Brussels, Belgium. Finance minister Makis Keravnos said on Tuesday that life in Cyprus continues normally and safely despite the island’s indirect involvement in the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Message of stability at ECOFIN
Speaking upon his arrival at the EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) meeting, Keravnos, who currently serves as ECOFIN president, stressed that Cyprus remains secure despite being in a region affected by the conflict involving Iran.
“Cyprus geographically is located in the wider region where there are currently some hostilities due to the war with Iran,” Keravnos said, adding, “We have taken certain precautionary measures.”
He said, “Life in Cyprus is proceeding normally and safely,” and added that “the airspace is always open.”
Thanks for EU response
Keravnos expressed his “sincere thanks for the immediate reaction of the European Union regarding the protection of our citizens,” and specifically thanked Greece, France, Italy and Spain.
Economic implications to be discussed
Keravnos said the economic implications of the ongoing conflict would be discussed during the ECOFIN meeting.
He noted the issue had been examined a day earlier at the Eurogroup meeting, where no formal decisions were taken.
Keravnos said European finance ministers would assess how the evolving situation could affect the broader economic outlook.
How do you think the conflict could affect the broader economic outlook in Europe?