Breaking news

Cyprus and Japan sign Memorandum of Cooperation on Science and Technology

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 8, 2024

Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, and Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, Toshiko Abe, signed a Memorandum of Cooperation aimed at strengthening relations between Cyprus and Japan in the fields of science and technology, both at the transnational and the European level, during an official visit Damianou paid to Kyoto.

According to a press release issued by the Deputy Ministry, the expansion of Cyprus-Japan relations in the fields of science and technology was the focus of Damianos’ official visit to Kyoto.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

In the framework of bilateral contacts with the Japanese Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed to strengthen relations between Cyprus and Japan in the fields of science and technology, both at the transnational and the European level, it is stated.

Specifically, the press relese added, the memorandum promotes, among other things, the joint implementation of research and innovation (R&I) projects on issues of common interest, the mobility of scientists and the exchange of know-how and expertise between the academic and research communities of the two countries.

In his remarks, the Deputy Minister, after congratulating the Japanese Minister on her recent appointment, referred to the importance of the Memorandum as a tool for transferring know-how from a mature ecosystem – such as that of Japan – to the emerging – but highly dynamic – ecosystem of Cyprus.

He also touched on the cooperation prospects within the European Framework Programme Horizon Europe, with Japan being already at an advanced stage of consultations with the European Union (EU) for joining the programme as an associate member.

The Deputy Minister, the statement added, also participated in a ministerial roundtable on Transformative science, technology and innovation policy to strengthen innovation ecosystems, which was attended by Ministers and senior officials from various countries around the world, including Japan, Canada, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Vietnam, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, Romania, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Germany, Finland, Lithuania and the United Kingdom, with the participation of an EU representative.

As stated, the Summit was held in the context of the 21st Annual Meeting of the STS Forum, which brings together prominent political, business and academic figures to exchange views on strengthening the science and technology sectors and their impact on the global economy and society.

In his intervention, the Deputy Minister referred to Cyprus’ ascending performance in European and international R&D indicators, which puts the country for the third consecutive year in the top 10 strong innovators in Europe and 27th globally in terms of innovation (Global Innovation Index 2024), it is added.

Subsequently, the Deputy Minister stressed the need to create a favourable environment that encourages and facilitates innovation, underlining the importance of access to financial tools and skilled human resources, as well as providing incentives for investment in R&D.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

EU Adopts New Package Travel Rules With 14-Day Refund Requirement

The Council of the European Union adopted updated rules on package travel, introducing stricter requirements for refunds, transparency and consumer protection across member states. Updated provisions revise the existing directive and define obligations for travel providers offering bundled services such as flights, accommodation and transfers.

Clarifying The Package Travel Directive

The updated directive clarifies the definition of package travel and excludes certain linked travel arrangements from its scope. Coverage applies to services sold as a single product, including combinations of transport, accommodation and additional services. This revision standardizes how travel products are classified and clarifies rights and obligations for both providers and consumers at the point of purchase.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Enhancing Transparency And Consumer Rights

New rules require providers to disclose key information before and during travel, including payment terms, visa requirements, accessibility conditions and cancellation policies. These disclosures aim to reduce disputes and improve consumer awareness. Defined refund timelines include a 14-day period for cancellations due to extraordinary circumstances and up to six months in cases of organiser insolvency. The measures address gaps identified in earlier versions of the directive.

Ensuring Accountability And Trust In Travel Services

Organisers must implement complaint-handling systems and provide clear information on insolvency protection under the updated framework. These provisions aim to improve accountability across the travel sector. Previous disruptions, including the collapse of Thomas Cook and travel restrictions during COVID-19, exposed weaknesses in refund processes and consumer protection. Updated rules respond to those issues.

Implications For Cyprus And The Broader Industry

Tourism accounts for approximately 14% of Cyprus’s GDP, with package travel playing a central role in visitor flows. Major operators such as TUI and Jet2 provide structured travel offerings that support demand. Such operators contribute to revenue stability and help extend the tourism season by securing transport and accommodation in advance. Greater regulatory clarity may support continued sector growth.

A Model For Future Consumer Protection

Clearer rules on vouchers, refunds and insolvency protection now apply across the European Union. These measures aim to reduce consumer risk in cross-border travel. Implementation across member states will determine the impact on both consumers and travel providers. The framework may influence future regulatory approaches in the sector.