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Panayiotou stresses need to tackle drought in agriculture at EU Council

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 26, 2024

Minister for Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, talked about the effects of drought on Cyprus, as well as the measures that the EU can take to support the agricultural sector across Europe, and presented the recent joint statement by the MED9 on the issue, during the Agriculture and Fisheries Council of the EU held in Brussels.

During a discussion on the state of agricultural markets in the EU, Panayiotou referred to the significant impact that a prolonged drought has had on Cyprus, resulting in significantly reduced yields for irrigated and non-irrigated crops, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment said in a press release on Wednesday.

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The Minister, the press release adds, “pointed out that, due to limited water availability in dams, water supply for agricultural purposes has been reduced by 33.7% for 2024, while the forecasts for the following years are not favourable.”

Panayiotou called on the European Commission to activate the agricultural reserve to provide support to affected farmers, but also to further simplify support measures related to water management under the Common Agricultural Policy.

During the meeting, the Minister also presented the joint statement on the impact of drought on the primary sector, which was issued by the Ministers of Agriculture of the nine Mediterranean EU Member States (MED9) during a recent meeting in Cyprus.

Panayiotou referred specifically to the need for a collective response to this phenomenon that threatens food production and the social fabric of rural areas in the EU and pointed out that the joint statement reflects the practical commitment of the Mediterranean Member States to find solutions that will allow sustainable water management and will be included in EU policies.

According to the press release, the joint communication of the MED9 received the support of other Member States, in addition to the countries that had signed it in Cyprus.

During a working lunch, Professor Peter Strohschneider presented his report on the results of the strategic dialogue on the future of agriculture, which was presented in early September at a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Panayiotou said she supports the need to further target support for farmers, with a focus on small and medium-sized farms and young farmers, as mentioned in the report. She also stressed the importance of promoting new technologies and innovation in agricultural production.

She also noted that the proposal to create two funds independent of the CAP, such as the fair transition fund and the nature restoration fund, should not limit appropriations which will be available through the next CAP in the future.

The Agriculture Minister said that Cyprus agrees with the proposed reform of the agricultural reserve, pointing out the need for a more flexible crisis management framework that will provide adequate support to farmers and allow for faster and simplified procedures, adapted to local needs and specificities.

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Cyprus’ Strong Youth Employment Rate Still Does Not Guarantee Early Independence

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2026

Young people in Cyprus have a relatively high employment rate, but they leave the parental home later than the EU average, according to Eurostat data.

Cypriots left home at an average age of 27 in 2025, compared with 26.3 years across the EU. At the same time, 72.3% of people aged 20 to 29 in Cyprus were employed, well above the EU average of 65.5%.

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Strong Employment Does Not Mean Early Independence

Only nine countries recorded higher youth employment rates than Cyprus. Iceland led at 85.3%, followed by the Netherlands at 84%, Malta at 82.1%, Switzerland at 78.3% and Germany at 77%.

Norway recorded 76.5%, Ireland 76.1%, Denmark 74.8% and Austria 74.6%. Eurostat said countries where young people leave home earlier generally tend to have higher youth employment rates.

Southern Europe Sees Later Moves

Finland had the lowest average age for leaving the parental home at 21.4 years, followed by Denmark at 21.8 and Estonia and Lithuania at 22.7. Croatia recorded the highest average at 31.5 years, followed by Greece and Slovakia at 30.9. Spain and Italy both stood at 30.2 years.

Across the EU, the average has remained close to 26 since 2002, rising only slightly from 26.2 years in 2024 to 26.3 years in 2025.

Cyprus Labour Market Is Cooling

The figures come as Cyprus’ labor market shows some signs of easing, although demand for workers remains relatively strong by European standards.

Separate Eurostat data showed Cyprus had the EU’s largest annual decline in its job vacancy rate in the second quarter of 2026. The rate fell to 2.6% from 3.3% a year earlier, but remained above the EU average of 2.0% and the euro area average of 2.1%.

Cost Of Living Remains A Factor

Housing and other living costs can also affect how quickly young workers establish independent households. Eurostat reported that Cyprus’ household consumption price level was 89.2% of the EU average in 2025.

A relatively lower overall price level does not eliminate affordability pressures for people on modest incomes. For younger workers, the issue can be whether wages are sufficient to cover rent, utilities, food and other basic expenses.

Cyprus therefore combines relatively high youth employment with a later transition to independent living, suggesting that access to work and the ability to afford a separate household do not always move together.