Cyprus Business Now: maritime, Keve, forex, CySEC, CBC, defence, housing, FDI

Cyprus, Greece, Malta and Italy have agreed to strengthen their common front on European shipping, signing a joint declaration in Limassol on Wednesday as they seek greater influence over decisions on competitiveness and decarbonisation in Brussels and at the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). The agreement came at the ninth maritime meeting between Cyprus, Greece and Malta, held for the first time in an expanded 3+1 format with Italy , bringing together four Mediterranean countries with some of the EU’s strongest shipping interests. Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis hosted Greece’s Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Minister Vassilis Kikilias and Malta’s Minister for Sustainable Mobility Chris Bonett at the Parklane Hotel in Limassol.

Italy’s Deputy Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Edoardo Rixi participated online , while Italy was represented at the meeting in Limassol by Ambassador Antonella Cavallari . Cavallari has served as Italy’s ambassador to Cyprus since January 2026. Speaking after the meeting, Hadjimanolis said the declaration reflected what she described as common concerns over the future and competitiveness of European shipping , alongside the challenge of decarbonising the industry. The value of substantive foreign direct investment (FDI) in Cyprus rose by around 10 per cent in 2025, compared with the previous year, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Wednesday, as he outlined the government’s ambition to establish the country as a European and regional hub for investment, technology, energy, transport and trade. Addressing the EY Cyprus Future Realised Forum in Nicosia , Christodoulides said the increase in investment activity was strengthening confidence in Cyprus’ long-term prospects , while international…