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Cyprus AI Strategy 2032 Faces Calls For Funding And Clear Accountability

The Cyprus Computer Society (CCS) has urged policymakers to turn Cyprus’ National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2032 into a funded implementation plan with measurable outcomes, saying ambition alone will not create a competitive AI economy.

In its public consultation submission, CCS welcomed the strategy as a step toward a coordinated national approach to AI and credited Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides and the National AI Taskforce for developing the framework. Skourides’ LinkedIn profile

From Strategy To Implementation

CCS submitted 33 recommendations covering implementation, governance, infrastructure, skills, responsible AI and economic development. It said the strategy addresses the main areas but now needs clear mechanisms to deliver measurable results.

A Funded Plan With Clear Accountability

CCS called for a single, costed implementation plan specifying investments, funding sources, timelines and spending for major programs. It also wants clearer accountability over implementation, including responsibility for budgets, underperforming initiatives and missed national targets.

Public Procurement Could Support Local AI

The society proposed using public procurement to help stimulate local AI innovation, with the state acting as an early customer for Cypriot startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Early contracts could give local companies reference customers, help validate their products and support expansion into international markets.

Measuring AI’s Economic Impact

CCS called for an economic scorecard covering AI-related exports, revenue generated in Cyprus, locally created intellectual property, private investment, high-productivity jobs and research commercialization. The society said these measures would provide a clearer assessment of whether the strategy is generating economic value.

Skills Need To Match Demand

CCS questioned whether a target of about 3,000 AI professionals is sufficient without a clearer assessment of workforce needs. It recommended distinguishing between researchers, AI engineers, data specialists, applied AI professionals and sector-specific experts, arguing that training numbers alone do not show whether the right skills are reaching the economy.

Governance For Generative AI And AI Agents

CCS also called for a governance framework covering the use of large language models in government, confidential information, AI-agent actions, reliability, copyright, synthetic content, deepfakes and human oversight. As these systems move into operational use, the society said Cyprus needs rules that address their expanding role and associated risks.

Human-Centered And Inclusive AI

The recommendations include algorithmic bias assessments, stronger AI literacy, accessibility requirements for citizen-facing services and greater participation by women and underrepresented groups. CCS also proposed stronger representation of equality mechanisms and people with disabilities in national AI governance.

Success Will Be Measured By Results

CCS said the strategy should ultimately be judged by outcomes such as higher productivity, improved public services, a stronger AI workforce, successful technology companies, increased exports and research commercialization.

Cyprus Computer Society is a professional, scientific and independent non-profit organization representing more than 1,500 members in Cyprus’ information technology sector. It promotes digital skills, education, research and professional standards and participates in European and international technology projects.

€50 Million Luxury Resort Planned For Ayia Napa

Ayia Napa could strengthen its position in the premium tourism market with a proposed €50 million mixed-use resort combining a hotel, serviced apartments, luxury bungalows and a beach club.

Aesara Investments Ltd has submitted an information form to the Department of Environment for a development to operate under the name Atlantica Wavemaster Hospitality. The project is planned for the Limnara area of Ayia Napa, along the coast south of Kryou Nerou Avenue, between the town centre and Cape Greco.

Hotel, Apartments And Luxury Bungalows

The proposed resort will include a 324-room hotel with capacity for 648 guests, alongside a condo-hotel building containing 20 one- and two-bedroom apartments. Facilities are planned to include restaurants, bars, cafés, a spa with an indoor pool, a gym, shops, a multipurpose hall, a children’s club and a cinema.

A further 33 three-level luxury bungalows, each designed for two guests and featuring a private swimming pool, are planned for the southern part of the site. A beach club with a restaurant and an outdoor pool complex covering more than 6,300 square metres will also form part of the development.

The project includes 321 parking spaces, including 12 for people with disabilities, and 14,196 square metres of landscaped green space featuring local plant species.

Seasonal Hotel Operations And Year-Round Residences

The hotel is expected to operate from March to November, with peak occupancy during the summer season. The condo-hotel apartments, meanwhile, will be available for sale or long-term rental and intended for year-round residence. Owners and tenants will also have access to the resort’s facilities, including its pools, restaurants and fitness areas.

Construction is expected to take 24 months once the required permits are secured. At the busiest stage, the project could employ around 100 workers per day.

Environmental Restrictions Near Cape Greco

The site’s proximity to protected Natura 2000 areas has prompted strict environmental requirements. The Cape Greco Special Protection Area borders the site to the south, while a Special Area of Conservation lies approximately 50 metres away.

Conditions imposed by the Department of Environment include a maximum building height of five floors, or 18.5 metres, and restrictions on permanent structures near the coastline. The project must also use spider-web type glazing and low-intensity lighting to minimise disturbance to local birdlife.

According to the project’s consultants, the design has been prepared to comply with the environmental conditions and the final report on cumulative impacts for the Cape Greco Special Protection Area. The hotel and apartment building are positioned in the central and northern parts of the plot, away from the shoreline.

Within the designated no-build zone, located 40 metres from the boundary of the beach protection zone, only swimming pools are planned. The consultants state that these are not expected to affect protected species in the area.

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