Cyprus recorded the largest reduction in business bankruptcies in the European Union in the third quarter of 2025, with filings down 50% compared to the previous quarter, according to figures published on Friday by Eurostat (EU statistics office). By contrast, bankruptcies in the second quarter had doubled versus the first quarter of 2025.
Why the cyprus numbers can swing
Eurostat cautions that in very small countries the absolute number of bankruptcies is extremely low on a quarterly basis, which can make related indicators highly volatile. Cyprus fits this pattern, so large percentage moves should be read with care.
New company registrations in Cyprus fell by 6.7% quarter on quarter. In the second quarter, registrations had already slipped by 2.8%.
The wider EU picture
Across the EU, new business registrations rose by 4.0% in the third quarter of 2025 compared with the second quarter. Bankruptcies also increased, up 4.4% quarter on quarter. Filings rose in five sectors and declined in three.
Greece posted the largest increase in business bankruptcies at EU level in the third quarter, with a jump of 47.8%.