Breaking news

Cyprus Eyes United Arab Emirates Partnership On Landmark Subsea Cable Project

Strategic Political Engagement

Cyprus has turned to the United Arab Emirates as it looks to forge a stronger cooperative bond to develop an ambitious EU-financed subsea power cable. This initiative, designed to link Europe with the eastern Mediterranean, underscores Cyprus’ unwavering backing of the project. In a recent meeting, Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and his foreign minister held discussions with UAE leadership to explore the potential for joint investment and broader collaboration in related sectors.

Investing In Infrastructure and Future Growth

The dialogue marks a notable step forward in international energy infrastructure, paralleling the vigorous political interest in regional connectivity. The discussions come in the wake of remarks from Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, which prompted Cyprus to elaborate on its strategic plans. A partnership with the UAE could not only inject fresh capital into the project but also signal robust, multinational support in an era when energy security and sustainability are paramount.

Technical Milestone With Global Implications

At a length of 1,240 km and reaching depths of 3,000 metres, the cable – currently under construction by Greek transmission operator Admie – is poised to become the world’s longest high-voltage and deepest subsea link. Building on nearly a decade of groundwork by Cyprus-based developers, the project now navigates complex financial and operational challenges, including clarifications on overall cost, viability, and accountability for delays.

Regulatory Hurdles And Future Outlook

Adding to the scrutiny, European prosecutors recently initiated an investigation into potential criminal offences related to the €1.9 billion venture that aims not only to connect Cyprus with Greece but also extend to Israel. Despite these challenges, the trilateral support from Cyprus, Greece, and Israel is a robust testament to the project’s strategic importance and its potential to reshape regional energy dynamics.

Cyprus Ranks Among EU Leaders In Tertiary-Educated ICT Workforce

High Educational Attainment Sets Cyprus Apart

Recent data from Eurostat showed that Cyprus is expected to rank among the leading European countries for tertiary-educated ICT professionals in 2025. According to the figures, 96.4% of ICT professionals in Cyprus are projected to hold tertiary education qualifications, placing the country among the highest-ranked members of the European Union.

Gender Disparity Remains A Critical Challenge

Despite the high level of educational attainment, the ICT workforce in Cyprus continues to show a significant gender imbalance. Men are projected to account for 85.1% of ICT employees in 2025, while women are expected to represent 14.9% of the sector. In 2024, the split stood at 70.9% for men and 29.1% for women. The figures highlighted a widening gender gap within the country’s ICT workforce.

European Union Trends And Comparative Analysis

Across the European Union, the number of ICT professionals is projected to increase to 3.4 million in 2025 from 3.2 million in 2024, representing annual growth of 5.1%. Men are expected to account for 83.4% of ICT employment across the bloc, equivalent to approximately 2.8 million workers, while women are projected to represent 16.6%.

National Performance Variability In Gender Representation

Countries within the EU show a varied landscape: the highest percentages of male ICT professionals are reported in the Czech Republic (92.9%), Slovenia (89.1%), Latvia (89.0%), Lithuania (88.9%), and Slovakia (88.4%). On the contrary, nations such as Denmark (30.0%), Sweden (29.8%), Romania (28.6%), Bulgaria (25.6%), and Croatia (25.2%) lead in female participation in the ICT arena.

Educational Background Across The European ICT Sector

Eurostat data also showed that most ICT professionals across the EU hold tertiary education qualifications. By 2025, 74.8% of ICT workers in the bloc are projected to have university-level education, while 25.2% are expected to hold secondary or post-secondary qualifications. Denmark recorded the highest share of tertiary-educated ICT professionals at 97.7%, followed by France at 96.6% and Cyprus at 96.4%. Other countries with high levels of tertiary-educated ICT workers included Ireland at 92.3%, Bulgaria at 91.1%, and Croatia at 90.9%. At the lower end of the ranking, Italy recorded 69.2%, while Portugal stood at 58.8%.

Conclusion

The data perfectly encapsulates the dual narrative in the ICT sector: while countries like Cyprus and Denmark achieve remarkable educational standards among ICT workers, persistent gender disparities remind us that diversity remains an ongoing challenge. As the ICT landscape continues to evolve, strategic policy formation and corporate governance will be pivotal in balancing excellence with inclusivity.

eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties
Uol
Aretilaw firm

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter