Filenews 3 January 2026
On the occasion of Cyprus assuming the Presidency of the Council of the European Union on 1 January 2026, Eurostat highlights the country's performance and characteristics at the European level. While in most indicators our country is doing well compared to the rest of Europe, energy dependence remains a thorn. Cyprus also has a long way to go in the field of science and technology.
According to the latest Eurostat data in its anniversary bulletin, Cyprus accounts for only 0.2% of the area and population of the European Union, with a population density of 104 inhabitants per square kilometer, while the European average is 109 inhabitants per square kilometer. However, the country is distinguished by its high household investment rate, which is the highest in the European Union. The GDP per capita of Cyprus amounts to 35,730 euros, while the European average is 39,940 euros.
In the economic sector, Cyprus' public surplus is 4.1% of GDP, while the EU average stands at -3.1%. Cyprus' public debt is lower than the European average, with 62.8% of GDP compared to 80.7% in the EU. The tax to GDP ratio is 37.6% in Cyprus, while in the EU it is 40.4%. Investment as a percentage of GDP amounts to 25.2% in Cyprus, compared to 21.2% in the EU. However, the weighting of manufacturing in the economy is lower, with 4.5% of GDP compared to 14.3% in the EU.
In the field of population and social conditions, the percentage of people aged 65 and over is 17.7% in Cyprus, while in the EU it is 21.6%. The percentage of people under the age of 15 is 15.3% in Cyprus, compared to 14.6% in the EU. The fertility rate is 1.40 children per woman in Cyprus, while in the EU it is 1.38. The unemployment rate is 4.9% in Cyprus, lower than the European average of 5.9%. The unemployment rate for people under 25 years of age is 13.0% in Cyprus, while in the EU it is 14.9%. The risk of poverty or social exclusion is 17.1% in Cyprus, compared to 21.0% in the EU.
In the field of education, Cyprus ranks third in the EU in terms of tertiary education completion rate. 64.4% of people aged 30-34 have completed tertiary education, while for women the percentage is 72.9%, compared to 50.2% in the EU. However, the early school leaving rate is 11.3% in Cyprus, compared to 9.4% in the EU.
In the field of science and technology, spending on research and development is 0.68% of GDP in Cyprus, while in the EU it is 2.26%. Employment in the high- and medium-tech manufacturing sector is 0.8% in Cyprus, compared to 5.9% in the EU.
In the environment and energy, Cyprus has achieved a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, with a reduction of 50.9% since 1990, exceeding the European average, which is -35.5%. However, Cyprus' energy dependence remains high, at 92.2% compared to 58.3% in the EU. The share of renewables in final energy consumption is 20.2% in Cyprus, while in the EU it is 24.6%.
Eurostat data highlight both the potential and the challenges facing Cyprus, offering a snapshot of its position in the European Union.
CNA
