Nicosia, Cyprus. Deputy Tourism Minister Kostas Koumis said sustainable and resilient tourism will be a key priority of the EU council presidency, speaking at a European conference in Nicosia. Separately, Eurobank reported a €1.36 billion net profit for 2025, and Cypriot lawmakers urged a plenary vote on regulating real estate purchases by foreigners.
EU presidency tourism priorities
Koumis addressed a European conference in Nicosia on climate action and competitiveness in Mediterranean destinations, saying tourism reflects its “strategic importance for economic growth, social cohesion and regional development, particularly for Mediterranean and island destinations”.
He said Cyprus’ six-month term comes at a “historic moment” for the bloc, both for coordinating legislation and for shaping longer-term political direction.
“Our Presidency places particular emphasis on strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the tourism sector,” he said, adding that climate action, environmental protection and balanced, inclusive development across Europe would form the core of the agenda.
Eurobank 2025 results and plan
Eurobank posted a net profit of €1.36 billion in 2025, beating its targets and outlining a 2026–2028 business plan focused on higher returns and increased shareholder distributions.
“In 2025, we surpassed all the goals set for the year, achieving remarkable organic growth in loans, deposits, and assets under management,” said Fokion Karavias.
The bank recorded earnings per share of €0.37, with 50 per cent of profits generated by non-Greek operations, while the return on tangible book value reached 16.0 per cent, one percentage point above initial expectations.
“Additionally, we are distributing 55 per cent of profits to shareholders,” Karavias said, referring to a 55 per cent payout ratio amounting to €717 million, including a cash dividend of €11.8 cents per share and a €288 million share buyback.
Cyprus parliament real estate proposal
Lawmakers on the House Interior Committee on Thursday urged that a legislative proposal regulating the purchase of real estate by foreigners be brought to the plenary for a vote before parliament dissolves ahead of the elections.
What do you think should be prioritised in the proposed rules on foreign purchases of real estate?
