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Cyprus Boosts AI, Cybersecurity And Digital Resilience Through New Partnership

Cyprus is stepping up efforts to strengthen artificial intelligence governance, cybersecurity and digital resilience as senior officials seek to align policy, regulation and technical expertise better.

Strategic Cooperation Takes Shape

Communications Commissioner Marios Pieris and Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation and Technology Demetris Skourides met to discuss a strategic cooperation framework aimed at supporting the secure, responsible and innovative adoption of artificial intelligence across the public sector, the economy and society.

The discussions reflected the growing role of AI in shaping regulation, competitiveness, digital security and public trust, as governments across Europe prepare for wider deployment of the technology.

Preparing For The EU AI Act

A key focus of the meeting was the implementation of the European Union’s AI Act and the possible development of an AI Act Implementation Playbook for Cyprus. Such a framework would help public institutions and businesses translate the regulation into practical implementation.

The officials also discussed holding joint technical meetings and roundtables with ISO/IEC experts to bring internationally recognised standards and global AI governance expertise into Cyprus’ preparations.

Building Future-Ready Digital Defences

The meeting also addressed the broader challenge of strengthening Cyprus’ resilience against emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Beyond regulatory compliance, the discussions focused on ensuring institutions, businesses and citizens can adapt to rapidly evolving technologies.

Pieris described AI and cybersecurity as closely connected pillars of Cyprus’ digital transformation, noting that stronger governance and security will become increasingly important as AI adoption expands.

He added that close cooperation among all relevant stakeholders will be essential to building a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem.

Connecting Research, Government And Industry

Skourides highlighted the importance of closer collaboration among research, government, industry, and the innovation ecosystem, saying that stronger links would help Cyprus unlock AI’s potential while boosting competitiveness, productivity, and sustainable growth.

He also stressed that technological progress should remain aligned with European values, transparency and internationally recognised governance standards.

From Policy Discussion To Practical Action

Following the meeting, Pieris introduced the Office’s AI team to the Chief Scientist, extending discussions beyond policy towards future implementation and cooperation on AI, cybersecurity and digital governance initiatives.

Both sides agreed to continue holding regular working meetings with the shared goal of advancing innovation, strengthening digital resilience and supporting the safe and trustworthy deployment of AI in Cyprus.

Cyprus Employment Rises 1.7% To 525,167 In Q2 2026

Cyprus employment increased 1.7% year over year to an estimated 525,167 people in the second quarter of 2026, according to the state statistical service, Cystat. Employees accounted for 472,254 of the total, while 52,913 were self-employed. The increase points to continued labor market growth across both wage employment and independent work.

Trade, Construction And Leisure Lead Employment Growth

Wholesale and retail trade, including motor vehicle and motorcycle repair, recorded some of the strongest employment gains, alongside construction and arts, entertainment and recreation.

Those sectors are closely linked to domestic economic activity, with trade reflecting consumer demand and construction reflecting investment. Employment growth in leisure-related industries also points to continued activity in consumer-facing services.

Hours Worked Rise Faster Than Employment

Labor input increased faster than headcount. Cystat estimated that employees and other workers put in 246.57 million hours during the second quarter, up 2.2% from a year earlier.

The increase suggests that businesses were not only employing more people but also recording higher total hours worked. Wholesale and retail trade, construction, and arts, entertainment and recreation again recorded the strongest gains.

Labor Market Expansion Remains Broad-Based

The combination of higher employment and hours worked points to continued expansion in Cyprus’ labor market during the second quarter. The pace remains moderate, but gains across several major sectors indicate that labor demand continued to support economic activity.

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