Cyprus and Greece grapple with rising economic pressures

A spring Eurobarometer survey for 2026 carried out in Cyprus asked 504 respondents about their main concerns. The majority placed the economy and job creation first (45% of respondents), followed by inflation and the cost of living (43%). Housing affordability emerged as a critical source of daily insecurity, even though 82% said they were satisfied with their overall quality of life. Respondents described uncertainty as the dominant feeling, with disappointment and anxiety also prominent.

In Greece, recent data from the tax authority reveal an explosive increase in overdue tax liabilities. Total arrears now total €24.74 billion, with value‑added tax accounting for 47% of the debt, income tax 42% and property taxes about 5%. More than four million individuals and companies have outstanding tax balances, and many are facing enforcement actions such as bank‑account seizures and asset confiscations. The scale of the debt burden threatens households and businesses and raises concerns about a broader fiscal strain in the country.