Breaking news

Tax Reform As A Modernization Catalyst: PASYDY And KEVE Applaud Progressive Change

Stakeholders Hail A New Era In Cyprus Tax Policy

The recent passage of the tax reform bills has been met with optimism by key industry organizations. Both PASYDY and KEVE have welcomed the legislation, praising it as a significant step toward modernizing Cyprus’ tax framework—with PASYDY emphasizing fairness and economic stability, and KEVE focusing on competitiveness and investment confidence.

Pasydy Celebrates A Modern And Equitable System

PASYDY expressed satisfaction with the executive initiative to enact an all‐encompassing tax reform, highlighting the importance of a modern and equitable tax system as a cornerstone for economic stability, social justice, and sustainable growth. The association underscored that the new legislation will contribute substantially to curbing tax evasion while strengthening the state’s revenue collection mechanisms.

Notably, PASYDY recalls its March 2022 submission to the Minister of Finance, which recommended adjustments to personal income tax brackets—citing deflationary effects from the previous revision nearly two decades ago. Several of its proposals were incorporated into the final bill, including the expansion of tax brackets and income criteria for tax deductions, particularly benefiting families with children. These measures are expected to offer annual savings of between €500 and €2,000, providing significant relief to the middle class.

Keve: A Milestone For Transformation And Competitiveness

KEVE, representing the broader business community, has characterized the reform as a transformational milestone. The chamber’s leadership believes the overhaul aligns the tax system with the demands of a modern economy, thus enhancing Cyprus’ international competitiveness. KEVE sees the reform as a historic opportunity to fortify the country’s economic stability, transparency, and appeal as a destination for business and investment.

KEVE’s response highlights several key enhancements, including the elimination of the imputed dividend distribution and a reduction in the Extraordinary Defense Contribution on dividends to 5%. In its strategic dialogue with policymakers, the chamber placed a premium on legal certainty and a stable business environment—ensuring that revenue collection is balanced with judicial oversight, and that administrative provisions remain clear to foster both international outreach and investment attraction.

Moreover, the reform is lauded for its substantial societal impact. KEVE pointed to the increased tax-free threshold and targeted support measures for families as instrumental in bolstering disposable income and addressing declining birth rates. The chamber has committed to closely monitoring the implementation of the reform as it continues to serve as a key institutional partner in advancing economic progress and prosperity across Cyprus.

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Aretilaw firm
eCredo
Uol

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter