New Year Brings Strategic Challenges as DEOK Unveils 2026 Reform Agenda

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 24, 2025

Addressing Urgent Economic and Social Issues

The new year presents a host of significant challenges and pressing issues that demand prudence, collaboration, and solidarity. In a recent announcement, DEOK has outlined its core priorities for 2026, with a particular emphasis on tackling the persistent housing crisis, which continues to be a thorn in the side of thousands of citizens—especially the younger generations. Alongside this, the escalating costs of essential goods are placing substantial burdens on households across the nation.

Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining

DEOK has expressed growing concern over the exploitation present in certain work environments, the disruption of established labor relationships, and the undermining of collective bargaining agreements—a situation that leaves thousands of workers facing an uncertain future. The organization stresses the need for:

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Improved terms and conditions of employment,
The implementation of the European directives to ensure that at least 80% of workers benefit from collective agreements, and
A socially just reform of the pension system that guarantees dignified living standards for both current and future retirees.

Additionally, DEOK aims to strengthen the operational efficiency of Pension Funds as a robust second pillar in the retirement system and to reopen discussions regarding a 12% proportional reduction in pensions for long-term participants in the Social Security system.

Minimum Wage and Productivity Enhancement

In its communication, DEOK also highlights the imperative of protecting citizens from unscrupulous profit-seeking practices while placing a renewed focus on enhancing economic productivity. The organization underlines the critical benefits of upskilling and re-training the workforce, which not only bolsters individual career prospects but also drives wider economic resilience.

The National Minimum Wage should be set at a level that is at least 60% higher,
It should be defined on an hourly basis with a gradual target of 38 hours per week, and
It must include additional benefits such as paid holidays, sick leave, and maternity leave.

Looking Ahead

While the year 2025 witnessed notable progress, DEOK is unequivocal about its readiness to push further in 2026. The organization warns that the wealth generated is not equitably distributed among all economic stakeholders, thus calling for a more balanced approach in fiscal and social policies. DEOK’s advocated reforms represent a strategic blueprint aimed at safeguarding the future of the workforce and the broader economic well-being of society.

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Cypriots Report Growing Economic Concerns In New Eurobarometer Survey

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

May 11, 2026

Eurobarometer Survey Reveals Stark Economic Outlook

A comprehensive Eurobarometer survey conducted between March 12 and April 1, 2026, has revealed significant economic and institutional challenges in Cyprus ahead of Europe Day. The study, which included 506 interviews in Cyprus as part of a pan-European sample of 26,415 citizens, underscores a pronounced economic pessimism and declining trust in national and European institutions.

Economic Sentiment And Future Projections

More than half of Cypriots, or 53%, described the country’s economic situation negatively, while 46% expressed a positive assessment. Across the European Union, by comparison, 60% of respondents viewed their national economies positively and 38% negatively.

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Economic pessimism also increased sharply compared with autumn 2025. Around 51% of Cypriots said they expect the economy to deteriorate further over the next year, marking a 23 percentage point increase from the previous survey period. Only 11% anticipated economic improvement.

Despite broader concerns about the economy, perceptions of personal financial conditions remained relatively stable. Around 75% of respondents described their household financial situation positively, while 60% said they expect employment conditions to remain stable over the coming year.

Main Challenges And Priorities For Action

The cost of living remained the leading concern among Cypriot respondents at 36%, followed by developments in the Middle East at 30%, the national economy at 24%, migration at 23% and housing at 21%. Across the EU more broadly, respondents prioritised instability in the Middle East, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and migration.

Regarding policy priorities, Cypriots said EU spending should focus primarily on employment, social policy and healthcare, alongside education, youth initiatives, housing and security.

Institutional Distrust And European Identity

Trust in national institutions remained low throughout the survey. Only 31% of respondents said they trust the government, while confidence in parliament stood at 22%. At the same time, 74% expressed distrust toward parliament.

Views toward the European Union also remained divided. Around 39% of Cypriots said they trust the EU, compared with 54% who said they do not, although this represented a slight improvement from autumn 2025.

The survey additionally pointed to a stronger sense of local and national identity than European identity. While 92% said they feel connected to their local communities and 95% to Cyprus itself, only 52% reported feeling attached to the EU and 45% identified with Europe more broadly.

Digital Security And Divergent Foreign Policy Views

Concerns about digital safety also remained elevated, with 53% of respondents saying major online platforms are not doing enough to remove illegal or harmful content. Another 45% said existing user protection measures remain insufficient.

The survey also revealed notable differences between Cypriot and wider EU attitudes toward the war in Ukraine. Although 77% supported accepting refugees and 70% backed humanitarian and economic assistance, support for sanctions against Russia stood at only 30%, significantly below the EU average.

Support for military assistance to Kyiv remained particularly low at 18%, while only 41% of respondents supported Ukraine’s future EU membership compared with 56% across the bloc.

Conclusion

The findings reflect growing economic anxiety and continued institutional scepticism in Cyprus amid broader geopolitical uncertainty across Europe and the Middle East. At the same time, the survey showed that Cypriots remain highly focused on domestic economic stability, social policy and cost-of-living pressures as key priorities for the years ahead.

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