The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, in statements following the meeting of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), stressed that digital infrastructures and technological capabilities affect strategic autonomy, security and the geopolitical standing of states.
Over the past two days, he said, speaking on 28 January, “we had the opportunity to present the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency on technology, the digital agenda and innovation more broadly to the relevant committees of the European Parliament.”
He further pointed out that digital infrastructures and technological capabilities are not a purely technical matter, as they affect strategic autonomy, security and the geopolitical standing of states, and are also embedded in the economy and the social fabric. As such, he added, they have a direct impact on businesses and citizens.
Damianou noted that the future is now being shaped by technologies such as artificial intelligence. In this context, the Deputy Minister continued, the Cypriot Presidency is focusing on the protection of minors online, which includes issues related to deepfakes, cyberbullying, as well as addictive algorithms driven by artificial intelligence.
He added that the protection and safeguarding of digital infrastructures also touches upon the strengthening of societal security, as well as physical and critical digital infrastructures.
He further stressed the importance of investment in digital infrastructures, an area in which Europe needs to accelerate, whether this concerns telecommunications and connectivity or infrastructures related to artificial intelligence.
The Deputy Minister also underlined that space technologies and the utilisation of satellite communications are of particular importance.
At the same time, Damianou stressed that during the Presidency, efforts will be made to deepen and support the creation of a strong technology industry, which will serve as a pillar of the EU in reducing its dependence on technologies originating outside the Union.
The Deputy Minister emphasised that the Presidency will support the simplification of the regulatory environment, so that it becomes conducive to achieving a truly single market, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises to further develop.
He described innovation and research as a key pillar, as well as their impact on the real economy. “We will support and strengthen measures that create an environment in which innovative businesses can grow, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence,” he concluded.
(Source: CNA)
