Cyprus And Kazakhstan Target Joint AI And Space Technology Projects

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 8, 2026

Cyprus and Kazakhstan are working to turn agreements signed during President Nikos Christodoulides’ June visit to Astana into joint projects in artificial intelligence, space technology and applied research.

Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides discussed the next phase of cooperation this week with Kazakhstan’s ambassador to Cyprus, Nikolay Zhumakanov, at the Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF).

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From Agreements To Joint Projects

Christodoulides’ visit marked the first trip by a Cypriot head of state to Kazakhstan since diplomatic relations began in 1992. During talks with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on June 3, the countries signed agreements covering higher education, science, ICT, e-government, space activities and cybersecurity.

One memorandum between Cyprus’ Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development established a framework for cooperation in ICT, e-government, space and cybersecurity. A separate agreement between the education ministries covers higher and postgraduate education and science.

Skourides said the focus is now shifting to implementation, with discussions covering links between research institutions, universities and innovation ecosystems, as well as potential joint projects and expertise exchanges.

AI And Space Technology Take Priority

Artificial intelligence, space technology and applied research are among the main areas identified for cooperation. Skourides also highlighted the potential role of Cyprus’ Centres of Excellence and research infrastructure.

AI has already featured prominently in bilateral engagement. During the June visit, the Cypriot delegation toured Kazakhstan’s alem.ai International Artificial Intelligence Centre in Astana and received a briefing on AI and digitalization.

Cyprus is also implementing its National AI Strategy 2032. Skourides said international partnerships can help strengthen the country’s capabilities and support practical benefits for both economies and societies.

Broader Bilateral Ties

Technology cooperation is part of a wider effort to expand relations following Christodoulides’ visit. Cyprus opened its first embassy in Central Asia in Astana, while a Cyprus-Kazakhstan Business Forum brought together more than 70 representatives from both countries.

Zhumakanov, Kazakhstan’s first resident ambassador to Cyprus, has invited Skourides to participate in an AI conference in Kazakhstan in October. Skourides said he looked forward to advancing “concrete initiatives” in research and AI.

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EU Agrees On Major Overhaul Of Financial Market Supervision

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

October 9, 2026

European Union finance ministers have reached agreement on a sweeping package designed to strengthen oversight of the bloc’s financial markets, in a move aimed at reducing fragmentation and improving the flow of capital across borders.

A Push To Deepen Capital Markets

The Market Integration and Supervision Package, or MISP, would grant the European Securities and Markets Authority direct supervision over major market operators that are currently regulated by national authorities. The reforms are intended to make Europe’s capital markets more integrated, more efficient and better able to channel savings into productive investment.

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According to the Irish presidency, the package is meant to help savings and investments move more freely across the European Union, improving access to finance for companies while giving households broader opportunities to earn returns on their savings.

What The Reform Would Change

Under the new framework, ESMA would take direct oversight of key trading venues, clearing houses, securities settlement bodies and crypto-asset service providers. The package would also establish a permanent, independent executive board within the regulator, strengthening its institutional capacity.

Market operators would be able to opt into a new EU-wide operating framework. In parallel, the reforms would seek to make national supervision more consistent and update rules governing trading, transaction completion, investment management and the use of blockchain technology.

Why The Agreement Matters

Supporters of deeper capital markets argue that Europe has long paid a price for regulatory inconsistency. While many rules are harmonised across the bloc, differences in enforcement and supervision have contributed to a patchwork system that can make cross-border investment slower and more costly.

A more integrated framework, proponents say, could lower costs for companies seeking funding and broaden the menu of investment options available to savers and institutional investors alike.

Outstanding Questions Remain

Despite the broad agreement, some important details remain unresolved. Trading venues operated by Deutsche Börse, the company behind the Frankfurt stock exchange, may remain outside ESMA’s direct supervision.

Euronews previously reported that Germany had secured an exemption for Deutsche Börse’s domestically focused trading venues, leaving part of the system under regional supervision. The latest announcement did not clarify whether that arrangement will stand.

A Step Forward For The Savings And Investments Union

Dutch Finance Minister Eelco Heinen welcomed the deal, calling it a major advance for the Capital Markets Union and saying Europe had made more progress in 10 months than in the previous 10 years.

The agreement is an important milestone in the Savings and Investments Union, the EU’s broader effort to channel more of Europeans’ savings into investments that can support growth, innovation and competitiveness across the bloc.

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