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The EU’s High-Tech Sector: Where Women Are Leading The Charge

High-tech jobs now represent 5.2% of the workforce in the European Union, with over 10 million professionals making up this growing sector. However, when it comes to gender equality, the industry still has a long way to go.

As of 2023, women held just over 32% of high-tech positions, a modest dip of 0.6% from the previous year. Yet, there are some standout regions where women are leading the charge in high-tech careers.

One such area is the Hungarian region of Nyugat-Dunántúl, where women actually outnumber men, holding 50.2% of the high-tech jobs. Other regions with notably high female representation include Italy’s Marche region (48.6%) and Hungary’s Észak-Magyarország (48.1%).

On the flip side, Greece’s Thessalia region reported the lowest percentage of women in the sector, with just 8.3%.

When it comes to the total number of high-tech professionals, Germany and France dominate the landscape. Bavaria tops the list with a whopping 476,000 high-tech workers, followed closely by France’s Ile-de-France (469,100), and two other German regions—North Rhine-Westphalia (466,100) and Baden-Württemberg (434,100). At the other end of the scale, regions like Peloponnisos in Greece, Bolzano in Italy, and Crete in Greece reported the smallest numbers of high-tech professionals, each with fewer than 5,000.

As the high-tech industry continues to evolve, these regional disparities in both gender representation and job numbers underscore the work still needed to build a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Robust Cyprus Construction Activity Bolsters Vassilico Cement’s 2025 Performance

Vassilico Cement Works Public Company Ltd reported a net profit of €35.52 million for 2025, supported by strong construction activity in Cyprus. Company profit reached €34.99 million, reflecting higher revenues and improved operating performance.

Domestic Market Growth Driven By Cyprus Construction

Group revenue rose to €152.75 million, while company revenue reached €152.66 million, up 11% year on year. Growth was driven by increased sales volumes in the domestic market, where construction activity remained strong throughout the year.

Enhanced Production Efficiency And Cost Management

Gross profit increased to €50.30 million at group level and €50.21 million at company level, compared with €42.49 million in 2024. The improvement reflects gains in production efficiency and cost control, supported by higher use of alternative fuels and improved electricity efficiency. These measures reduced unit costs while supporting environmental targets.

Executive Insights And Macroeconomic Outlook

Executive Chairman Antonis Antoniou said strong domestic demand supported production volumes, with the company maintaining focus on the local market and managing exports selectively. He added that favorable economic conditions in Cyprus contributed to performance, despite regulatory pressures in Europe and broader geopolitical uncertainty.

Navigating Energy And Regulatory Challenges

Future performance will be influenced by energy market volatility and European climate policy, including carbon pricing and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Rising fuel and electricity costs continue to affect energy-intensive industries.

The company is expanding its renewable energy capacity, with a photovoltaic park reaching 16MW and plans for an additional 8MW, subject to grid connection. The investments aim to improve cost stability and energy efficiency.

Shareholder Returns And Strategic Investments

The board approved an interim dividend of €0.15 per share, totaling €10.79 million, on September 25, 2025. A final dividend of €16.55 million, or €0.23 per share, will be proposed. Combined, total dividends amount to €27.34 million, or €0.38 per share.

Management said the company will continue focusing on efficiency, cost control and sustainability as it navigates energy market pressures and regulatory requirements.

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