It also reported that deposit rates in Cyprus remain among the lowest in the eurozone, primarily due to significant excess liquidity in the banking system.
Specifically, the figures indicate a slight decrease in deposit rates for households, with the rate for deposits of up to one year falling to 1.19 per cent from 1.20 per cent in the previous month.
A more notable drop was recorded for non-financial corporations’ deposit rates, which declined to 1.19 per cent from 1.34 per cent.
On the lending side, the interest rate on consumer credit decreased to 7.12 per cent, compared with 7.20 per cent in January.
The referral was voted down by 22 votes against 20, with parliament calling on president Nikos Christodoulides to proceed with signing the law.
The approved legislation regulates fees imposed on very small businesses for maintaining payment accounts, as well as procedures for switching payment accounts within Cyprus and facilitating access to basic payment accounts for very small enterprises.
The development marks a significant step in efforts to improve access to banking services for very small businesses, which represent a large share of the Cypriot economy.
The issue had been examined earlier on April 6 by the House trade committee, following the president’s referral of two separate laws.
The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Cypriot labour market developments over the period.
The report examines employment, unemployment, and participation in education and training, offering a detailed picture of how Cyprus’ workforce has evolved in recent years.
According to the findings, the overall employment rate for people aged 20 to 64 in Cyprus followed an upward trend throughout the period.
The study found that Cyprus consistently recorded higher employment rates than the European Union average between 2018 and 2024.
The plenum approved two government bills amending the law regulating the out-of-court resolution of financial disputes and the law on the transfer and mortgaging of property.
The first bill was passed with 32 votes in favour, 18 against and one abstention. Edek MP Elias Myrianthous abstained, while Akel, the Ecologists Movement and MPs Alexandra Attalides, Irene Charalambides and Zacharias Koulias voted against.
The second was passed with by 37 votes in favour and 15 against. Akel and Irene Charalambides had voted against.
The agreement represents a significant step towards strengthening affordable housing through modern and high-quality developments, in line with Koag’s broader strategy.
The three-storey apartment building “Alexandra”, to be built on Akropoleos street in Lakatamia, will include 18 two-bedroom apartments designed to meet growing demand for quality and reasonably priced housing.
The project is presented as a modern residential proposal responding to increasing housing needs, particularly for individuals and families seeking accessible home ownership options.
This significant increase brought the production index to a total of 135.02 units, based on the 2021 benchmark of 100 units, which the service uses to produce its reports.
At the same time, the Output Prices Index in Construction for the fourth quarter of 2025 also showed growth, reaching 125.72 units during this time, signalling that the costs charged by contractors to customers increased during that period.
This price index figure represents an increase of 0.6 per cent when measured against the third quarter of 2025.
When compared to the final quarter of 2024, the output prices for the sector climbed by 3.0 per cent.
Speaking to the state broadcaster, Michael Damianos said the interconnector is “correct” as it would provide energy security to Cyprus.
But, he said the government needs to know the real cost, based on updated data, to make sure that in the end the price of electricity will go down rather than up.
“Cypriot consumers will bear 63 per cent of the cost of the GSI on the price of electricity. So if the cost of the GSI is considerably greater, we as the state need to know that, because at the end of the day consumers may get higher electricity invoices if the wrong decisions are made.”
On the other hand, the state-run Consumer Protection Service dismissed profiteering allegations, saying that the consumer had benefited substantially from the consumer tax drop, a position the Consumers Association said was regretful.
But, the Association of Petrol Station Owners admitted that some petrol stations had not applied the reduction, most of whom where not members of the association.
The Consumers Association recalled that the cabinet had approved a subsidy of 8.33 cents per litre on motor fuels, in force from April 4 until the end of June 2026, as part of broader measures to ease the burden of soaring fuel prices.
The bank said the move comes in response to the impact of the Middle East crisis on the hospitality sector, which has created increased pressure on tourism businesses.
Through the initiative, the bank aims “to boost the hotel sector and strengthen the Cypriot economy” during a period of uncertainty.
“As part of the scheme, Bank of Cyprus cardholders will once again be rewarded through enhanced benefits linked to hotel stays,” the announcement mentioned.
Specifically, customers will have the opportunity to earn five times reward points on stays at participating hotels.
The offer applies to all accommodation payments made between April 6, 2026 and June 30, 2026 using any Bank of Cyprus card.
During the discussions, participants highlighted a range of critical issues affecting the sector, covering both institutional and operational challenges.
Among the key concerns raised were delays in licensing procedures for private projects as well as problems related to the award and supervision of public contracts.
At the same time, the sector is facing a significant labour shortage, with a lack of workers leading to delays in the implementation of projects in both the private and public sectors.
This figure represents the individuals officially listed at the District Labour Offices across the country.
When examining the seasonally adjusted data that reflect the broader trend of the labour market, the number of registered jobseekers for March 2026 climbed to 10,090.
This seasonally adjusted figure shows an upward movement in comparison to the previous month, where the total stood at 9,936 persons.
In a year-on-year comparison with March 2025, the data showed an increase of 170 persons, which equates to a rise of 1.5 per cent.
The latest funding round brought in $4 million led by Flashpoint, following an earlier $3 million raise in 2025.
The company said the new capital will be used to expand product offerings, secure additional regulatory licences, and strengthen its presence in key international markets.
The announcement comes amid a surge in demand for stablecoin payment infrastructure, which has seen significant growth over the past year.
In 2026, demand for such infrastructure increased fivefold compared with 2025, reflecting rapid adoption across global markets.
According to the announcement, the transactions took place between March 30, 2026, and April 2, 2026, following a series of regulatory approvals and shareholder resolutions.
This specific initiative was originally approved during an extraordinary general meeting of the bank’s shareholders held on October 22, 2025.
The current activity acts as a continuation of a previous programme initiated by Eurobank Ergasias Services and Holdings, which received the green light on April 30, 2025.
The scheduled closures are set to begin later this week as part of the annual bank holiday calendar.
According to the official notification, the first day of the closure will take place on April 10, 2026, in observance of Good Friday.
Financial services will remain suspended through the following week to accommodate the traditional Easter break.
As such, banks will remain closed on April 13, 2026, as the country marks Easter Monday.
The period of inactivity will extend into the following day, with all branches remaining shut on April 14, 2026, for Easter Tuesday.
The Labour Advisory Body, chaired by the minister, examined the transposition into national law of a European directive aimed at strengthening the principle of equal pay between men and women for the same or equivalent work, as well as an amending bill concerning the establishment and revision of administrative fines.
“Two important issues concerning the immediate rights of workers and the strengthening of the framework of social protection were discussed,” Moushiouttas said.
Regarding the first issue, he explained that consultations continued on incorporating Directive 2023/970 into national law, describing it as a milestone for reinforcing the principle of equal pay between men and women for the same or equivalent work.
“The government is committed to the timely and substantive integration of the directive into the Cypriot legal system,” he said.
During the meeting, which was held at the Finance Ministry in Nicosia, both sides exchanged views on broader economic issues as well as matters relating to the smooth succession process for the presidency of the Fiscal Council.
On his part, Persianis thanked the minister for what he described as their “excellent collaboration” throughout his tenure.
He also congratulated Keravnos and the ministry for their policy decisions and their overall stance in ensuring the sound management of the country’s economy.
From his side, Keravnos praised the significant contribution of Persianis during his time as president of the Fiscal Council.
The announcement was made in accordance with Cyprus Stock Exchange and Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission regulations, with the aim of ensuring full transparency for shareholders and investors.
The company stated that the meeting will review, among other matters, the financial performance for 2025, based on audited consolidated accounts.
The final audited results for the year ended December 31, 2025 are scheduled to be formally announced on April 24, 2026.
According to an official announcement from the organisers, the festival received the recognition at the Non-Profit Organisation Awards 2026, presented by UK-based Acquisition International Magazine, marking its second successive global distinction.
“Youth Tech Fest Cyprus has been challenging traditional education models by creating a dynamic platform where young people engage with technology, entrepreneurship, creativity, and innovation in a way that aligns with their natural interests and strengths,” said founder Sean Alimov.
“By focusing on passion-driven learning, our initiative welcomes all young people to explore pathways that resonate with who they are encouraging them build confidence, develop future-proof skills while prioritising their wellbeing and happiness,” he added.
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