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Cyprus Nears US Visa Waiver Program As Refusal Rate Drops Below 3%

Cyprus has achieved a significant milestone in its efforts to join the US Visa Waiver Program, with the 2024 visa refusal rate for Cypriot citizens reported at just 2.16%. This figure, announced by the US Department of State, is well below the program’s required threshold of 3%, marking a crucial step toward visa-free travel for Cypriots.

Progress Towards Inclusion

Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Piki, highlighted the importance of this development, stating that Cyprus has met a “key prerequisite” for its inclusion in the program. She credited the progress to successful technical consultations between Cyprus and the United States over the past year.

Piki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to securing Cyprus’ inclusion in the program by 2025, allowing Cypriots to travel to the US for tourism and business without the need for a visa.

Support from US Officials

US Ambassador to Cyprus, Julie Fisher, also acknowledged the milestone, describing it as a significant step forward. She expressed optimism that Cypriots would soon enjoy the benefits of visa-free travel to the US.

What’s Next?

The Cypriot government plans to continue its focused efforts to meet all remaining requirements, ensuring the process stays on track. This achievement underscores the growing cooperation between Cyprus and the US, paving the way for stronger ties and easier travel.

As Cyprus moves closer to this goal, the prospect of visa-free access to the US represents an important development for both business and leisure travellers.

Refining AI Oversight: New Executive Order Sets Stage For Advanced Model Release

U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order requiring artificial intelligence companies to provide federal authorities with early access to certain advanced AI models before their public release.

Benchmarking Advancements In AI Technology

According to the executive order published by the White House, the administration will establish a voluntary benchmarking process to evaluate a model’s advanced cyber capabilities and determine whether it qualifies as a “covered frontier model.” Under the framework, federal authorities may receive access to eligible models up to 30 days before their broader release to assess their capabilities.

Trusted Partnerships And Pre-Market Access

The order also calls for the designation of “trusted partners” that will receive access to evaluated models during the review process. At the same time, the directive states that it does not introduce mandatory government licensing, preclearance, or permitting requirements for the development or distribution of AI models.

Market Implications And Emerging Competition

The order comes as major AI companies pursue expansion and public market opportunities. AI startup Anthropic recently confidentially filed for an initial public offering with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. OpenAI is also preparing for a potential public offering later this year. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s AI venture xAI has emerged as another major competitor in the sector, with reports suggesting the company could reach a valuation exceeding $1 trillion.

Trump signed the order privately after a planned ceremony with technology executives was postponed.

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