The European Commission has announced the appointment of George Rossiadis as Principal Advisor for Internal and External Stakeholder Relations at the Internal Audit Service (IAS). The IAS is responsible for offering independent guidance, opinions, and recommendations on the quality and operation of internal audit systems within the Commission, EU bodies, and other autonomous organizations. The official start date for Mr. Rossiadis remains to be determined.

Extensive Experience And Proven Leadership

With over 20 years of service at the European Commission, Mr. Rossiadis has developed a deep expertise across a broad spectrum of policy areas including data protection, security, internal affairs, crisis management, and health. His decisive leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic was instrumental in the successful rollout of critical initiatives such as the EU Vaccine Strategy and efforts toward a European Health Union.

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Notable Achievements And Strategic Vision

Throughout his career, Mr. Rossiadis has demonstrated impressive leadership capabilities by managing large teams in complex, high-pressure environments. His portfolio includes driving forward challenging reforms such as updates to EU pharmaceutical legislation and advancing the European Union’s Action Plan Against Cancer. His extensive experience coordinating with both internal and external stakeholders underlines his ability to navigate key issues, including preparations for the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework.

Prior Roles And International Expertise

Currently serving as a Senior Expert at the Directorate-General for Health and Emergency Response and Preparedness (DG HERA) of the European Commission, Mr. Rossiadis previously led the Office of the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, Stelios Kyriakidou (more information can be found on European Commission’s website). In an earlier role, he was part of the office of the European Commissioner for Migration and Home Affairs, Dimitris Avramopoulos, where he spearheaded initiatives in security, counterterrorism, and transatlantic relations. Additionally, his tenure as Head of Communications at the Directorate-General for Justice and Consumers, along with his experience at the United Nations, highlights a career marked by strategic communication and international coordination.

As the tech industry grapples with an emerging AI power crisis, Hannan Happi, co-founder and CEO of Exowatt, has set his sights on a bold objective: reducing electricity costs to one cent per kilowatt-hour. Drawing on decades-old concentrated solar power technology, Happi and his team have reimagined the conventional approach, refining every detail to optimize structural and maintenance costs while pushing the efficiency envelope.

A Modular Breakthrough In Thermal Energy

At the heart of Exowatt’s strategy is a deceptively simple system—a shipping container-sized unit crowned with a clear awning. Inside, a meticulously designed metal box fitted with sunlight-focusing lenses heats a specialized thermal brick. This process, augmented by a Stirling engine and an integrated generator, converts stored heat into mechanical energy, providing a reliable 24/7 power supply. The design, described by Happi as intentionally streamlined, enables rapid scaling: additional units can be deployed to meet increasing power needs.

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Scaling Innovation With Strategic Investment

In pursuit of its ambitious one-cent-per-kilowatt-hour target, Exowatt recently secured an additional $50 million extension to its $70 million Series A round. The funding round, led by MVP Ventures and 8090 Industries, included participation from respected investors such as Atomic, BAM, Bay Bridge Ventures, DeepWork Capital, and others, along with previous backers like Andreessen Horowitz and Sam Altman. Happi noted that strong market momentum and heightened investor interest prompted the capital raise, positioning Exowatt for accelerated production and deployment.

Positioning Against Established Competitors

Exowatt is leveraging a mature, well-understood technology—often known as concentrated or thermal solar power—that has traditionally been outpaced by advancements in photovoltaic solar panels and lithium-ion batteries. However, by scaling a modular system known for its reliability, Exowatt aims to harness significant learning curve benefits. Happi highlights that while only a hundred or so solar thermal projects exist worldwide compared to the production of 1.5 billion solar panels annually, the streamlined scaling process offers a meaningful competitive edge.

Challenges And Market Alignment

Despite the promise, the Exowatt approach is not without its limitations. The physical footprint required for a large number of P3 units could restrict its viability in certain regions, and the solution is most effective in areas with abundant sunlight. Nonetheless, Happi is optimistic, noting a high degree of overlap between optimal deployment regions and new data center locations—a synergy that could redefine energy supply in this critical sector.

A Vision Beyond Conventional Energy

By repackaging a classic technology through modern manufacturing techniques and iterative design improvements, Exowatt is poised to disrupt the data center market and broader energy landscape. As the company scales production to reach its one-million-unit threshold per year, its innovative approach may serve as a blueprint for achieving previously unattainable levels of energy efficiency and cost reduction in the age of AI.

Cyprus and Greece have taken decisive measures to update the economic and technical parameters of their key cable interconnection project, paving the way for the injection of strong new investors. This strategic decision was jointly announced by the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulidis, and the Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, following their third intergovernmental meeting.

Strengthening Bilateral Commitment In Energy And Beyond

The updated parameters underscore a robust strategy to enhance energy connectivity and stimulate economic growth. Both leaders reiterated their joint determination to reinitiate talks aligned with UN resolutions, with Christodoulidis expressing gratitude for Greece’s steadfast partnership, and Mitsotakis noting that the onus now lies with others to demonstrate a genuine intent to restart negotiations.

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Coordinated Policy Advances Across Strategic Sectors

Beyond the energy sector, the discussions extended to critical areas such as environmental management, digital safety, and emergency preparedness. The Cyprus President highlighted impressive progress made in the two years since the establishment of a dedicated intergovernmental dialogue, emphasizing sustainable water resource management and advancements in desalination technologies. Additionally, Greece’s initiative to pioneer deepwater drilling within the Ionian Sea in the coming months further illustrates the commitment to forward-thinking energy solutions.

Unified Vision For Regional Stability And Security

The meeting reaffirmed that the strong alliance between Athens and Nicosia remains a pillar of stability in a volatile region. Both countries are coordinating closely on foreign policy initiatives, including Cyprus’s anticipated integration into the Schengen zone and the implementation of a New Mediterranean Pact. At the center of these efforts is an unwavering commitment to resolving the longstanding division of Cyprus in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions and established international law.

Positioning As Pillars Of European Energy Security

Prime Minister Mitsotakis pointed to recent agreements with major American companies that bolster Europe’s energy security from the Mediterranean to Eastern Europe, illustrating the strategic reach of their partnership. These developments, alongside the recalibrated cable project, highlight the significant role both nations play in the broader European energy landscape.

The initiative reflects not only a technical and economic update but a reaffirmation of Cyprus and Greece’s role as proactive leaders in regional security and economic prosperity. The integration of robust investor interest into this crucial energy infrastructure project underlines the future-facing vision of both governments.

Watch the joint statements by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President Nikos Christodoulidis in the video below:

Artificial intelligence coding startup Cursor announced on Thursday that it successfully closed a $2.3 billion funding round, catapulting its post-money valuation to $29.3 billion. This marks a near tripling in valuation since its last financing round in June, underscoring the surging investor confidence in its innovative AI coding tool that streamlines code generation, editing, and review for software developers.

An Engine Of Innovation In AI Coding

Cursor’s success is built on its flagship tool, which has revolutionized the way developers write and manage code. Developed under the aegis of its parent research lab, Anysphere, founded in 2022, the tool has already surpassed $1 billion in annualized revenue and grown to over 300 employees. This rapid expansion positions Cursor among the elite tier of AI startups, alongside industry giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and xAI, all valued at over $10 billion.

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Robust Investor Interest And Strategic Endorsements

Among the investors backing Cursor are industry heavyweights including Accel, Thrive Capital, Andreessen Horowitz, DST Global, Coatue, Nvidia, and Google. Their confidence in Cursor is heightened by the company’s assertion that its proprietary in-house models generate more code than nearly any other large language models currently available. Nvidia’s CEO, Jensen Huang, recently described Cursor as his “favorite enterprise AI service,” lending significant credibility to its technological capabilities.

Competitive Landscape And Market Dynamics

The AI coding tool market is swiftly evolving, with increasing competition from high-profile rivals such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cognition. In a notable strategic move, Cognition recently acquired AI coding startup Windsurf, while OpenAI, after exploring acquisition opportunities with Anysphere earlier this year, ultimately launched its own tool, Codex, in May. Meanwhile, Anthropic’s Claude Code has similarly reported impressive market traction, generating over $500 million in run-rate revenue since its full launch in May.

Looking Ahead

Cursor’s leadership remains highly optimistic about its future prospects. The company emphasized that the recent funding will enable deeper investments into research and development, positioning it to unlock further advancements in its AI technology. As the firm continues to refine its technology, the market anticipates that Cursor will set new benchmarks in the coding tool segment.

Watch live commentary as Cursor CEO Michael Truell discusses the funding round on CNBC’s “Closing Bell: Overtime.”

Google is set to redefine digital research with its latest upgrade to NotebookLM. The new Deep Research tool integrates seamlessly into the AI note-taking assistant, automating the process of collecting and synthesizing online information to create detailed, source-grounded reports.

How Deep Research Works

Deep Research acts like a dedicated research assistant. Users can initiate a search in the source panel and choose “Web” as their source, then select between a comprehensive briefing using Deep Research or opt for a quicker overview with Fast Research. The tool creates a research plan from your inquiry, browses relevant websites, and compiles findings into a structured report that can be directly added to your notebook.

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Enhancing Workflow With Expanded File-Type Support

Beyond its research capabilities, NotebookLM now supports additional file types. Users can upload Google Sheets, Drive files via URLs, PDFs from Google Drive, and Microsoft Word documents. This update facilitates the generation of summaries from diverse data sources and enables effortless management of multiple Drive files.

Continued Investment In AI-Driven Tools

Since its launch in late 2023, Google has steadily expanded NotebookLM’s functionality. Innovations such as Video Overviews and Audio Overviews have transformed raw multimedia content and dense documents into digestible visual and auditory formats. With recent releases of dedicated apps for Android and iOS, Google is making these powerful research tools accessible across multiple platforms.

Looking Ahead

The Deep Research tool and expanded file support are expected to be available to all users within the week. This development underscores Google’s commitment to enhancing productivity and efficiency in research, empowering professionals to build in-depth, organized knowledge bases without interrupting their workflow.

Apple has announced the launch of its Mini Apps Partner Program, a move aimed at bolstering developer growth by offering a reduced commission rate of 15% on in-app purchases for mini applications. This strategic initiative is designed to incentivize developers to integrate Apple’s trusted technologies into their mini apps, potentially reshaping monetization models across the App Store.

Defining The Mini App Experience

The tech giant defines a mini app as a self-contained experience powered by web technologies such as HTML5 and JavaScript, seamlessly integrated within a native application. Although mini apps have been part of the iOS ecosystem for nearly a decade, this is the first instance where Apple has introduced a reduced commission structure for transactions occurring within these sub-applications.

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Guidelines And Requirements

Since 2017, Apple’s App Review Guidelines have included specific criteria for mini apps. Guideline 4.7 permits developers to offer a range of experiences—mini games, streaming games, chatbots, plug-ins, and game emulators—outside the core binary of a native app. The guidelines also mandate standards for handling sensitive data and moderating content, reflecting expectations similar to those for full-scale native applications.

Leveraging Advanced Apple Technologies

To join the new program, the host app must reside on iOS or iPadOS and be available via the App Store, adhering to the Apple Developer Program License Agreement and existing App Review Guidelines. Additionally, developers must integrate specific Apple technologies, including the Advanced Commerce API and Declared Age Rating API, to ensure compliance with age-appropriate content standards. Usage of Apple’s in-app purchase system is required, with developers obligated to communicate transaction details in refund cases.

Incentives And Industry Implications

By offering this reduced commission rate, Apple positions itself as a key partner in the evolving landscape of mini apps. Developers hosting these applications—notably within platforms like Apple’s ecosystem—can leverage cost savings to reinvest in product innovation. Established platforms such as LINE, WeChat, and Discord already provide mini app and mini game features, and recent developments with AI-driven platforms (e.g., ChatGPT’s integrations with Booking.com, Expedia, Spotify, and others) further underscore the market potential.

Maintaining A Strong Commission Model

Despite the lower fee for digital goods and services—including various subscription models—Apple continues to secure its revenue stream by maintaining commission collection across the mini apps ecosystem. Bloomberg recently highlighted an agreement between Apple and Tencent regarding a 15% commission on mini app purchases within WeChat, marking another significant industry milestone.

How Developers Can Participate

Developers interested in joining the Mini Apps Partner Program must submit a request detailing eligibility information as well as specifics about their host app and mini apps. Once these prerequisites are met and developers agree to the program’s terms, submissions are then reviewed in line with Apple’s established processes, including the mandatory provision of a manifest that details software and metadata for Apple’s review.

Conclusion

Apple’s new initiative reinforces its commitment to fostering innovation on the App Store while safeguarding its revenue model. With robust guidelines and cutting-edge technology integration at its core, the Mini Apps Partner Program represents a calculated move toward capturing emerging trends in mobile commerce and application development.

Meta is implementing a sweeping overhaul of Facebook Marketplace by rolling out enhanced collaborative tools, interactive social features, and a streamlined checkout experience powered by Meta AI. These strategic updates aim to create a more engaging and personalized shopping experience while strengthening Meta’s competitive position in the e-commerce space.

Introducing Collections Feature

The new collections feature empowers users to curate groups of listings with ease. By saving a listing and starting a collection, users can choose to keep their selections public or private. Furthermore, they can invite friends via Facebook Feed, Messenger, WhatsApp, and other channels to collaborate on their selections. This functionality is designed to facilitate group shopping decisions, whether furnishing a new apartment or keeping a partner informed about a potential purchase.

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Collaborative Buying Elevated

In a move to simplify the shopping process, Meta is testing a collaborative buying option. This feature allows users to invite friends into a chat with a seller, streamlining the process of coordinating pick-up logistics and negotiating prices. By leveraging real-time communication, Meta is enhancing user engagement and fostering informed purchasing decisions.

Enhanced Checkout And AI-Powered Insights

Meta is blending social commerce with artificial intelligence to transform the buying experience. When initiating a chat with a seller, users will now notice a ‘Suggested Questions to Ask’ button powered by Meta AI, which analyzes listing details to provide pertinent inquiries. Additionally, vehicle listings now feature AI-generated insights that detail key specifications such as engine options, safety ratings, and pricing. These improvements not only simplify the shopping process but also guide buyers in making well-informed decisions.

Integrated Partner Listings And Increased Transparency

Further broadening its product offering, Meta has integrated partner inventories from platforms like eBay and Poshmark into Marketplace. Listings from these partners are clearly marked with distinctive icons, and users can view comprehensive seller information directly on the Marketplace product details page. The improved checkout process now displays total costs upfront, including shipping and tax, and sends order status notifications, thereby enhancing transparency and trust.

For additional insights and details on these updates, refer to Meta’s official announcement.

Limassol is set to become a pivotal hub for maritime affairs during Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency in 2026, as Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis underscores shipping as one of the government’s highest priorities. In a detailed conversation with Entrepreneurial Limassol—published by the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry—the Deputy Minister highlighted the transformative impact of the annual Maritime Cyprus conference, now recognized as one of the largest events in the global shipping calendar.

Strategic Support And International Endorsement

Hadjimanolis emphasized that the conference not only surpassed all expectations in attendance and the caliber of discussions, but it also attracted influential figures including shipowners, senior executives, regulators, and eminent international organizations. The presence of such high-profile attendees, including the IMO Secretary-General and two EU Commissioners, reinforces both the significance of the event and the broad international support for Cypriot shipping.

EU Presidency: A Catalyst For Maritime Initiatives

Looking ahead, Cyprus plans to leverage its EU Presidency in the first half of 2026 to further embed shipping across its political and economic agenda. The Shipping Deputy Ministry is orchestrating a series of high-level engagements, notably an informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for shipping, set to convene in Nicosia this April. During this meeting, a declaration focusing on maritime education is slated for adoption, which will likely guide future policy directions.

Enhancing The Cyprus Flag And Cruise Competitiveness

Continuing its commitment, the government is accelerating digital transformation initiatives within the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and actively engaging with international shipowners through global conferences. Hadjimanolis also noted targeted promotional efforts and stated that enhancing service delivery is crucial for attracting additional tonnage under the Cyprus flag. In the cruise sector, despite adjustments in itineraries due to prevailing geopolitical tensions, interest from international companies and regional collaborators is on the rise. The initial phase of the National Cruise Strategy is complete, with an actionable roadmap now under development in collaboration with industry stakeholders. This coordinated strategy aims to bolster Cyprus’s competitive edge as an Eastern Mediterranean cruise destination.

A Vision For Maritime Excellence

In conclusion, Hadjimanolis expressed her unwavering confidence in Cyprus’ capacity to not only navigate but also capitalize on the current geopolitical challenges. Through robust coordination, strategic partnerships, and a pragmatic approach, Cyprus is positioned to set a new standard in maritime excellence during its EU Council Presidency and beyond.

The Larnaca Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Evel) has hailed the government’s recent decision to establish the Cyprus University of Technology’s (Tepak) new School of Marine Sciences in Larnaca. Described by the chamber as a milestone achievement, this initiative not only addresses a long-standing local demand but also promises to elevate the city’s academic and economic profile.

Government Vision And Academic Decentralisation

In a formal announcement, Evel expressed its strong support, noting that the decision marks a significant step toward making Larnaca a center for marine research, innovation, and education. The move aligns seamlessly with the government’s broader strategy to decentralise higher education and forge stronger links between innovative research and economic development. Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki underscored this point when she announced the decision, emphasizing the new chapter that this development represents for the city and university education at large.

Collaborative Endeavors For Regional Growth

Evel reiterated its commitment to partnering with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the school’s successful integration into Larnaca’s educational landscape. The Chamber views the new institution as a catalyst for regional sustainable growth, poised to harness Cyprus’ strategic coastal advantages alongside Tepak’s expertise in applied sciences. Education Minister Athena Michaelidou is expected to bring the necessary legislation before parliament, solidifying the regulatory framework that will support the institution’s launch.

A New Chapter In Maritime Expertise

Operating under the auspices of the Cyprus University of Technology, the School of Marine Sciences will focus on marine research, technological innovation, and sustainable development. This initiative is anticipated to transform Larnaca into a dynamic center of academic activity and maritime know-how, offering significant long-term benefits not only for the city but for the broader region as well.

Cyprus has demonstrated robust industrial growth in September 2025, as preliminary estimates from Eurostat reveal a notable 1.0 percent month-on-month increase. This surge in production comes as Cyprus’ manufacturing sector outperformed broader recovery trends observed within both the Euro area and the European Union.

Manufacturing Momentum Amid Economic Shifts

Following a period of stability in August 2025, Cyprus’ industrial output surged, reversing months of modest performance. The data, collected over the past six months, indicates a generally positive trajectory for the country’s industrial activity, with a minor dip in May 2025 offset by consistent growth in subsequent months.

Comparative Analysis Across The Eurozone And EU

In contrast, the wider Euro area experienced only a 0.2 percent increase in industrial production in September, a rebound from a 1.1 percent decline in the previous month. Across the European Union, the recovery was more pronounced with a 0.8 percent rise. Year-over-year comparisons further emphasize these trends, registering increases of 1.2 percent in the Euro area and 2.0 percent in the EU.

Sectoral Dynamics And National Variations

Disaggregated data highlights that production of intermediate goods, energy, and capital goods recorded modest increases, while production in durable and non-durable consumer goods lagged behind, with declines noted in both categories. Notably, intermediate goods rose by 0.3 percent, energy by 1.2 percent, and capital goods by 0.3 percent, while durable consumer goods fell by 0.5 percent and non-durable consumer goods by 2.6 percent in the Euro area. Similar sectoral patterns were evident across the broader EU.

Leading Economies And Notable Declines

Among EU member states, Denmark (+7.2 percent), Sweden (+5.3 percent), and Greece (+4.8 percent) emerged as the frontrunners in monthly industrial production growth. Conversely, Ireland (-9.4 percent), Luxembourg (-5.7 percent), and Malta (-1.7 percent) experienced significant declines. On an annual basis, Sweden led with an impressive 14.7 percent increase, followed by Denmark at 9.5 percent and Greece at 7.1 percent, while Bulgaria, Luxembourg, and Lithuania registered the steepest year-over-year downtrends.

The comprehensive statistics underscore a dynamic industrial landscape across Europe, where resilience in certain sectors and regions contrasts with challenges elsewhere. For deeper insights into these evolving trends, Eurostat’s detailed reports remain an essential resource for policymakers and industry leaders alike.