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61. Minister vows 'smart lights' rule over timers

In a recent presentation of the Ministry of Transport's 2024 budget to the Finance Committee, Minister of Transport, Alexis Vafeadis, categorically stated that there will be no timers installed at traffic lights until at least March or April 2024. ...

62. KEDIPES prepares 60 million euro 'Mortgage-to-Rent' initiative

The sale of primary residences worth up to 350 thousand euros faces a potential new suspension. As of the end of October, no additional steps have been taken regarding divestments....

63. Scandal involving subsidies for T/C land use sparks outrage

A recent 2022 Audit Office report raises concerns about the use of Turkish Cypriot and state land in Cyprus. Roughly 30 companies and individuals receive substantial subsidies from the Cyprus Agricultural Payments Agency, despite some lacking state contracts....

64. Government to expand workforce in 2024

In the 2024 budget, authorities anticipate total general government revenue of €13.2 billion and expenditures of €11.8 billion, resulting in a fiscal surplus of €659 million, equal to 2.2% of GDP. ...

65. Poles and Greeks: Europe's thriftiest tourists

Poles are the most tight-fisted tourists in Europe, spending around €185 per person in other countries while visiting for tourism purposes, totalling up to €7.2 billion in 2022....

66. Targeted fuel and heating reductions in government's considerations

The Cyprus Electricity Authority has announced a 3% increase in electricity prices for upcoming bills. ...

67. Tourists spend over €1.5 billion, setting new high

The most recent data from the Statistical Service regarding tourism revenues are confirming expectations, as expressed by Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis in a recent interview with "K". It appears that this year could potentially set a new record for tourism revenues....

68. Government unveils inflation relief plan for October's end

At the end of October, the government is expected to announce measures to alleviate the impact of inflation, while at the beginning of 2024 the government plans to implement the new green tax on fuels, together with compensatory measures, said the Minister of Finance, Makis Keravnos, while handing over the 2024 state budget to the President of the Parliament, Annita Demetriou. ...

69. 26.9% increase in tourism revenue compared to last year

The year 2023 is poised to go down in history with remarkable revenue figures, as highlighted in a recent interview with the Deputy Minister and substantiated by the latest tourism revenue data from the Statistical Office....

70. 15.4% spike in public expenditure for 2024

In the 2024 Budget, there's a notable rise of EUR 0.5 billion in public personnel expenditure. According to the Council of Ministers' approved budget table for 2024, this marks a substantial increase of 496 million euros. In terms of percentages, this surge amounts to 15.4% compared to the personnel expenditure allocated for the public sector in 2023....

71. 2024 budget points to surplus and debt reduction

The 2024 budget reflects the clear imprint of our policy priorities, President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides says in a written statement, adding that the fiscal balance for 2024 is estimated to be surplus, reaching 2.2% of GDP, while the medium-term goal, by 2026, is to reduce public debt to 60%....

72. Supreme court rejects President's referendum on Turkish Cypriot properties

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Constitutional Court, in its new composition, rejected the President's third referendum on the amendment law passed by the Parliament concerning Turkish Cypriot properties and the powers of the 'Guardian.'...

73. How high is too high before tax relief kicks in?

Diesel prices have dipped by nine cents per liter at gas stations compared to late August, while unleaded 95-octane petrol is now six cents cheaper....

74. €369 million EIB loan for smart investments

The government has secured a €369 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) with favorable terms to support expenditures and investments within the framework of the "Thalia" program. ...

75. Tourism revenue soars to just over €1 billion in first half of 2023

Tourism revenue in Cyprus has seen a remarkable surge in the first half of this year. The latest data from the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat) reveals that revenue from tourism amounted to a staggering €1.09 billion. ...

76. Government offers 50% aid for homeownership in old Nicosia

The Ministry of Interior has announced the ongoing opportunity to apply for the Nicosia Within Walls City Housing Regeneration Scheme. ...

77. Cyprus faces deceleration amid inflation and rising rates

Cyprus' economy experienced a slowdown in the second quarter of 2023, prompting inquiries about the situation. According to the preliminary estimate provided by the Statistical Service, ...

78. GDP alert: Economic storm brewing?

Former Minister of Finance, Konstantinos Petrides, comments on the GDP results for the 2nd quarter with five observations....

79. Russia implements bold rate hike amidst economic challenges

Russia's central bank took swift action today, increasing its key interest rate by 350 basis points from 8.5 percent to 12 percent. This urgent move aimed to counteract the recent decline of the ruble, which was triggered by the Kremlin's call for stricter monetary policy....

80. Tourism sets record revenue with fewer arrivals

The latest data on tourism revenues for the month of May has brought encouraging news for the tourism sector, signaling positive effects on the Cypriot economy....

81. Government achieves €155.5M surplus in 2023

Cyprus government's surplus for the first half of 2023 increased to €155.5 million, equivalent to 0.5% of GDP, compared to a deficit of €92.4 million (-0.3% of GDP) for the period of January-June 2022, based on preliminary fiscal results from the Statistical Service of Cyprus. ...

82. EU wants more independence for Cyprus prosecutor

The European Commission has stressed the need for Cyprus to strengthen the independence and the accountability of the Prosecution Service...

83. Health Ministry increases IVF subsidy to boost fertility rates

In an effort to combat under-fertility and bolster population growth, the Council of Ministers has approved a proposal to revise the subsidy scheme for infertility treatment in Cyprus. ...

84. Backlash over Cyprus' VAT refund change

The recent decision made by the Department of Customs to raise the expenditure limit for VAT refunds to third-country travelers visiting Cyprus is receiving criticism for its adverse effects on tourism expenditure....

85. Cabinet approves tax deductions for businesses and extends tax payment deadline

The Cabinet approved several important measures on Wednesday, including a bill on tax rebates for businesses for energy upgrades, an extension of the tax payment deadline, and a suspension of the obligation to file tax returns for individuals with a taxable income below €19,500....

86. Energy Minister puts forth Cyprus' natural gas to cut costs for consumers

Cyprus' Energy Minister George Papanastasiou said that, during his discussions with consortiums operating in the Cypriot Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), he suggested the option of importing natural gas quantities from the EEZ for power generation, in combination with LNG exports via a small LNG plant....

87. Surplus of €363 mn recorded in Cyprus in Jan-Feb 2023

A surplus of €363 mn or 1.3% of GDP for the period of January-February 2023, according to the preliminary General Government fiscal results, published by the Statistical Service of Cyprus on Friday....

88. Investors flock to 'green' bonds as a secure investment

89. Tourism revenue at €45.6 million in January

Revenue from tourism amounted to €45.6 million in January 2023, significantly surpassing the revenue from tourism in January last year, as well as in January 2019, a record year for Cypriot tourism....

90. Cyprus' hourly labor costs below EU average at 19.4 euros

The average hourly labor costs in Cyprus increased from €18 in 2021 to €19.4 in 2022, according to Eurostat. Hourly labor costs were the lowest in the EU in Bulgaria (€8.2) and Romania (€9.5), and highest in Luxembourg (€50.7), Denmark (€46.8) and Belgium (€43.5). ...