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Cyprus At The Forefront Of EU Anti-Fraud Reforms Ahead Of 2026 Council Presidency

Strategic Dialogue With European Anti-Fraud Authorities

Cyprus is intensifying preparations for its upcoming EU Council Presidency by engaging in high-level discussions on strengthening the bloc’s financial-protection framework. Finance Minister Makis Keravnos recently met with Salla Saastamoinen, Deputy Director-General of European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), to shape negotiations on revising the European anti-fraud architecture and the forthcoming Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF 2028–2034).

Reinforcing Financial Oversight and Taxpayer Protection

During the meeting, discussions covered a range of issues critical to safeguarding European taxpayers’ funds. As Cyprus prepares to assume the presidency in the first half of 2026, Keravnos stressed her country’s pivotal role in ensuring that stringent measures are central to the new MFF. He underscored that protecting European citizens’ resources remains the top priority, highlighting initiatives such as the deployment of digital tools, educational campaigns, and cutting-edge artificial intelligence solutions. This approach, combined with a national anti-fraud strategy scheduled for release in June 2026, aims to reinforce EU-wide efforts against financial irregularities.

Strengthening Collaborative Mechanisms

Saastamoinen conveyed key directives on behalf of Commissioner Serafin, emphasizing the EU’s unwavering commitment to combating fraud. She expressed optimism about Cyprus’ potential to leverage the EU’s anti-fraud program, especially at a time when comprehensive oversight is more critical than ever. “I am very happy to be visiting Cyprus, particularly at such an important juncture,” she stated, adding that she looks forward to the Cypriot presidency advancing these crucial reforms. Her remarks resonated with a shared vision of enhanced cooperation between OLAF and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), as both entities seek to fortify transparency and accountability within the EU budget.

Looking Ahead

Both parties agreed to maintain close collaboration as Cyprus approaches its presidency. By capitalizing on innovative technologies and a resolute policy framework, Cyprus is set to play a decisive role in the evolution of the EU’s financial safeguarding mechanisms, ensuring that fiscal resources are managed with impeccable integrity and transparency.

Meta’s Reality Labs Deepens Its Losses Even As Revenue Climbs

Meta Platforms’ Reality Labs division reported an operating loss of $4.62 billion in the second quarter, highlighting the continued cost of the company’s investments in virtual and augmented reality technologies. The unit generated revenue of $431 million, up from $370 million a year earlier and above analysts’ expectations of $423.4 million, according to StreetAccount. Operating losses widened from $4.53 billion in the same quarter of 2025.

Revenue Grows As Losses Continue

Despite higher revenue, Reality Labs remains one of Meta’s biggest cost centres. Since late 2020, the division has accumulated more than $80 billion in operating losses as the company continues investing in hardware and software for its long-term computing strategy.

Focus Shifts Toward AI Wearables

Reality Labs develops the Quest virtual reality headsets and Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in partnership with EssilorLuxottica. While Meta originally positioned the division around its metaverse vision, the company has increasingly focused on AI-powered wearables as demand for virtual reality devices has grown more slowly than expected.

Long-Term Investment

Meta renamed Facebook to Meta in 2021 to reflect its strategy of expanding beyond social media through immersive technologies. Although Reality Labs continues to report multi-billion-dollar quarterly losses, Zuckerberg has maintained that investments in AI, wearable devices and next-generation computing platforms are central to the company’s long-term growth strategy.

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