Brussels, Belgium. Annual inflation in the euro area rose to 3.2 per cent in May 2026 from 3.0 per cent in April, while the European Union rate increased to 3.3 per cent from 3.2 per cent, according to Eurostat data released this week. In Cyprus, annual inflation reached 3.5 per cent in May, with prices also rising 0.7 per cent compared with the previous month.
Euro area and EU inflation
The latest figures were higher than those recorded a year earlier, when annual inflation stood at 1.9 per cent in the euro area and 2.2 per cent in the European Union.
Cyprus price developments
In Cyprus, inflationary pressure continued during May 2026, with price increases affecting products including cold cuts, coffee and baby food. Some fresh produce categories posted notable monthly declines, but the cost of living remained a concern.
Government data also showed that the price gap between supermarkets narrowed, though it remained significant. Authorities encouraged consumers to use e-kalathi for more informed shopping.
Member state comparisons
Among EU member states, the lowest annual inflation rates were recorded in Sweden at 1.1 per cent, followed by Denmark and the Czech Republic at 1.8 per cent each.
The highest annual inflation rates were registered in Romania at 9.7 per cent, Bulgaria at 6.3 per cent and Lithuania at 5.1 per cent.
Compared with April 2026, annual inflation fell in 11 member states and rose in 16.
