?nvironmental challenges impact the entire island G/c and T/c parties agree

Environmental challenges in Cyprus have an impact on both communities and inaction or postponement will result in greater damage in the future, Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot political parties have said, underlining areas for joint action.

The parties met on Wednesday in the framework of the bicommunal dialogue taking place under the auspices of the Embassy of the Slovak Republic.

A Joint Communique issued after the meeting said that the representatives held a discussion on the topic “There is no other Cyprus and the environment cannot wait for a solution of the Cyprus problem”, presented by the hosting bicommunal political party, Volt Cyprus.

The representatives exchanged views on issues such as climate change, wildfires, water scarcity, lack of sustainable waste management, pollution and biodiversity loss, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

They agreed that environmental protection cannot be placed on hold until a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem is reached and identified priority areas for immediate and practical cooperation such as coordination in dealing with wildfires and extreme weather conditions. They also agreed that there is a need to strengthen communication, coordination, preparedness, and response mechanisms for forest fires, floods, and other natural disasters, through the upgrade of the Committee on Crisis Management (CCM).

As regards Waste Management and Recycling the parties agreed on the need for developing bicommunal waste treatment facilities, joint awareness raising, exchange of expertise, and pilot projects related to solid waste, plastics, electronic, and hazardous waste treatment, building on existing recommendations and supported, where possible, by European Union-funded bicommunal initiatives.

They also agreed on the need to promote cooperation on sustainable water use, agricultural efficiency, drought preparedness, soil erosion prevention and climate adaptation planning, in order to address shared climatic risks more effectively.

Moreover they agreed on the need for advancing coordinated efforts for the mapping and protection of ecosystems, forests, wetlands, bird migration routes, and marine environments, recognising that biodiversity protection requires island-wide approaches. They also agreed on the need to promote the creation of joint renewable energy infrastructure, with a special emphasis on energy reclamation from waste resources, solar panels on new infrastructures and innovative energy projects.

The joint statement also pointed out that the parties agreed that the facilitation of adoption of the acquis communautaire across the island is extremely urgent, since it will automatically facilitate the upgrading of the island’s environmental performance and infrastructure, paving the way for further and deeper cooperation on more contested issues.

The representatives noted that many of the above areas already fall within the mandate of the Bicommunal Technical Committee on Environment, emphasizing that the committee’s potential has not been fully utilised, largely due to changing political dynamics and limited operational authority.

The representatives called on the leaders of both communities to support and facilitate the advancement of these priority areas and to enable relevant bicommunal technical mechanisms to take forward concrete cooperation without delay.

The next meeting will be hosted on 28 January 2026 and the guest speaker is set to be the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNFICYP Khassim Diagne, as it is noted

Cyprus President departs for Kyiv for working visit

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides departs on Wednesday for Kyiv for a working visit as part of preparations ahead of Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, according to a statement from the Presidency. He is to arrive in Kyiv on Thursday.

The visit, it said, takes place during a period of significant developments for Ukraine and ‘reflects the steadfast political will of the Republic of Cyprus to actively contribute to advancing European priorities and to express its unwavering support for Ukraine.’

It notes that during his meeting with Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Christodoulides ‘will reaffirm the full commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to the fundamental principles of international law and Cyprus’ absolute respect for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, a position aligned with our own historical experience and our unwavering principles, which must be upheld universally and without exception.’ The discussions will also outline the main priorities of the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, which places the Ukrainian issue high on the European agenda, the statement adds.

‘At the same time, the need to decisively address the phenomenon of sanctions circumvention will be underscored, as well as the broader effectiveness of the international sanctions framework, which requires a common stance, transparency, and consistency from all,’ the announcement said.

According to the announcement, the President of the Republic will arrive in Kyiv on Thursday, December 4. Following his arrival, he will lay a wreath at the Wall of Remembrance of the Fallen for Ukraine, in the presence of President Zelenskyy.

The two Presidents will then have a meeting, followed by expanded talks at the Presidential Palace focusing on EU-Ukraine relations, the country’s accession negotiations, and the contribution of the forthcoming Cypriot Presidency. The two leaders will make statements to the media and then participate in a working lunch.

Later on, President Christodoulides will visit the Ukrainian Parliament for a meeting with Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk, ‘affirming the strong institutional dimension of the relations between the two countries.’

President Christodoulides will then visit the Special Rehabilitation Centre for children repatriated after abduction and captivity in occupied territories, ‘highlighting the humanitarian dimension of Cyprus’ stance toward the war and its impact on the most vulnerable victims,’ the statement notes.

Before departing from Kyiv, the President will also visit Saint Sophia Cathedral, ‘an emblematic monument of the Orthodox tradition and the cultural heritage of the country.’

President Christodoulides will be accompanied by Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office Doros Venezis, and other officials.

Research Deputy Minister to present Cyprus EU Presidency agenda in Brussels

Cyprus Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Dr. Nikodemos Damianou is traveling to Brussels Wednesday to participate in the EU Telecommunications Council.

A press release says that the DepMin will present the work program of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU on digital policy and cybersecurity issues.

The Council’s agenda also includes strengthening Europe’s digital competitiveness, simplifying legislation to empower businesses, as well as the implementation of the Digital Services Regulation on online platforms and e-commerce.

The discussion will also focus on the broader building of resilience and protection against cyberattacks.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister will hold a series of bilateral meetings with European officials and counterparts from EU member states, to coordinate and discuss critical issues, in view of the Cyprus Presidency to begin January 1st.

New loans record a decrease to pound 429,4 mln in October, increase on house purchase loans

Pure new loans recorded a decrease to pound 429,4 million in October 2025 (from total of pound 624,9 million), compared with pound 447,9 million (from total of pound 770,5 million) in the previous month, according to figures by the Central Bank of Cyprus.

More specifically pure new loans for consumption increased to pound 23,7 million (from total of pound 25,1 million), compared with pound 21,2 million in the previous month (from total of pound 22,6 million).

Pure new loans for house purchase recorded an increase to pound 117,5 million (from total of pound 158,7 million), compared with pound 112,9 million in the previous month (from total of pound 165,4 million).

Pure new loans to non-financial corporations for amounts up to pound 1 million decreased to pound 50,8 million (from total of pound 68,3 million), compared with pound 62,7 million in the previous month (from total of pound 83,7 million).

The figures also show that new loans to non-financial corporations for amounts over pound 1 million registered a decrease to pound 232,0 million (from total of pound 359,6 million), compared with pound 246,7 million in the previous month (from total of pound 492,5 million).

As regards the interest rate level on outstanding loans in Cyprus, figures show that it is close to the respective Eurozone median4, with the spread standing at zero (0,0%) for households and to 0,4% for non-financial corporations.

The interest rate level on new loans in Cyprus is comparable to the Eurozone median. More specifically, the spread between the weighted average interest rate on loans to households for house purchase stands at -0,3% (lower than the Eurozone median), while the respective spread for non-financial corporations is limited to just 0,1%.

In contrast to the interest rates on loans, interest rates on outstanding deposits in Cyprus are considered as outlier, standing at the lower level within Eurozone.

This might be attributed to the excess liquidity of credit institutions in Cyprus, which is among the highest ones within Eurozone. (indicatively, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio – LCR in Cyprus in October 2025 stood at 329%, compared with 183% (median) and 162% (mean) in European Union in June 2025), as well as to the short range of the banking sector in Cyprus.

Similarly with interest rates on outstanding deposits, the interest rates on new deposits in Cyprus are standing at the lower level within Eurozone, due to the same reasons mentioned above.

The interest rate on deposits from households with an agreed maturity of up to one year recorded a decrease to 1,07%, compared with 1,10% in the previous month.

The corresponding interest rate on deposits from non-financial corporations registered a marginal decrease to 1,23%, compared with 1,24% in the previous month.

The interest rate on consumer credit increased to 6,88%, compared with 6,46% in the previous month.

The interest rate on loans for house purchase increased to 3,73%, compared with 3,63% in the previous month. It is noted that, the portfolio of loans for house purchase of the MFIs contains various types of loans, such as loans for primary residence, for vacation houses etc, which bear different risk and interest rate.

The composition of the housing loans portfolio varies from month to month, resulting in changes to the level of the weighted average interest rate, independently of the increases or decreases of the interest rates of the MFIs.

The interest rate on loans to non-financial corporations for amounts up to pound 1 million increased to 4,39%, compared with 4,32% in the previous month. The interest rate on loans to non-financial corporations for amounts over pound 1 million registered a decrease to 3,69%, compared with 3,79% in the previous month.

PRESS RELEASE – UNIVERSITY OF CYPRUS

Panels on Urban Data Governance and the Green Deal Implementation Agenda

The TWIN2EXPAND project participated in Cyprus Forum 2025 with two high-level panel discussions dedicated to the future of urban data governance and the practical implementation of the European Green Deal in Cyprus. Organized in collaboration with Oxygen for Democracy and held in the historic Cornaro Room of the Nicosia Old Town Hall, the sessions reflected the project’s commitment to strengthening evidence-based and participatory approaches to urban and environmental decision-making.

Building an Open Urban Data Future – The Case of Cyprus

The first panel explored the evolving landscape of urban data in Cyprus and the systemic conditions required to build a cohesive, open, and usable data ecosystem. At the heart of the conversation was a widely shared challenge of moving from fragmented, siloed datasets toward integrated data systems capable of informing climate resilience, accessibility planning, energy efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

Discussions examined how EU directives on open data often encounter local constraints, highlighting the gap between the ambition of European legislation and the operational capacities of municipalities and state agencies. Participants debated the types of governance models that could help Cyprus overcome this gap, drawing examples from international practices in data governance, urban observatories, and collaborative data alliances.

A further theme concerned the value of open urban data beyond regulatory compliance. Panellists highlighted how richer and more accessible spatial and environmental datasets can enhance decision-making by: enabling more transparent evidence-based planning; supporting real-time monitoring of sustainability indicators; helping communities understand inequalities in access to services, transport, and green space; providing researchers and innovators the foundations for new analytical tools.

The discussion also reflected on Cyprus’s potential to serve as a living laboratory for data-driven urban governance. Its scale, institutional landscape, and vibrant research ecosystem offer favourable conditions for piloting new collaborative data models.

The session closed with reflections from each speaker, underscoring the need for long-term coordination between central government, local authorities, academia, and the private sector.

Moderators: Nadia Charalambous, Ilaria Geddes. SURF Lab, University of Cyprus

Speakers:

Prof. Marios M. Polycarpou, Director, KIOS Research and Innovation Center of Excellence, UCY

Prof. Marina Neophytou, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, UCY

Dr Gareth Simons, Senior Research Fellow, University College London

Valentina Marin, Associate Director, Space Syntax

Pavlos Loizou, Founder and CEO, Ask Wire

Green Deal in Practice – Cyprus Implementation Agenda

The second panel addressed how Cyprus can realistically implement the European Green Deal, given its specific geographic, environmental, and socio-political context. The conversation began by unpacking the core pillars of the Green Deal-climate neutrality, biodiversity restoration, energy transition, circular economy- and assessing Cyprus’s current position relative to European targets.

Participants explored how Cyprus can translate the Green Deal’s overarching objectives-climate neutrality, biodiversity protection, resource management, renewable energy expansion, and sustainable urban development-into context-appropriate national strategies. They also discussed structural and regulatory challenges that affect implementation, noting that long-term sustainability ambitions often face mismatches between policy design, administrative capacity, and local realities. The panel highlighted the need for clearer implementation pathways, more resilient planning frameworks, and integrated monitoring systems capable of capturing progress across interrelated policy areas.

Another key theme was the necessity of collaboration. Effective implementation of the Green Deal demands coordination across governmental departments, alignment between national and municipal planning, and meaningful cooperation with academia, civil society, and the private sector. Speakers pointed out that without sustained investment, institutional stability, and participatory engagement, even the most well-defined policies risk remaining aspirational rather than actionable. They emphasised on the importance of strengthening environmental governance, improving data sharing across institutions, and fostering public understanding of climate priorities to ensure that environmental transformations deliver tangible benefits to communities.

The session concluded with final reflections from each speaker, outlining priority actions for the coming years: strengthening environmental monitoring systems, investing in renewable energy and water resilience, integrating scientific evidence into planning decisions, and building the institutional foundations necessary for Cyprus to meet its 2030 and 2050 targets.

Moderator: Andreas Papallas, Architect, SURF Lab, University of Cyprus

Speakers:

Charalampos Theopemptou, Chair, Environment Committee, House of Representatives of Cyprus

Savvas Vlachos, Director, Cyprus Energy Agency

Eleni Stylianopoulou, Secretariat for the Coordination and Support of the Government Programme

Nicoletta Neophytou, Director, PwC Cyprus

Knowledge Resources

Policy briefs developed through TWIN2EXPAND on evidence-based decision-making are available at: https://twin2expand.surf.com.cy/category/publications/

Acknowledgements

The University of Cyprus and the TWIN2EXPAND consortium extend their warmest thanks to all speakers, moderators, and participants for contributing to a thoughtful and forward-looking dialogue. The discussions underscored the importance of evidence-based policy, cross-sector collaboration, and public engagement in shaping a sustainable and equitable future for Cyprus.-objectives that lie at the heart of TWIN2EXPAND’s mission.

TWIN2EXPAND

The project ‘Towards Research Excellence in Evidence-Based Planning and Urban Design – TWIN2EXPAND’ brings together a consortium of leading European research institutions, including University College London (UCL), Polytechnic University of Turin, Chalmers University of Technology and Space Syntax Limited. TWIN2EXPAND aims to enhance UCY’s research excellence in evidence-based design and planning (EBDP) and to promote interdisciplinary research and networking.

Funding: European Union [grant number 101078890] and UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) under the UK government’s Horizon Europe funding guarantee [grant number 10052856, 10050784].

Cyprus Department of Meteorology – Forecast for the Sea Area of Cyprus (C)

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (C)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1800 03/12/2025 UNTIL 1800 04/12/2025

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1018hPa (hectopascal)

Weak high pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be partly cloudy with risk of isolated light showers.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 23°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA

PERIOD

WIND

STATE OF SEA

West Coast

Night

Northeast to East 3

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 3

Smooth to Slight

Afternoon

Southeast 3 to 4, locally Northwest

Smooth to Slight

South Coast

Night

North to Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Smooth to Slight

Morning

Northeast 4, at times locally Northeast to Southeast 4 to 5

Smooth to Slight, at times locally Slight

Afternoon

Northeast to East 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight

East Coast

Night

Northeast 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Morning

Northeast 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Northeast to East 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

North Coast

Night

Northeast to East 3 to 4, locally 4

Slight

Morning

Northeast to East 4, at times locally 4 to 5

Slight, at times locally Slight to Moderate

Afternoon

Northeast to East 4, locally 5

Slight, locally Slight to Moderate

PRESS RELEASE – CCCI

AmCham Cyprus Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Gala Dinner

The American Chamber of Commerce in Cyprus (AmCham Cyprus) hosted its annual Thanksgiving Gala Dinner, uniting distinguished guests, government officials, business leaders, and members of the diplomatic community to celebrate the enduring partnership between Cyprus and the United States.

The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, and representatives from the US Embassy. The evening also celebrated the increasing presence of US companies in Cyprus, with significant investments in energy, technology, healthcare, and transportation.

Special recognition was given to the leadership of US Ambassador Julie Davis and the Embassy team for their role in advancing economic and cultural ties, supporting reforms, and promoting innovation and education.

In his keynote address, Mr. Marios Kapiris, President of AmCham Cyprus, emphasised the remarkable progress in bilateral relations, stating: ‘The partnership between Cyprus and the United States has grown stronger, deeper, and more dynamic than ever before, elevating Cyprus to a new level of transatlantic strategic importance.’

He noted that President Christodoulides’s recent visit to the United States and the institutionalisation of the Strategic Dialogue were cited as pivotal moments, fostering enhanced security cooperation, investment, and innovation. The President’s efforts to position Cyprus as a gateway for technology, education, and investment were praised, with emphasis on the country’s skilled workforce, robust legal framework, and strategic location connecting Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Representing the US Embassy, Mr. Daniel Mangis, Chargé d’Affaires, conveyed the greetings of Ambassador Julie Davis and expressed optimism for the future of Cyprus-US commercial relations. He thanked President Christodoulides for his pivotal role during a defining period for bilateral ties, noting that the President’s recent visit to the US continues to yield positive results. Mr. Mangis also acknowledged AmCham Cyprus’s contribution to strengthening commercial relations, attracting investment, supporting innovation, and creating new opportunities for cooperation.

Mr. Mangis referenced the long-standing presence of American companies in Cyprus and congratulated both the outgoing and newly elected leadership of AmCham Cyprus, expressing hope for expanded cooperation.

He further noted positive developments such as new legislation to enhance transparency and national security, and the establishment of business support centres, all aimed at making Cyprus even more welcoming to business and responsive to the needs of American companies. Mr. Mangis also expressed optimism for Cyprus’s digital transformation and the renewal of the bilateral Economic Diplomacy Action Plan.

Finally, he reaffirmed the United States’ continued support for efforts under the United Nations to reunify the island as a bizonal, bicommunal federation, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.

President Christodoulides on his remarks powerfully quoted: ‘Cyprus is no longer being discovered – it is being chosen.’

And he continued by stating that this reflects a new reality for our country and the core message shared at the AmCham Cyprus Thanksgiving Gala Dinner. It captures how far Cyprus has come and how confidently we are stepping into a future shaped by partnership, innovation, and strategic relevance, as the Cyprus-US relationship evolves into a model of purposeful cooperation.

He then elaborated how Cyprus-US relations now stand at a historic high, through concrete milestones, such as, amongst others: the first Cyprus-U.S. Strategic Dialogue in Nicosia, the first visit of a Cypriot President to the White House in almost thirty years, strengthened security cooperation through Foreign Military Sales, Excess Defense Articles, and Section 333, the launch of the Cyprus-US Defense and Security Dialogue and enhanced law-enforcement collaboration with the FBI.

Moreover, he stressed that the National Sanctions Implementation Unit has reinforced our capabilities, while the CYCLOPS training center in Larnaca has become a regional reference point, training over 2,000 officials from more than twenty countries. In addition, he commented that our humanitarian cooperation, including Cyprus’ role as a staging point during regional crises and the operation of the Amalthea Maritime Corridor demonstrates the country’s reliability in moments of need., whilst energy collaboration remains central, with Chevron and ExxonMobil active in our Exclusive Economic Zone, with the 3+1 mechanism with Greece, Israel, and the United States continues to strengthen regional stability and connectivity.

Finally, he concluded by stating that these developments show a country moving with confidence into a future defined by strategic relevance, a future where Cyprus is not only participating in regional developments but actively shaping them.

Shipping Minister in Brussels for EU Council and bilateral meetings

Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis will participate in an EU Transport Council on Thursday, in Brussels and will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts from EU member states.

According to a press release by the Deputy Ministry, during the Council meeting, Hadjimanolis will take part in a discussion concerning the adoption of global measures for the decarbonisation of shipping, and will present the work programme of the Cyprus Presidency of the EU Council regarding maritime transport issues.

During her visit, the Deputy Minister will also hold a series of bilateral meetings with her counterparts from other EU member states, including Denmark, which currently holds the Presidency of the Council, as well as Ireland, which will assume the Presidency of the Council on 1 July 2026.

PRESS RELEASE – CENTRAL BANK OF CYPRUS

The Central Bank of Cyprus has today released the statistics on the average interest rates1 applied by monetary financial institutions (MFIs) in Cyprus on deposits and loans of euro area residents in euro, as well as data regarding volumes (amounts) of new euro denominated loans to euro area residents for the reference month of October 2025. These statistics are included in the November 2025 edition of Monetary and Financial Statistics. In parallel, comparative data for the eurozone countries are presented in the Data Portal of the European Central Bank.

The main developments in interest rates on new deposit and loan contracts, including contracts which were renegotiated, are summarized as follows:

Deposit Rates

The interest rate on deposits from households with an agreed maturity of up to one year recorded a decrease to 1,07%, compared with 1,10% in the previous month.

The corresponding interest rate on deposits from non-financial corporations registered a marginal decrease to 1,23%, compared with 1,24% in the previous month.

Lending Rates2

The interest rate on consumer credit increased to 6,88%, compared with 6,46% in the previous month.

The interest rate on loans for house purchase increased to 3,73%, compared with 3,63% in the previous month. It is noted that, the portfolio of loans for house purchase of the MFIs contains various types of loans, such as loans for primary residence, for vacation houses etc, which bear different risk and interest rate. The composition of the housing loans portfolio varies from month to month, resulting in changes to the level of the weighted average interest rate, independently of the increases or decreases of the interest rates of the MFIs.

The interest rate on loans to non-financial corporations for amounts up to pound 1 million increased to 4,39%, compared with 4,32% in the previous month. The interest rate on loans to non-financial corporations for amounts over pound 1 million registered a decrease to 3,69%, compared with 3,79% in the previous month.

Amounts of pure new loans3

Pure new loans recorded a decrease to pound 429,4 million in October 2025 (from total of pound 624,9 million), compared with pound 447,9 million (from total of pound 770,5 million) in the previous month. The main categories of new loans are analysed below:

Pure new loans for consumption increased to pound 23,7 million (from total of pound 25,1 million), compared with pound 21,2 million in the previous month (from total of pound 22,6 million).

Pure new loans for house purchase recorded an increase to pound 117,5 million (from total of pound 158,7 million), compared with pound 112,9 million in the previous month (from total of pound 165,4 million).

Pure new loans to non-financial corporations for amounts up to pound 1 million decreased to pound 50,8 million (from total of pound 68,3 million), compared with pound 62,7 million in the previous month (from total of pound 83,7 million).

Pure new loans to non-financial corporations for amounts over pound 1 million registered a decrease to pound 232,0 million (from total of pound 359,6 million), compared with pound 246,7 million in the previous month (from total of pound 492,5 million).

Cyprus interest rates in a European context: Analysis and comparison

Loan interest rates (outstanding amounts)

The interest rate level on outstanding loans in Cyprus is close to the respective Eurozone median4, with the spread standing at zero (0,0%) for households and to 0,4% for non-financial corporations.

Loan interest rates (new business)

The interest rate level on new loans in Cyprus is comparable to the Eurozone median. More specifically, the spread between the weighted average interest rate on loans to households for house purchase stands at -0,3% (lower than the Eurozone median), while the respective spread for non-financial corporations is limited to just 0,1%.

Deposit interest rates (outstanding amounts)

In contrast to the interest rates on loans, interest rates on outstanding deposits in Cyprus are considered as outlier, standing at the lower level within Eurozone. This might be attributed to the excess liquidity of credit institutions in Cyprus, which is among the highest ones within Eurozone. (indicatively, the Liquidity Coverage Ratio – LCR in Cyprus in October 2025 stood at 329%, compared with 183% (median) and 162% (mean) in European Union in June 2025), as well as to the short range of the banking sector in Cyprus.

Deposit interest rates (new business)

Similarly with interest rates on outstanding deposits, the interest rates on new deposits in Cyprus are standing at the lower level within Eurozone, due to the same reasons mentioned above.

Click here.

In accordance with the provisions of Regulation 2013/34, as amended, of the European Central Bank, interest rates are calculated as weighted average interest rates, which are sensitive to outliers.

Lending rates refer to loans with floating interest rate and up to one year initial rate fixation.

Amounts of pure new loans include only new loan contracts. Total new loans include new loan contracts and contracts which were renegotiated within the reference month.

For the purposes of this analysis, the median is considered as a more appropriate measure of comparison, since it is not sensitive to outliers mainly arising from countries with large portfolios

Foreign Minister in Austria for OSCE meeting and contacts

Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos departs on Wednesday for Austria, where he will participate in the Ministerial Meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), taking place on December 3-5, 2025, at the Organization’s headquarters in Vienna.

According to an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during his stay in Vienna, the Foreign Minister will have a series of contacts with his counterparts.