Nicosia: Artificial intelligence is a key pillar for digital transition, Research Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianou said on Monday, adding that the National AI Strategy is in the final preparation stages. Speaking at a press conference, Deputy Minister Damianou noted that they are strengthening the 'AI for Government' solutions for the public sector, adding that AI is already being integrated into systems such as Ippodamos and iJustice.
According to Cyprus News Agency, new infrastructures are being developed, such as 'Pharos-CY', access to 'Daedalus', and the creation of a national supercomputer in collaboration with NVIDIA. AI is also being expanded to education, with the implementation of the AI Act. Damianou said that in 2025 more than 75 services were developed, almost double the number compared to 2024, while in 2026 they expect to deliver more than 100 services.
He added that in 2025, citizens used the digital services of the population register a total of 32,395 times. Also in 2025, more than 13,000 digital services related to conscription issues were provided digitally, 16,074 electronic applications were also made for student sponsorship, and 7,076 people applied for Solidarity Fund payments and received the money, with the total amount amounting to more than 71 million euro.
In 2025, more than 90,000 student profiles were created via e-??? while 65,000 applications were made. Damianou also made a detailed presentation of the services offered at post offices, noting that the government will further upgrade existing services such as 'Tax For All'. For 2026, they are scheduling the upgrade of the Road Transport Department system, the Social Insurance system, and the Police communication platform.
The Deputy Minister also referred to support projects for the health sector. Regarding Cyprus' accession to the Schengen Area and the European Union Entry-Exit System, he clarified that it is part of the Schengen package of projects, but it is not a prerequisite for accession.
He also referred to the 'Digital Citizen' application, noting that in 2025 the registered users were more than 135,000. The government portal gov.cy receives over 1 million visits per month, he also said.