Cyprus News Agency – Page 691 – Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Budget implementation: 59% in revenue, 52% in expenditure in first 9 months 2025

Implementation of the 2025 state budget reached 59% for revenue and 52% for expenditure by end of September, according to the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus.

Specifically, by the end of September 2025, revenue amounted to pound 6.91 billion, corresponding to 59% of the state budget (2024: pound 7.72 billion, 68%), while actual expenditures reached pound 6.75 billion, representing a implementation rate of 52%(2024: pound 7.94 billion, 58%).

According to the Treasury, the implementation of the state budget in terms of revenues shows a decrease compared to the same period last year, mainly due to a reduction in loan drawdowns by pound 1.06 billion, which is offset by increases in direct and indirect taxes by pound 0.15 billion and pound 0.14 billion, respectively.

Moreover, the implementation of the state budget regarding expenditure is also reduced, mainly due to lower repayments of loans and interest by pound 1.33 billion.

Revenue

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According to the Treasury, during the period January-September 2025, indirect taxes increased by pound 0.14 billion (5%) compared with 2024, mainly due to the increase in VAT revenues by pound 0.07 billion (2025: pound 2.29 billion, 2024: pound 2.22 billion), revenues from other indirect taxes by pound 0.04 billion (2025: pound 0.41 billion, 2024: pound 0.37 billion), and revenues from excise duties by pound 0.03 billion (2025: pound 0.39 billion, 2024: pound 0.36 billion).

Direct taxes increased by pound 0.15 billion (5%) compared with 2024, mainly due to the increase in income tax from legal and natural persons by pound 0.12 billion (2025: pound 2.58 billion, 2024: pound 2.46 billion).

It is also noted that by the end of September 2025, loan drawdowns amounted to pound 0.04 billion (2024: pound 1.10 billion).

Expenditure

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According to the Treasury, the implementation of payroll, pensions, and gratuities by the end of September shows a slight decrease of pound 0.01 billion, from pound 2.46 billion in 2024 to pound 2.45 billion in 2025.

Loan and interest repayments by the end of September amounted to pound 0.62 billion (2024: pound 1.96 billion), of which pound 0.48 billion (2024: pound 0.55 billion) concerned loan interest and charges, pound 0.07 billion (2024: pound 0.34 billion) the repayment of domestic loans, and pound 0.07 billion (2024: pound 1.06 billion) the repayment of external loans.

Expenditures on social benefits by the end of September reached pound 1.37 billion (2024: pound 1.33 billion). The increase of pound 0.04 billion (3%) is attributed mainly to higher healthcare benefits by pound 0.06 billion (2025: pound 0.61 billion, 2024: pound 0.55 billion), combined with a reduction in social welfare benefits by pound 0.03 billion (2025: pound 0.51 billion, 2024: pound 0.54 billion).

Additionally, transfers and subsidies by the end of September reached pound 1.31 billion (2024: pound 1.16 billion), marking an increase of pound 0.15 billion (13%) compared to the same period last year.

Operating and other expenses by the end of September amounted to pound 0.61 billion (2024: pound 0.67 billion), showing a decrease of pound 0.06 billion (9%).

According to the Treasury, over the last decade, the average implementation rate of total state budget expenditures by September has been 60%. The lower implementation rates in 2018 and 2025 are mainly due to the seasonality of public debt repayments. The implementation rate for 2025 stands at 52%.

As for development expenditures, the Treasury reports that capital expenditure implementation by the end of September reached pound 250.9 million, co-financed projects and other financing expenditures reached pound 132.5 million, grants, contributions, and subsidies by the end of September reached pound 160.1 million and the implementation of social benefits reached pound 40.5 million.

Over the past decade, the average implementation rate of the state development expenditure budget by the end of September stood at 36%. The implementation rate for 2025 is 39%, according to the Treasury.

Weather Temperature for Cyprus

Today’s weather and temperatures for Cyprus according to the Department of Meteorology

Date 27/10/2025

Station

TEMPERATURE (C) (FROM 20:00 PC of the previous one until the time of the show)

Humidity at

1200 UTC

Highest

Lowest

Nicosia (Athalassa)

28 (28.1)

14 (14.1)

Larnaka Airport

27 (27)

17 (17.4)

Limassol (New Port)

26 (26.2)

14 (14)

Limassol (Municipal Garden)

28.0

16.8

Pafos Airport

26 (25.6)

18 (17.5)

Frenaros

28 (28)

17 (16.8)

Prodromos

–

13 (13)

–

Polis Pafos

26 (26)

18 (17.7)

Cyprus President and French Minister discuss partnership ahead of Macron visit

Cyprus and France are moving towards the signing of a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement, with both sides expressing their intention to finalise the document ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Cyprus.

President Nikos Christodoulides, welcoming France’s Minister Delegate for European Affairs Benjamin Haddad at the Presidential Palace on Monday, said the partnership is a very important political, economic, and cultural document that they want to finalise as soon as possible and to receive in Cyprus Emmanuel Macron to sign the document.

The Cypriot President outlined five key issues on the agenda for discussion, beginning with coordination ahead of Cyprus’ upcoming EU presidency.

‘France is one of the member states that we see eye to eye in most of the issues of our European agenda. So it’s important to coordinate ahead of our presidency,’ he said.

He added that the two sides would also discuss regional developments, particularly in countries of shared interest such as Lebanon, as well as the Cyprus problem.

‘It’s important to synchronise our actions, especially in relation to countries of the region that have great interest for France, for example, Lebanon, the closest country to Cyprus,’ President Christodoulides said. He also referred to Cyprus’ efforts to fully join Schengen by 2026, noting that the country is working on the technical aspects with the goal of completing them by the end of the year.

For his part, Benjamin Haddad expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved between the two sides. He said he had an excellent relationship with Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna and that they work closely on all these issues.

Referring to the upcoming agreement, Haddad noted their aim is to finalise is as soon as possible.

‘I think we’re very close. We really sent our last amended version. There’s a few details that we can discuss, but my sense is that going back and forth between our two teams, we’ll be able to finalise the next month in November in Brussels before President Macron comes here to officially sign it,’ he said.

Haddad described the agreement as a great way to enhance cooperation on economic issues, on strategic energy issues, and especially in a lot of defence issues where they can use the different European instruments to deepen their partnership.

Cypriot Studies Chair in Aristotle University a national achievement, President says

The Chair of Cypriot Studies at the Law School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the first one in Greece, was described as a national achievement by President Nikos Christodoulides during the inauguration ceremony.

President Christodoulides described the full financial sponsorship of the chair by the Republic of Cyprus as a “national obligation and mission” and stressed that his joy is twofold, as its inauguration coincides with both his term in office and the centenary of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki.

At the same time, he stressed that this is a national achievement “not only because its purpose is to promote the long-suffering history and achievements of Cyprus through the centuries as part of the unified whole of Hellenism, but mainly because through it we are consciously investing in the new generation, in the tomorrow and in the future of our country.”

On her part, Minister of Education, Sports, and Youth, Dr. Athina Michaelidou, said in her address that the Chair will be a point of reference for Cypriot studies in the international academic field and pointed out that the Ministry “includes in its strategy the strengthening of higher education and research extroversion.”

The Chair, she noted, “constitutes a beacon in Greece’s and Cyprus’ common path, where education meets history and together they build the future.”

Cyprus Minister asks EU Council for adequate funding for farmers’ climate crisis adaptation

Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou called for adequate funding to support farmers in adapting to the climate crisis and to promote generational renewal in the agricultural sector, during her remarks at the Agriculture and Fisheries Council in Luxembourg on Monday.

In her statement ahead of the Council, the Minister highlighted three critical issues affecting the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on the challenges faced by Cyprus. She began by addressing the discussion on the “green architecture” of the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) post-2027. “The climate crisis is already upon us, and its effects are being experienced throughout the food production chain. That is why today’s discussion on the green architecture for the new CAP after 2027 is very important,” she said.

She noted that while the Commission’s proposal includes positive elements, such as the flexibility for member states to adapt their programs to local specificities, “in order to address climate change and the effects of climate change, we need adequate funding.” The Minister also recalled that the Ministers of Agriculture have already jointly expressed their objection to the Commission’s proposal to remove the two pillars and merge the CAP budget with other funds, stating, that “the CAP must maintain its two pillars and an independent budget with an independent funding framework.”

The second issue raised by the Minister concerned “the market situation and the adverse effects on the primary sector in Cyprus due to the prolonged drought, which has affected the entire food production chain.” She requested “adequate and satisfactory support from the Commission,” noting that discussions on this issue are already underway.

Finally, the Minister addressed the “generational renewal strategy” in the agricultural sector, which was presented by the Commissioner. “It is a very important strategy, as we know that the number of young people entering the primary sector across Europe is extremely low-around 12% of those under 40,” she stressed. To make the primary sector attractive to young farmers, “adequate funding is essential,” she concluded, emphasizing that this will be Cyprus’ main request during the discussions. The Minister also underscored the importance of a successful generational renewal strategy for safeguarding food security and maintaining the social cohesion of rural areas.

France determined to assist Cyprus for a successful EU presidency, says Minister delegate for European Affairs [VIDEO]

France is determined to assist Cyprus in any way to make its EU Presidency a successful one said Minister delegate for European Affairs, Benjamin Haddad, who is visiting Cyprus on Monday.

Haddad met with Cyprus Deputy Minister for EU Affairs Marilena Raouna who spoke of an upgrade of the strategic partnership between the two countries.

In press statements before the meeting, Raouna pointed out that Cyprus and France share a longstanding, excellent partnership.

“We are working upon instructions from our Presidents to upgrade this strategic partnership,” she noted.

Today’s agenda included issues related to the steadfast support to Ukraine. Raouna said that the Russian aggression against Ukraine is a European issue, “is an issue that pertains to the European architecture, and this resonates very strongly here in the European Union’s last member state under military occupation”.

They also discussed the negotiations for the new multi-annual financial framework security and defence, which will be a core priority of the Cyprus presidency and enlargement.

Haddad in his statements noted that the aim of the visit is to continue to deepen and upgrade the very strong relationship between France and Cyprus.

“And we will be finalizing a document which will lead the way to a strategic partnership on all areas encompassing industrial, economic cooperation, energy, and strategic matters to really deepen our partnership,” he said.

As regards the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, the French Minister noted that we indeed have very important challenges in front of us.

“The support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, the competitiveness agenda where we need to accelerate the implementation of the Draghi report and data reforms by simplifying our rules, by supporting investment and innovation, by deepening the single market, by protecting our industry against unfair competition and the pressure from abroad”, he said.

Haddad also spoke of the need to upgrade the European industrial defence base at a time when we need to reduce our dependencies on external actors and we are facing geopolitical challenges.

“On all these areas, Cyprus can count on France as a strong, steadfast ally and friend, (something) which is also embodied by the relationship of respect and friendship between our two Presidents. And we’ll be here also preparing an upcoming visit from President Macron”, he said in his press statements.

Haddad was also received later on by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.

PRESS RELEASE – UNIVERSITY OF NICOSIA

On 30 and 31 October 2025, the Trans European Policy Studies Association (TEPSA), the Cyprus Center for European and International Affairs (CCEIA), and the Department of Politics and Governance of the University of Nicosia will hold a high-level conference in Nicosia to discuss the priorities of the Cypriot Council Presidency. The Conference is supported by the European Union, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI) and the Cyprus Forum.

On 1 January 2026, Cyprus will succeed Denmark in holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union. With the rise of Russia’s hybrid threats in Europe and a tumultuous relationship with the United States, the EU’s path towards strategic resilience and preparedness needs to be strengthened.

The Cypriot Pre-Presidency Conference (PPC) will be an opportunity to assess how the current global landscape affects both Europe and Cyprus itself, particularly as the island stands at the crossroads of regional tensions. Several policymakers, key figures from academia and civil society from Cyprus and other countries will participate. These include Nikolas A. Ioannidis, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection of the Republic of Cyprus, Theodoros Gkotsis, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus, and the Ambassadors of France and Greece to Cyprus.

‘Cyprus will assume the Council Presidency amid heightened geopolitical tensions and fundamental debates about the EU’s future. As security concerns dominate the European agenda, the continued Turkish occupation of the northern part of Cyprus must not be overlooked. Furthermore, at a time when democratic erosion and Euroscepticism threaten the European project, this Conference offers an essential forum for examining how Cyprus can strengthen European security, stability, and prosperity’ states Andreas Theophanous, President of CCEIA.

Commenting on the significance of the Cypriot Presidency, TEPSA’s Executive Director, Mariam Khotenashvili, said ‘The Cypriot Presidency of the Council will need to strive not only for EU unity, but also for sufficient and timely action: on Palestine, on additional EU support to Ukraine, on competitiveness. The challenge is not only to find compromises, but to do what is needed so that EU values and interests are defended.’

The Conference will feature the following panels: ‘TEPSA’s recommendations and perspectives on the objectives of the Trio Presidency (Poland – Denmark – Cyprus)’; ‘The EU as a global power?’; ‘European Security Challenges’; ‘Perspectives on EU enlargement’; ‘Democracy and the role of European citizens’; ‘What socioeconomic paradigm for Europe?’; ‘Energy challenges and green development/transition’, and concluding remarks.

Notes to editors

The ‘Pre-Presidency Conference’ is a flagship initiative of the Trans European Policy Studies Association. These high-level discussions have become a staple of the European political year ever since the first one ahead of the Irish Presidency in 1975.

The Cypriot PPC will take place on 30-31 October at the UNESCO Amphitheatre of the University of Nicosia (Makedonitissis 46).

The conference is co-organised by TEPSA, CCEIA, and the Department of Politics and Governance of the University of Nicosia, and supported by the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), the Cyprus Forum, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus.

Registrations for the conference are open at the following link. An agenda of the conference can be found here. All panel discussions will be livestreamed on TEPSA’s YouTube channel.

For press enquiries and interview requests, please contact Barbara Vanotti (+32493290659), TEPSA’s Communications Manager.

France determined to assist Cyprus for a successful EU presidency, says Minister delegate for European Affairs (2)