Cyprus weekly summary: economic updates, infrastructure projects and service disruptions

As of November 1, 2026, consumers in Cyprus ordering goods from non-EU countries like China face an additional €2 fee on small parcels, adding to the existing €3 customs charge. Meanwhile, Eurostat reports that 17.1% of Cyprus residents are at risk of poverty or social exclusion, and consumer protection services note rising prices in 28 out of 45 essential goods categories, with frozen seafood and cooking fats seeing the highest increases. The Great Sea Interconnector project is facing potential delays, with completion now estimated for 2031 instead of 2030, and total costs likely exceeding the initial €1.9 billion estimate.

In local developments, the municipality of Paphos is opening new public recreational spaces and parking areas on October 21. Larnaca has begun utilizing drones for mosquito control in difficult-to-access areas, and residents of the Ekali district in Limassol have reported increasing incidents of vandalism. Additionally, digital bank Revolut experienced widespread service outages on October 20, and the Cypriot billionaire John Christodoulou is reportedly considering a potential run for the 2028 presidential elections.