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Cyprus Poised For Strategic Energy Announcements Amid Regional Diplomacy

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 7, 2025

President Nikos Christodoulides signaled that the government is on the brink of releasing targeted updates on energy initiatives. The announcement came as the president was en route to a high-level luncheon at the residence of the United Arab Emirates ambassador in Nicosia.

Regional Cooperation And High-Level Talks

In response to questions about American energy companies’ interest in Cyprus’ hydrocarbons vis-à-vis similar interests observed in Greece, President Christodoulides noted that advanced discussions are underway with U.S. companies and neighboring states. These talks, which span broader energy issues, underscore a renewed commitment to regional collaboration and strategic maritime border demarcation, particularly in the context of emerging discussions between Cyprus and Lebanon, as well as between Lebanon and Syria. Notably, Lebanon’s energy minister is scheduled to visit Cyprus next week, further bolstering these diplomatic engagements.

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Offshore Exploration And U.S. Investment Initiatives

In parallel developments, Greece has witnessed a major offshore gas exploration deal. A consortium comprising Exxon Mobil, Energean, and Helleniq Energy inked an agreement for Block 2 of the Ionian Sea. This concession, regarded as one of Greece’s most mature, has been described by the Greek energy ministry as a “high-risk, high-reward” project. Exxon Mobil’s Vice President of Global Exploration, John Ardill, indicated that the project could pave the way for exploratory drilling investments by 2027, with an estimated capital requirement ranging between $50 million and $100 million.

Renewed American Presence In The Region

The strategic arrangements in Greece have not only augmented the allure of offshore projects but have also rekindled U.S. interest in the region. The appointment of a new U.S. ambassador to Greece, Kimberly Guilfoyle, further highlighted this renewed engagement, as she affirmed America’s active role in exploration activities in the Ionian Sea. Such moves exemplify a broader trend of U.S. involvement in regional energy projects, reflective of a robust transatlantic partnership.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

AI In Practice Brings Business Leaders Together To Learn, Unlearn And Relearn

by News Editor

October 16, 2026

AI in Practice: Changing the Future of Business takes place on Monday, 19 October 2026, at the Cultural Center of European University Cyprus in Nicosia, under the auspices of the Chief Scientist of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides.

Organised by Panis.News with co-organisers GrantXpert Consulting and Future Skills Hub at European University Cyprus, the event will bring together founders, SME owners and senior executives to examine practical uses of artificial intelligence.

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The evening runs from 18:00 to 22:30. Tickets will be available until 12:00 noon on Monday, 19 October, Cyprus time.

For business leaders, the challenge is deciding where AI can deliver results. The programme will explore how to identify useful applications, prepare teams and connect technology investment with business needs. Demonstrations, case studies and direct questions to speakers will help attendees assess their next steps.

Panis Pieri, Founder of Panis.News, said:

“Business leaders need space to ask questions, challenge assumptions and learn from people applying AI. We created AI in Practice to make that conversation accessible and useful. We want attendees to leave with a clearer idea of what they can do next in their own businesses.”

Dr Celia Hadjichristodoulou, Founder and Managing Director of GrantXpert Consulting and Future Skills Hub, said:

“Working out where AI belongs in your business takes real thought about your customers, your processes and your people.”

AIA.Labs supports the event as the Gold Partner. Its founder, Sotiris Makrygiannis, said:

“In the 70s we learnt how to punch a card to go to work or program a timesharing computing machine, in the 80s the personal PC and office tools, in the 90s the modem and basic internet, in the 2000s mobile internet plus web shopping, and by 2010 the mobile apps. Now it’s time to learn how to practically use AI and that alone is the most disruptive thing an individual can do today. We are happy to sponsor the event because theory needs a practical application.”

The Agenda

– 18:00–18:30: Registration and networking.

– 18:30–18:50: Welcome remarks from Panis Pieri, Dr Celia Hadjichristodoulou and EUC Rector Professor Loizos Symeou.

– 18:50–19:00: Interview with Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides.

– 19:00–19:20: The AI Revolution. Why should you care? by Monica Odysseos, Head of AI and Data Lab of Grant Thornton.

– 19:20–19:40: From Business Pain Points to AI Transformation: A CEO’s Roadmap to Real Results by George Malekkos, CEO of POWERSOFT Computer Solutions & AI-Driven Business Transformation Architect & President of CITEA.

– 19:40–20:20: AI and the Future of Business: Will Your Business Be Here in 2030? by Paris Thomas, Executive Advisor on AI & Strategy, Founder at Rapid Visual / Strapivo

– 20:20–21:00: Questions and answers with the speakers.

– 21:00–22:30: Networking over drinks and bites.

The Challenge

The evening’s programme approaches the challenge from three directions.

Monica Odysseos will begin with a question that deserves a clear answer: why should you care?

Her session will explore how AI is changing the way people work, make decisions and create. Her background spans software development, accounting and applied AI, bringing both technical and business perspectives to the discussion.

George Malekkos will then examine how business problems can become starting points for AI adoption.

Where does your company lose time? Which processes cause delays? Where could you improve the customer experience?

His presentation will look at selecting useful applications, preparing teams and processes, and measuring results. For a business owner deciding where to begin, that connection between a specific problem and a measurable outcome matters.

Paris Thomas will take the discussion further with his keynote, “AI and the Future of Business: Will Your Business Be Here in 2030?”

It is a challenging question. It asks leaders to look beyond today’s workload and consider how their products, services and business models might need to change.

His hour-long session will include live AI demonstrations and enterprise case studies. It will explore how leaders can improve their current business while developing new opportunities and preparing for longer-term change.

The Event

The event will be in English.

The full programme and to book your tickets, visit: https://luma.com/ai-in-practice-cyprus

The organisers thank:

Silver Partners Growth Hacking Cyprus, RSEVEN, Mel’s Digital and Makkas Winery.
Supporters: Cyprus Computer Society, XValley Tech, Business Society Accelerator, Startup School Cyprus and Carierista.
Community Partners: EIT Community Hub Cyprus, CYENS, Women in Tech, Startup Greece, ECECT, CITEA, IET Cyprus and Cyprus_IT

Follow updates about the event on social media at #PanisMeetups