President of Cyprus presents a programme of 55 measures: economy, security, migration and pensions

The President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, in his annual “State of the Nation” address, presented a programme of more than 55 concrete measures covering five priority areas. According to him, all initiatives are clearly funded and aimed at achieving practical results that will be reflected in the daily lives of citizens.

In the field of security, the President announced that tenders will be launched in 2026 for the modernization of the “Evangelos Florakis” naval base in Mari and the “Andreas Papandreou” air base in Paphos. It is also planned this year to complete the technical procedures for Cyprus’s full accession to the Schengen Area.

Speaking about migration policy, Christodoulides stated that the number of irregular arrivals has decreased by 85%, while the number of migrant returns has increased by more than 77% thanks to measures taken by his government.

The President highlighted the country’s strong economic indicators. Public debt is expected to fall to 50.9% of GDP in 2026 — one of the lowest levels in the European Union. Economic growth in 2025 is forecast at 4%, one of the best results in the eurozone. In addition, the labour market shows conditions of near full employment, and youth unemployment has significantly declined.

It was also announced separately that a draft bill on pension reform is being prepared. The aim of the reform is to increase pension levels, reduce the gender gap and create a sustainable and fair system of social support.

Among infrastructure projects, the President mentioned the creation of a modern logistics network linked to the country’s ports and airports. Special storage and supply zones are planned in Larnaca and Paphos, which should strengthen Cyprus’s position as a logistics hub between Europe, Asia and Africa.

It was also stated that agreements with Israel on the development and commercial exploitation of the “Aphrodite” and “Cronos” gas fields will be signed soon.

In foreign policy, Christodoulides emphasized that Cyprus follows a multi-vector course with a clear European and Western orientation. The country’s upcoming presidency of the EU Council will be used to strengthen regional cooperation and Cyprus’s role in Brussels.

Concluding his speech, the President expressed cautious optimism regarding the settlement of the Cyprus issue, stressing that there is no alternative to the reunification of the island on the basis of a viable and functional solution.