US Congress Moves to Fortify Ties with Cyprus Through New Legislation

by News Editor

May 16, 2025

A recent legislative initiative in the United States Congress aims to bolster the nation’s connections with Cyprus through the ‘Eastern Mediterranean Gateway Act.’

Introduced by Congressman Brad Schneider from Illinois, and backed by Greek-American legislators, this bill seeks to strengthen ties across the Eastern Mediterranean, recognized as an emerging strategic hub linking Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

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Schneider stated, “This region is rapidly becoming a critical node for energy and infrastructure, necessitating stronger US diplomatic engagements with countries like Greece, Cyprus, and Israel.”

While details of the bill remain limited, it underscores the significance of the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a pivotal connection for global trade and energy supply chains, as highlighted by co-sponsor Gus Bilirakis from Florida.

Though Cyprus is not a signatory to IMEC’s initial memorandum, this bill could elevate its regional influence, especially within forums like the Eastern Mediterranean Gas Alliance. Cyprus’s strategic positioning is further emphasized in the context of US foreign policy interests.

Lifting of Arms Embargo on Cyprus

A related legislative effort aims to permanently lift the long-standing US arms embargo on Cyprus, a move set to change the regional security dynamics and investment prospects in Cyprus.

This legislative package, if enacted, will likely make Cyprus an even more crucial ally in the US’s strategic endeavors across the eastern Mediterranean.

The bill’s implementation could mark a turning point, transforming Cyprus into a central figure in regional infrastructure and security collaborations.

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Global Investment Migration: Leading Residence And Citizenship Programs For 2026

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 24, 2026

European Dominance Challenged By Global Contenders

The 2026 edition of the Henley & Partners Residence and Citizenship Programs report shows increasing competition in the investment migration market. European programs, traditionally seen as the global benchmark, are now facing stronger competition from jurisdictions in the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Caribbean as countries expand offerings aimed at attracting capital and internationally mobile investors.

New Entrants And Rapid Climbers Reshape The Landscape

Malta remains ranked first in the Global Citizenship Program Index for the 11th consecutive year, while Greece retains the top position in the Global Residence Program Index. At the same time, several jurisdictions improved their standings. The UAE moved from fifth to a joint second position, entering the top three for the first time. Countries including Costa Rica, New Zealand, Panama, and Singapore also gained ground, while Uruguay, Saudi Arabia, and the Maldives appeared as new entrants.

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Competing For Capital And Global Talent

Governments increasingly use residence and citizenship frameworks as tools to attract foreign investment and entrepreneurial talent. According to Henley & Partners Chairman Dr. Christian H. Kaelin, Europe remains a strong player, but countries such as Singapore and the UAE are accelerating reforms to strengthen their appeal to globally mobile investors.

Established Leaders And Agile Newcomers In Citizenship Programs

The Global Citizenship Program Index continues to be led by established programs. Malta’s citizenship-by-merit framework scored 77 points, maintaining its leading position, while Austria followed with a highly selective model. Programs in Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Nauru also received strong rankings. New entrants such as São Tomé and Príncipe and Samoa reflect a broader expansion of citizenship-based offerings.

European Consolidation And Emerging Residence Hubs

In the residence category, Greece remains first, supported by EU access and lifestyle advantages. Italy, Switzerland, and the UAE continue to compete closely, combining tax efficiency with investor-oriented policies. Portugal and Australia maintain strong positions, while Uruguay is emerging as a stable option with growing international interest.

Performance Metrics And Strategic Advantages

Both indexes evaluate 40 programs across factors including reputation, quality of life, compliance standards, investment requirements, and tax considerations. Austria and Malta scored strongly on program quality, while the UAE ranked highly in lifestyle and tax competitiveness. The rankings highlight how jurisdictions are positioning themselves to attract globally mobile capital.

Wealth On The Move

The report points to a broader shift in global wealth mobility. According to Dominic Volek, Group Head of Private Clients at Henley & Partners, investors increasingly prioritize stability, transparency, and clear long-term pathways when choosing residence or citizenship options.

As global uncertainty persists, residence and citizenship programs are increasingly viewed not only as investment tools but as strategic instruments for long-term mobility and risk diversification.

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