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Digital Services Act Sparks Debate Among Cypriot MEPs: Balancing Safety And Freedom Online

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 24, 2025

Cypriot MEPs have highlighted the importance of the Digital Services Act (DSA) in creating a safer digital environment across the European Union. However, during a debate at the European Parliament’s plenary session in Strasbourg, they also raised concerns about potential risks to freedom of expression and unintended uses of the legislation.

DISY and EPP MEP Loucas Fourlas praised the Act as a vital step towards robust digital governance, protecting citizens from illegal content, misinformation, and online threats. However, he pointed out that differing views among EU Member States and MEPs illustrate the bloc’s fragmented external policy, which could hinder cohesive action.

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Similarly, Michalis Hadjipantela, also from DISY and the EPP, welcomed the Act’s balanced approach, which aims to safeguard users from harmful content while ensuring that smaller businesses are not overburdened. He emphasized its role in fostering a transparent and secure digital ecosystem that supports competition, particularly for SMEs and startups.

From a different perspective, AKEL and Left MEP Giorgos Georgiou criticized the European Commission’s lack of action against the exploitative practices of Big Tech companies. He argued that without addressing the business models of these platforms, which thrive on extreme content, the Act cannot fully tackle hate speech and misinformation. Georgiou called for greater digital sovereignty in Europe, suggesting the development of alternative public platforms like Bluesky or Mastodon to counter Big Tech’s dominance.

DIKO and Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats MEP Costas Mavrides underscored the nuanced nature of freedom of expression, noting that it must operate within the boundaries of EU legal frameworks. He dismissed criticism of restrictions on misinformation as hypocritical, especially from those who advocate for barriers against propaganda from authoritarian regimes.

Conversely, ELAM and European Conservatives and Reformists group MEP Geadis Geadi expressed concerns that the Act risks becoming a tool for censorship, threatening the very freedoms it seeks to protect. He argued for a reassessment of its implementation to ensure users’ rights remain intact.

Independent MEP Fidias Panayiotou echoed these concerns, citing recent accusations by Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, owner of platform X, that the EU is institutionalizing censorship. Panayiotou warned against unfairly censoring posts under the guise of misinformation and proposed inviting the tech leaders to the European Parliament for discussions on content moderation practices.

The debate was notable for its high level of engagement, with around 150 MEPs participating—nearly three times the usual attendance. A pilot system was also trialed, where speakers were announced during the session rather than in advance, resulting in lively exchanges and increased interaction through blue cards and petitions.

As the Digital Services Act moves forward, the challenge will lie in striking the right balance between ensuring online safety and safeguarding fundamental freedoms, a debate that will undoubtedly shape the digital future of Europe.

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Cyprus Leads EU With Highest Per Capita Greenhouse Gas Footprint In 2023

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

February 20, 2026

Cyprus Tops The Emissions List

New Eurostat data shows that Cyprus recorded the highest per-capita greenhouse gas footprint in the European Union in 2023. The country reported 14.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent per person, well above the EU average of 9.0 tonnes. The figures highlight the impact of consumption patterns and imported goods on national emissions.

Overview Of 2023 Emissions Data

According to the report, the greenhouse gas footprint linked to goods and services consumed within the EU averaged 9.0 tonnes per person in 2023, down from 10.0 tonnes in 2022. The consumption-based metric measures emissions generated across entire supply chains, regardless of where production takes place.

Contrasting Emissions Across Member States

Cyprus recorded the highest level at 14.8 tonnes per capita, followed by Ireland at 14.0 tonnes and Luxembourg at 12.7 tonnes. At the lower end of the scale, Portugal reported 6.5 tonnes per capita, with Bulgaria, Sweden, and Romania also recording comparatively low figures. The differences reflect varying consumption patterns and the carbon intensity of imported goods and services.

Consumption Versus Production Emissions

Across the EU, the greenhouse gas footprint tied to consumption reached 4.0 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2023, compared with production-based emissions of 3.3 billion tonnes. The gap illustrates how imported goods contribute to overall emissions. Over the past decade, consumption-based emissions declined by 12.9%, while production-based emissions fell by 18.6%, partly influenced by the economic slowdown during the 2020 pandemic.

Implications For Policymakers And Business Leaders

The data suggests that emissions strategies increasingly need to address both domestic production and consumption patterns. For Cyprus, this means looking beyond local energy reforms to examine the carbon footprint of imported products and supply chains. Businesses and policymakers may need to consider broader sustainability measures that reflect how goods are produced and consumed.

As the EU continues to strive for reduced emissions, this report serves as a vital resource. It illustrates the progress in lowering production emissions while drawing attention to the substantial challenge posed by the consumption-based footprint. In the evolving realm of environmental policy, these insights are indispensable for steering future initiatives on a path towards greater sustainability.