Wurtzel, a partner at Schlam Stone & Dolan, said states could still pursue claims if Meta uses the data outside the settlement’s limits. Such cases could depend on how those limits are interpreted.

Peter Jackson, a data and intellectual property attorney at Greenberg Glusker, said the provision could “disincentivize future enforcement actions.”

The agreement gives Meta greater legal certainty around using children’s data for age assurance, but questions remain over federal enforcement, data retention and secondary use.

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