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Cyprus Outlines Strategic Digital Priorities Ahead Of EU Council Presidency

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

December 9, 2025

At the Telecommunications Council in Brussels, Cyprus set forth its digital and technological agenda for its upcoming EU Council Presidency. Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianou, representing Cyprus in the domains of research, innovation, and digital policy, positioned the nation as a forward-thinking champion of regulatory reform and technological advancement.

Strengthening Europe’s Competitive Edge

European ministers convened to deliberate on critical issues including digital competitiveness, the simplification of legislative frameworks, and the accelerated implementation of the Digital Services Act. The Council Conclusions adopted during the session emphasize a coordinated, streamlined approach to regulation—one that promises to spur the faster adoption of innovative technologies while bolstering Europe’s capacity to compete globally.

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Addressing Technological And Geopolitical Pressures

During the discussions, Damianou stressed the political significance of digital simplification and effective digitalization. He argued that by reducing bureaucratic burdens and harmonizing rules, Europe can create an environment that not only fosters innovation but also fortifies its economy and delivers tangible benefits to its citizens. His remarks underscored the dual challenges of rapid technological change and escalating geopolitical pressures that all member states currently face.

Three Pillars Of The Cyprus Presidency

The Cyprus Presidency’s work programme in telecommunications is structured around three strategic pillars. The first aims to reinforce Europe’s digital capabilities and technological leadership. The second pillar is committed to improving cyber resilience and safeguarding the digital ecosystem, including enhanced protection for minors online. The third pillar focuses on deepening strategic partnerships within the digital sphere, with Damianou clarifying that digital sovereignty should be synonymous with collaboration rather than isolation.

Forging Alliances For A Digital Future

In the run-up to its presidency, Cyprus engaged with senior counterparts from Germany, Poland, France, and Italy, including prominent figures such as Karsten Wildberger, Dariusz Standerski, Anne Le Hénanff, and Valentino Valentini. These high-level discussions on digital cooperation signal a concerted effort to align diverse national strategies toward a unified and robust European digital vision.

As Europe navigates the complexities of the Digital Decade, Cyprus’s proactive agenda underscores the imperative for regulatory reform, digital empowerment, and strategic collaboration. This approach is designed to foster an ecosystem that accelerates innovation and secures sustained prosperity for European citizens and businesses alike.

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Rolls-Royce Raises Guidance As Defense And Power Systems Drive Growth

Rolls-Royce raised its full-year profit and cash flow guidance after reporting stronger-than-expected first-half results, supported by growth across its civil aerospace, defense and power systems businesses.

Underlying operating profit rose 46% year on year to £2.5 billion ($3.3 billion) in the first six months of 2026, while revenue increased more than 24% to £11.3 billion.

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The company now expects full-year underlying operating profit of £4.7 billion to £4.9 billion, up from previous guidance of £4 billion to £4.2 billion. It also raised its free cash flow forecast to £3.8 billion to £4 billion, compared with £3.6 billion to £3.8 billion previously.

Shares rose as much as 6% in early trading before paring gains to trade about 4% higher.

Data Center Demand Supports Power Systems

Chief Financial Officer Helen McCabe told CNBC that orders in Rolls-Royce’s data center power business increased by more than 50% in the first half as operators invested in backup and on-site power systems.

The company has benefited from growing demand for power infrastructure as data center operators expand capacity.

Defense Spending Provides Additional Support

McCabe also said Rolls-Royce expects to benefit from higher defense spending in the U.K. and across NATO countries. She cited the U.K.’s long-term defense investment plan, which provides funding visibility through 2030 and beyond.

“We’ve had very positive initial conversations with the new government,” McCabe said, adding that the company supports its focus on growth, defense and industrial manufacturing.

Turnaround Continues

Chief Executive Tufan Erginbilgic said the company’s transformation strategy continued to deliver results. “Our transformation continues to deliver,” he said in a statement. “We have unlocked new growth opportunities across the Group.”