DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 21 May 2026
Economic forecast for Cyprus
The latest macroeconomic forecast for Cyprus.
Cyprus’s economy enters the crisis triggered by the conflict in the Middle East on a strong footing, but its impact may be felt via higher inflation and uncertainty in the short term. Headline inflation is projected to rise to 3.6% in 2026 and then ease to 2.2%, reflecting first the surge and then the gradual normalisation of international energy prices. Household consumption growth is expected to ease as inflation erodes real disposable incomes, but wage adjustment through automatic indexation is likely to provide support. Tourism exports will be negatively affected by the conflict, but other service exports are expected to remain resilient. Fiscal surpluses prevail despite the financing of a tax reform and measures to tackle energy price hikes. The debt-to-GDP ratio fell below the 60% threshold by end-2025 and continues its pronounced downward trend.
Indicators
2025
2026
2027
GDP growth (%, yoy)
3.8
2.3
2.7
Inflation (%, yoy)
0.8
3.6
2.2
Unemployment (%)
4.4
4.2
General government balance (% of GDP)
3.4
2.1
2.5
Gross public debt (% of GDP)
55.0
50.4
45.5
Current account balance (% of GDP)
-6.4
-7.2
-6.5
Growth expected to remain resilient despite the shock generated by the conflict
Real GDP expanded by 3.8% in 2025, supported by robust private consumption and services exports, particularly from booming ICT activities and higher tourist arrivals. Investment excluding ship registrations also grew, as construction activity gained momentum.
Real GDP is projected to grow by 2.3% in 2026 and 2.7% in 2027. This outlook reflects the positive conditions that were in place before the conflict started. Private consumption will remain the main driver of growth, although it is set to moderate as rising imported inflation weighs on disposable incomes and the inflows of foreign workers which previously supported household spending moderate. Domestic tourism is expected to strengthen in 2026, partially offsetting these effects. At the same time, expectations of a short-lived conflict may encourage households to maintain consumption levels meaning less pressure to engage in precautionary saving.
Investment excluding ships is projected to decelerate but recover in the course of 2026, as rising costs delay investment decisions despite support from the final year of RRP. Services exports in total are set to withstand weaker tourism exports in 2026, as robust ICT, financial and business service exports are largely unaffected by the conflict. Tourism arrivals remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments. Global trade disruptions could weigh on the outlook for the shipping sector. Despite the projected trade surplus, the repatriation of profits by foreign-owned corporates continues to weigh on the current account deficit, which will be widened by the oil price shock in 2026, before gradually narrowing in 2027.
Energy price surge to propel inflation
Headline inflation is projected to rise to 3.6% in 2026 before easing to 2.2% in 2027. The surge in oil prices has sparked a rise in energy costs, although reductions in VAT and excise duty on energy may help to contain further energy price spikes. A weaker tourism outlook is set to moderate services inflation as firms could offer more competitive pricing to attract inbound tourists.
After taking a hit in 2026, real wage growth is projected to accelerate in 2027 as GDP growth picks up and salaries adjust through the automatic cost-of-living adjustment mechanism. Higher wages will push labour cost growth above labour productivity temporarily. Taken together, stable household spending over the forecast horizon will lead to a modest rise in the household saving rate in 2026, followed by a more pronounced increase in 2027 as growth strengthens.
Labour market remains solid
Labour market conditions are expected to remain robust, supported by strong job creation. Employment is expected to grow by 1.3% y-o-y in 2026 and 1.1% in 2027. Over the same period, the unemployment rate is forecast to fall to 4.2%, the lowest in over a decade.
Healthy public finances allow for a general tax reform and measures to contain energy prices
In 2025, Cyprus continued to experience a sizeable surplus in its general government headline balance, reaching 3.4% of GDP, down from 4.1% of GDP in 2024, with expenditure growing more strongly than revenue. Expenditure includes the repayment of an EU grant of 0.2% of GDP, originally received for the construction of the Vasilikos liquified natural gas terminal, due to irregularities.
The budget surplus is projected to ease to 2.1% of GDP in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027, reflecting a 0.7% of GDP burden due to the general tax reform that took effect at the beginning of 2026. This tax reform mainly lowers some special tax payments for companies and the personal income tax for citizens via an adjustment of tax brackets and allowances. Partly offsetting this, the corporate tax rate was increased from 12.5% to 15%. Moreover, several measures by the government to counter the rising energy prices, such as targeted subsidies as well as reductions in VAT and excise duties, weigh on the budget.
Public investment is supported by RRF funds in 2026 whreas the RRF will no longer provide this support from 2027. However, this will be partially compensated by additional defence spending financed from SAFE (Security Action for Europe) loans.
The government debt-to-GDP ratio dropped by more than 7 pps. in 2025, to 55.0% by the end of the year, falling below the 60% threshold for the first time since 2009. Thanks to high nominal GDP growth, this trend is projected to continue with the debt ratio set to decrease to 50.4% of GDP in 2026 and 45.5% of GDP in 2027.
Spring 2026 Economic Forecast: Slowdown in growth as energy shock drives up inflation
European Economic Forecast. Spring 2026 - Cyprus
Spring 2026 Economic Forecast shows slowdown in growth as energy shock drives up inflation
The Spring 2026 Economic Forecast projects weaker economic activity, as the conflict in the Middle East triggers a new energy shock that reignites inflation and shakes economic sentiment.
Before the end of February 2026, the EU economy was set to keep expanding at a moderate pace alongside a further decline in inflation, but the outlook has changed substantially since the outbreak of the conflict. Inflation started picking up a few weeks after the outbreak of the conflict, driven by the sharp increase in energy commodity prices, and economic activity is losing momentum. The situation is set to improve slightly in 2027 if tensions on energy markets ease.
After reaching 1.5% in 2025, GDP growth in the EU is now projected to slow down to 1.1% in 2026—a downward revision of 0.3 percentage points from the Autumn 2025 Economic Forecast projection (1.4%). GDP growth is then set to edge up to 1.4% in 2027. Growth projections for the euro area are similarly revised down, to 0.9% in 2026 and 1.2% in 2027, from 1.2% and 1.4% respectively. Inflation in the EU is expected to reach 3.1% in 2026—a full percentage point higher than previously forecast—easing again to 2.4% in 2027. In the euro area, inflation is also revised up to 3.0% in 2026 and to 2.3% in 2027, compared to the autumn projections of 1.9% and 2.0% respectively.
EU economy to keep growing, but at a slower pace
As a net energy importer, the EU's economy is highly susceptible to the energy shock caused by the conflict in the Middle East—the second such shock in less than five years. The spike in energy prices means higher household bills and surging business costs that reduce profits for many industries, effectively redirecting income out of the EU economy and into energy-exporting countries.
The onset of the conflict saw consumer confidence drop to a 40-month low, amid mounting fears of surging inflation and job losses. Still, consumption is expected to remain the main driver of growth. Business investment is also set to be constrained by tighter financing conditions, lower profits and heightened uncertainty. Weaker external demand is also weighing on export growth.
The EU's investment in energy resilience, especially in the aftermath of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, is paying off. The push towards supply diversification, decarbonisation, and lower energy consumption has left the EU economy better placed to absorb today's shock.
Inflation set to rise, driven by energy prices
The short-term inflation outlook has deteriorated since the Autumn 2025 Forecast, with data from March and April already showing a sharp acceleration driven by energy prices. Headline inflation is now set to peak in 2026 before easing in 2027, as energy commodity prices are expected to gradually decline, albeit remaining around 20% above pre-war levels.
Long-term decline in unemployment rate coming to an end
In 2025, employment grew by 0.5%, adding more than 1 million jobs to the EU economy. In 2026, employment growth is forecast to slow down to 0.3%, edging up again to 0.4% in 2027. The long-term decline in the unemployment rate is set to come to an end, stabilising at around 6% in 2027. Nominal wage growth is set to remain strong, as wages adjust to higher inflation.
Energy shock adds new burden to public finances
General government deficit in the EU is expected to increase from 3.1% of GDP in 2025 to 3.6% by 2027, reflecting subdued economic activity, higher interest expenditure, measures to cushion the impact of higher energy prices on vulnerable households and firms, and increased defence spending. Public investment in the EU is set to stabilise at high levels in 2027, despite the end of Recovery and Resilience Facility disbursements.
The EU debt-to-GDP ratio is also projected to rise from 82.8% in 2025 to 84.2% in 2026 and 85.3% in 2027.In the euro area the ratio is set to rise from 88.7% in 2025 to 90.2% and 91.2% in 2026 and 2027 respectively. This reflects higher primary deficits and an increasingly unfavourable interest-growth differential. By 2027, four Member States are expected to have debt ratios above 100% of GDP.
Continued supply tensions weigh on the outlook
The major risk surrounding the forecast concerns the duration of the conflict in the Middle East and its implications for global energy markets. Given the unusually high degree of uncertainty—and the narrowing window for a rapid normalisation of supply conditions—the baseline forecast is complemented by an alternative scenario assuming more prolonged disruptions. Under this scenario, energy commodity prices are assumed to rise significantly above baseline futures curves, peaking in late 2026 before gradually realigning with them by the end of 2027. Under this scenario, inflation would not ease and economic activity would fail to rebound in 2027 as projected in the baseline forecast. In addition, higher prices could prompt households and firms to scale back consumption and investment more sharply.
Moreover, outright supply shortages for specific commodities and inputs, for example some refined oil products, helium and fertilisers, could intensify with knock-on effects for global production chains and food affordability.
The ongoing softening of labour demand—as evidenced by declining job vacancies and hiring rates—could signal a more adverse impact on employment growth ahead.
Continued uncertainty surrounding global trade policies and the ongoing reconfiguration of geopolitical and trade relationships could further weigh on confidence and activity.
Faster implementation of structural reforms addressing long-standing bottlenecks to EU growth remains an important upside risk to the outlook. Strong public investment in sectors such as defence and the energy transition may offset some of the weakness expected in the private sector. Artificial intelligence represents both opportunity and risk: productivity gains could support investment in the EU, while labour market disruption could weigh on demand.
Background
This forecast is based on technical assumptions for exchange rates, interest rates and commodity prices, with a cut-off date of 29 April. For all other incoming data, including about government policies, this forecast incorporates information up until, and including, 4 May. The projections assume no policy changes unless measures are adopted or credibly announced and specified in sufficient detail. The forecast includes two special issues on the reduction of energy use in the EU over the past three decades and on the AI adoption divide. Through a number of boxes, it also analyses the macroeconomic policy responses to energy shocks, manufacturers' strategies to trade tensions and disruptions, the ongoing easing of labour markets, gas-electricity price linkages, and national fiscal policy measures to address the 2026 energy price shock.
The European Commission publishes two comprehensive forecasts (spring and autumn) each year, covering a broad range of economic indicators for all EU Member States, candidate countries, EFTA countries and other major advanced and emerging market economies.
The European Commission's Autumn 2026 Economic Forecast will update the projections in this publication and is expected to be presented in November 2026.
For more information
Full document: Spring 2026 Economic Forecast: Slowdown in growth as energy shock drives up inflation
Follow Commissioner Dombrovskis on X (@VDombrovskis) and Bluesky (@valdisdombrovskis.ec.europa.eu)
Follow DG ECFIN on X: @ecfin
Quote(s)
The conflict in the Middle East has triggered a major energy shock, further testing Europe as it navigates an already volatile geopolitical and trade environment. The EU must learn from past crises by keeping fiscal support temporary and targeted, and further reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels – a shift that has already strengthened our resilience. Acting with unity and determination, Europe should accelerate reforms, remove barriers to growth, and safeguard sound public finances.
Valdis Dombrovskis, Commissioner for Economy and Productivity; Implementation and Simplification
Commission disburses €249 million to Ireland under NextGenerationEU
Today, the European Commission disbursed €249 million in grants to Ireland, marking the fourth payment request under the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), the centerpiece of NextGenerationEU.
The RRF is the Commission's flagship post-pandemic programme supporting Member States' recovery, economic growth, and competitiveness.
Following its assessment of the payment request, the Commission found that Ireland has satisfactorily completed the eight milestones and targets set out in the Council Implementing Decision.
Measures linked to this payment include reforms and investments contributing to railway electrification, e-health, public administration, higher education, re-skilling and up-skilling, as well as renewable energy deployment.
Today's disbursement follows Ireland's fourth payment request, submitted on 10 February 2026 and approved by the Commission on 8 April 2026.
With this payment, Ireland has now received 80% of all the funds earmarked for its recovery and resilience plan, with 80% of all the milestones and targets in the plan now fulfilled.
As with all Member States, payments to Ireland under the RRF are performance-based, contingent upon the successful implementation of milestones and targets included in its recovery and resilience plan.
With a view to the closure of the Facility at the end of 2026, Members States must implement all outstanding milestones and targets by August 2026 and submit their last payment requests by the end of September 2026.
An interactive map showcasing examples of reforms and investments supported by the RRF, and further details on the RRF payment claim process are available online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki – Tel.: +32 2 29 96 64 83; Anna Wartberger; +32 2 298 20 54)
New measures on waste shipment enter into application to foster EU circular economy
Today, most provisions of the revised Waste Shipment Regulation enter into application. This includes the launch of the Digital Waste Shipment System (DIWASS) – the EU's electronic platform to digitally process waste shipments and simplify procedures – and additional measures to support recycling in the EU and better scrutiny on export of plastic waste.
These new rules will foster the EU's transition to a circular economy and represent a decisive step towards fully digitalised waste shipment procedures. By improving the traceability and availability of secondary raw materials, as well as reducing reliance on third-country imports of primary raw materials, they will contribute to strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy. It will also ensure that waste exported from the European Union is treated in an environmentally sustainable way.
The DIWASS electronic platform will transform how waste is tracked across the EU, ensuring greater transparency, efficiency, and security in cross-border waste movements. It simplifies procedures and reduces administrative costs for all stakeholders. It also contributes to combatting illegal waste trade. This transformation starts today for the prior informed consent procedure, involving hazardous waste, mixed municipal waste, waste destined for disposal, and mixed or contaminated waste, which now need to be processed through DIWASS.
Commissioner for Environment, Water Resilience and a Competitive Circular Economy, Jessika Roswall, said: “In today's geopolitical landscape, access to raw materials is not just an economic issue – it is a strategic imperative. A fully digital EU wide operational system to keep track of waste shipments will help Europe take control of its own resource flows, turning waste into a secure, sustainable source of critical materials. This is how we build a resilient, self-reliant Europe while cutting red tape and fighting illegal trade.”
You can find more information on the new measures on waste shipment online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Maëlys Dreux – Tel.: +32 2 295 46 73)
Commission sends Statements of Objections to several companies concerning synthetic turf cartels
The European Commission has informed several companies active in the synthetic turf sector of its preliminary view that they have breached EU antitrust rules by colluding to distort competition in synthetic turf for sports pitches in the Netherlands and Germany.
If the Commission's preliminary view is confirmed, the companies' behaviour would amount to two cartels affecting each country respectively, violating Article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union ('TFEU'), which prohibits anticompetitive agreements and other restrictive business practices.
The sending of Statements of Objections does not prejudge the outcome of the investigations.
Statement of Objections concerning the Netherlands
The Commission has preliminary concerns that Dutch-based Oranjewoud, Dutch-based TenCate Grass, as well as Belgian-based Sports & Leisure Group, all producers and installers of synthetic turf, have been coordinating their commercial conduct to restrict competition in the synthetic turf sector in the Netherlands since 2019, when they established a recycling company in the Netherlands, GBN-AGR (as of December 2024, AGR).
GBN-AGR was a subsidiary of Oranjewoud, in which TenCate and Sports & Leisure Group acquired minority stakes. The Comission is concerned that the companies agreed not to compete with GBN-AGR in recycling, to exclusively use GBN-AGR's recycling services and to fix GBN-AGR's pricing in a way that avoids competition between them while disadvantaging third parties. The Commission is concerned that the companies did this in order to:
Additionally, the companies are suspected of having entered into a further agreement a year after establishing GBN-AGR, to marginalise the providers of sustainable disposal services that competed with GBN-ACR's recycling services, thereby threatening the growth of GBN-AGR.
The Statement of Objections is also addressed to Domo Sports Grass Nederland, which was spun off from Sports & Leisure Group into a self‑standing installation business in May 2025.
Statement of Objections concerning Germany
The Commission has preliminary concerns that, between 2020 and 2023, Oranjewoud and Germany-based Sport Group colluded on the recycling of synthetic turf for sports. During that time, Oranjewoud explored options for the expansion of GBN-AGR into other Member States, including Germany, while Sport Group was working on a recycling solution and was in the process of setting up its dedicated subsidiary FormaTurf.
The Commission is concerned that, while discussing a potential cooperation for the German market, including a possible cross-acquisition of minority shareholdings in GBN-AGR and FormaTurf, which ultimately did not take place, Oranjewoud and Sport Group engaged in anticompetitive conduct.
In particular, the Commission is concerned that as part of these discussions, Oranjewoud and Sport Group exchanged confidential and strategic information, which covered current and future prices and production capacities. This was done without any safeguards in place that would limit the exchange to what could be considered necessary in the context of discussions pertaining to the companies' envisaged cooperation or cross-acquisition. Further, the Commission is concerned that in a subsequent part of these discussions, the two companies fixed the main price element for the recycling of end-of-life synthetic turf in Germany, which is referred to in the industry as a 'gate fee'.
Synthetic turf for sports pitches
Synthetic turf for sports pitches imitates the appearance of natural grass and is typically used for hockey and football pitches. Customers include municipalities and other public bodies, which will typically commission an installation or a replacement of a sports pitch through a tender process.
In tenders for replacements, an installer will not only source and lay out a new synthetic turf pitch, but will also remove and dispose of the removed turf. The cost of this disposal is an important parameter of competition in such tenders.
In recent years, the EU's synthetic turf industry has been steadily moving away from highly polluting disposal methods – such as landfilling and incineration – towards recycling end-of-life pitches instead. The recycling of synthetic turf is a growing market and is making the industry more circular.
In June 2023, the Commission carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of companies active in the synthetic turf industry in several Member States.
A Statement of Objections is a formal step in Commission's investigations into suspected violations of EU antitrust rules. The Commission informs the parties concerned in writing of the objections raised against them. The parties can then examine the documents in the Commission's investigation file, reply in writing and request an oral hearing to present their views on the case before representatives of the Commission and national competition authorities.
If the Commission concludes, after the parties have exercised their rights of defence, that there is sufficient evidence of an infringement, it can adopt a decision prohibiting the conduct and imposing a fine of up to 10% of a company's annual worldwide turnover. The Commission may also impose on the company any remedies which are proportionate to bring the infringement effectively to an end.
There is no legal deadline for the Commission to complete antitrust inquiries into anticompetitive conduct. The duration of an antitrust investigation depends on a number of factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent to which the companies concerned cooperate with the Commission and the parties' exercise of the rights of defence.
More information will be made available under the case numbers AT.40957 (the Netherlands) and AT.40956 (Germany) and in the public case register on the Commission's competition website.
Creating a functioning circular economy for plastic waste is essential for Europe's clean and competitive transition. We have always defended fair competition, and this will remain the case as industries scale up circular solutions. Fair competition ensures that businesses and consumers alike benefit from the transition. Sustainability agreements can support our environmental goals, but they must remain meaningful and fully in line with competition rules. We cannot accept attempts to distort competition under the guise of environmental action.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
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(For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 2 298 01 00; Paula Clara Ritter-Moschütz – Tel.: +32 2 296 40 83)
Joint Statement by Executive Vice-Presidents Virkkunen and Mînzatu and Commissioners Zaharieva and McGrath on International Academic Freedom Day
Academic freedom, the right to question, discover, teach, learn and debate without fear or censorship, intimidation or undue interference, is under growing pressure. Disinformation and suppression of intellectual dissent erode trust in science, and scholars worldwide face mounting threats. When academic freedom is limited, societies lose access to independent knowledge, critical thinking weakens, innovation suffers, and democratic debate becomes poorer and less informed. The EU's response is clear: we will always defend academic freedom as a cornerstone of democratic society, as recognised in the European Democracy Shield. This is why education systems must remain places where knowledge is built on evidence, debate is encouraged, and young people are prepared to think independently.
Freedom of scientific research is already recognised as one of the core values and principles of the 2021 Pact for Research and Innovation in Europe, placing it at the heart of the European Research Area (ERA). The Commission is preparing a recommendation on supporting scientific evidence and its use in public policymaking. This commitment builds on the 2020 Bonn Declaration on Freedom of Scientific Research and is firmly anchored in Article 13 of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, which states that scientific research shall be free of constraint and that academic freedom shall be respected.
A statement is available online.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki - Tel: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha – Tel: +32 229-52117)
Commission gathers experts to discuss bridging gaps in cancer prevention, early detection and care for all
Tomorrow, ahead of the European Week Against Cancer (25–31 May), the European Commission is holding a webinar focused on measures to tackle cancer inequalities across Europe. Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Oliver Várhelyi, will deliver opening remarks, and cancer experts from across Europe will also speak on topics ranging from childhood cancer, diagnosis, treatment and life after cancer.
2.7 million Europeans face a cancer diagnosis every year, but their age, income, education or where they live can dictate their access to life-saving prevention, treatment and support. Europe's Beating Cancer Plan is working to bridge gaps across the entire cancer pathway, including with EU-funded initiatives to boost the uptake of vaccine preventable cancers, expand access to cancer screening, improve access to targeted treatments and address mental health challenges for those affected by cancer.
Commissioner Várhelyi said: “Europe's Beating Cancer Plan was built on a simple promise: that everyone should have equal access to prevention, early diagnosis and high-quality care. Yet we are still far from that goal. HPV vaccination rates range from 90% in some parts of our Union to under 50% in others. Life-saving surgeries are offered to nearly 80% of patients in certain Member States, and fewer than half in others. These gaps cost lives. Through targeted projects and data-driven action, we're turning the tide—but we must move faster. No one's survival should depend on their postcode or income.”
The event is open to the public. You can register to participate in the webinar online.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)
Commissioner Brunner participates in a youth policy dialogue in Austria
Tomorrow, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, will participate in a Youth Policy Dialogue in Innsbruck, Austria. The event is taking place at the first accredited European School in Austria, the Akademisches Gymnasium Innsbruck, which the Commissioner is visiting for the first time. It will bring together students and young participants to engage in an open exchange on European Union policies, with a particular focus on HOME affairs and current political challenges.
During the dialogue, Commissioner Brunner will outline his role and priorities as EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration and engage in a discussion with participants. The exchange will cover topics such as migration management, the functioning of the Schengen area, internal security, and the broader geopolitical context shaping EU policies. Participants will also have the opportunity to raise questions about civic engagement and the role of young people in shaping Europe's future.
Youth dialogues are part of the European Commission's commitment to mainstream the voice of young people in EU policymaking, as set out in President von der Leyen's Political Guidelines for 2024-2029. These dialogues are important to ensure that young people's voice is heard and engages them in EU policymaking.
(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33 ; Fiorella Boigner – Tel.: +32 2 299 37 34)
Commission to receive recommendations from EU citizens on shaping Preparedness Union
Tomorrow, the third and final session of the European Citizens' Panel on Preparedness will start in Brussels and will run until Sunday. After almost three months of deliberation, the 150 randomly selected citizens from all 27 Member States, representing EU diversity, will finalise their recommendations on how to implement the Preparedness Union Strategy. On Sunday, the citizens will officially hand them over to the Commission's Director General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations.
The Preparedness Union Strategy, adopted in March 2025, aims to enhance the EU's capacity to prevent and respond to emerging threats. It identifies the active engagement of citizens as an essential element for effective crisis preparedness. To ensure this engagement, citizens need to become aware of the importance of being prepared. This is why the strategy sets out, among its 30 main actions, programmes to raise citizens' awareness on the issue, such as the Citizens' Panel on Preparedness. Through this active citizen engagement, citizens' recommendations will help shape a Preparedness Union in which all European citizens are empowered and better prepared for crises, ensuring that no one is left behind.
The recommendations will be published on the Citizens' Engagement Platform, where a livestream and recordings of the plenary discussions will also be available. Journalists wishing to attend in person should contact COMM-CITIZENS-PANELS@ec.europa.eu.
(For more information: Eva Hrnčířová – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Quentin Cortès – Tel.: +32 2 296 47 35)
Tentative agendas for forthcoming Commission meetings
Note that these items can be subject to changes.
Upcoming events of the European Commission
Eurostat press releases
Calendar items of the President and Commissioners
Individual calendars of the President and Commissioners
Commissioner Kadis in Cyprus to celebrate the European Maritime Day 2026
From 20 to 23 May 2026, Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, will be in Cyprus to meet with the EU maritime community.
Today, the Commissioner will attend the Oceana symposium in Limassol.
Tomorrow, Commissioner Kadis will officially open the European Maritime Day alongside Marina Hadjimanolis, Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister, and Yiannis Armeftis, Mayor of Limassol. Since 2008, the European Maritime Day, co-organised by the European Commission, has brought together businesses, policy makers, and innovative projects active in the sustainable blue economy from across Europe. The event coincides with Europe's official Maritime Day, celebrated annually on 20 May.
This year's discussion will focus on the progress of the European Ocean Pact's implementation, including the future of fisheries and aquaculture, the new OceanEye initiative, as well as the next Multiannual Financial Framework.
During his visit, Commissioner Kadis will participate in the event ‘EU meets Limassol - Towards a more sustainable Blue Economy', hosted by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the auspices of the Cyprus presidency of the Council of the European Union. There, the Commissioner will meet with local representatives of the blue economy sector. He will also deliver a speech at the FEAP General Assembly.
Finally, on 23 May, the Commissioner and Limassol Mayor Yiannis Armeftis, will launch the 2026 edition of the EUBeachCleanup. The EUBeachCleanup - an EU-UN initiative in partnership with the Smurfs - raises awareness on marine pollution and its impact on marine habitats. The campaign will kick off with a coastal clean-up action, running from 10:00 to 13:00, hosted by the city of Limassol. Throughout the day, EU-funded initiatives (EU4Ocean and EU4Algae), the Municipality of Limassol, and Cyprus Sustainable Tourism Initiative, will offer educational activities on ocean conservation and marine habitats to all participants.
The European Maritime Day's opening and plenary sessions will be live-streamed. Further details are available in the event programme.
INVITATION FOR the Press
EUBeachCleanup 2026 launches in Limassol
with European Commissioner Kadis and Limassol Mayor Armeftis
WHAT
The 2026 edition of the #EUBeachCleanup campaign will officially launch on Saturday 23 May in Limassol, Cyprus, as a side event of the European Maritime Day 2026, co-organised by the Municipality of Limassol and the European Commission.
Participants are invited to join clean-up actions along the Molos waterfront and nearby beach areas from 9:30 to 13:00.
Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans and Yiannis Armeftis, Mayor of Limassol, will join the clean-up and take the stage at 10:00 at the Molos waterfront.
The event will combine clean-up activities with an “ocean fair” dedicated to ocean literacy and marine litter awareness. Several organisations will host educational stands and activities:
The event aims to engage local communities and families and to promote collective action for a healthier ocean and beautiful coastlines.
EUBEACHCLEANUP
Since 2019, the #EUBeachCleanup is a global awareness campaign highlighting the impact of marine pollution on the ocean and marine habitats. It is organised by the European Union in partnership with the United Nations and the Smurfs.
It matters because:
WHEN AND WHERE
Date: Saturday 23 May 2026
Time: 09:30–13:00
Location: Molos waterfront, Limassol, Cyprus
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE MEDIA
10:00 official launch of the clean-up with Costas Kadis, European Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans and Yiannis Armeftis, Mayor of Limassol – Molos waterfront
Interviews can be organised on site, from 10:15.