How could the growing economic footprint of Israel affect Makis Keravnos's financial policies?
Israel's growing economic footprint may influence Cyprus's financial policy The significant economic disparity between Israel and Cyprus has led to a rapid increase in Israeli investment within Cyprus. At the end of 2024, investors in Israel held 5.1 billion euros of investment in Cyprus, which is more than six times the amount held in 2017. This growing financial presence is compounded by reports that the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange is weighing a bid for the Cyprus Stock Exchange, which the government is privatising. As the Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos is responsible for shaping Cyprus's national economic policy and state budget, meaning he must navigate the implications of this increasing foreign capital and strategic economic leverage.
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How it reaches Makis Keravnos
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According to the World Bank, Israel’s economy is approximately 15 times the size of Cyprus’s economy. The report also states that Israel’s military spending is about 73 times that of Cyprus. Israel has established a presence in Cyprus through its state water company, Mekorot, which supplies water, and through Israel Aerospace Industries, a state-owned arms maker, which supplies air defenses.
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This growing financial footprint is highlighted by the fact that the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange is weighing a bid for the Cyprus Stock Exchange, which the government is privatising. As the Finance Minister, Makis Keravnos is tasked with shaping the national economic policy and state budget, requiring him to address the implications of such large-scale foreign financial interest.
No report states this step directly. Brind drew it from the reporting on each side of it, so treat it as an informed guess.
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Cypriot banker & politician
Everything about Makis Keravnos
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The facts so far
As reported. Each one links to where it comes from.
- Israel's economy is about 15 times Cyprus's, according to the World Bank.aljazeera.com
- Investors in Israel held 5.1 billion euros of investment in Cyprus at the end of 2024.aljazeera.com
- Israeli investors held more than six times the amount in 2017.aljazeera.com
- The Tel Aviv Stock Exchange is weighing a bid for the Cyprus Stock Exchange, which the government is privatising.aljazeera.com
Why it matters
For Makis Keravnos and the Cypriot government, the increasing economic leverage of a much larger state like Israel presents a complex balancing act. The growth of foreign investment, coupled with strategic interests in vital sectors like the gasfield, means that national economic policy must account for significant external financial influence, potentially affecting privatization and market access.
This situation reflects a broader geopolitical dynamic where Cyprus is attempting to present its ties with Israel as a security alliance against Turkey. However, the reports also detail how Israel's economic footprint is growing fast, suggesting that the relationship is not purely military but is deeply intertwined with financial and resource control.
What we don't know yet
- What specific policy changes, if any, will Makis Keravnos implement to manage the influx of Israeli capital?
- How will the government respond to the potential bid for the Cyprus Stock Exchange?
What would change this answer
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Reporting
- aljazeera.comFriday
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