Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus recorded an employment rate of 81.3% in 2025, above the EU average of 76.1%, according to a Eurostat report released on Friday. EU tourism ministers also met in Nicosia to discuss the bloc’s first sustainable tourism strategy and support for small businesses.
Eurostat employment figures
Eurostat reported that employment across the European Union reached a record high since the start of the time series in 2009. A total of 197.7 million people aged 20 to 64 were employed across the EU, an increase of 0.3 percentage points compared with 2024 and 0.8 percentage points compared with 2023.
Cyprus’ employment rate rose to 81.3% in 2025 from 79.8% in 2024. Employment among men in Cyprus reached 86.4% in 2025, up from 85% in 2024.
EU tourism ministers meet in Nicosia
EU tourism ministers gathered in Nicosia on Friday for an informal meeting under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU. Discussions focused on the European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism amid geopolitical tensions, rising travel costs and pressure on small businesses in the sector.
The meeting was organised by Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Tourism at the Filoxenia Conference Centre and chaired by Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis. Ministers and senior officials exchanged views on challenges facing European tourism, aiming to strengthen coordination and help shape future policy.
The meeting focused on the European Strategy for Sustainable Tourism, which is expected to play a central role in improving resilience and competitiveness while promoting more responsible and sustainable development. The second part of the meeting addressed small and medium-sized enterprises and examined how they can be supported through the green and digital transition.
Keve highlights Market Access Day 2026
The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) released a statement on Friday highlighting the importance of the Cyprus Market Access Day (MAD) 2026 in strengthening the internationalisation of Cypriot enterprises and improving access to global markets.
What do you think Cyprus’ higher employment rate could mean for its economy and labour market in the coming year?