Nicosia: EU member states have reached a consensus on the necessity for more rapid and unified measures to implement set objectives, as confirmed by Cyprus' Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, and Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, Henna Virkkunen. This announcement followed the informal meeting of the Telecommunication and Digital Policy Ministers held in Nicosia during the Cyprus Presidency.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the EU Ministers examined strategies for enhancing AI usage, online safety for children, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Virkkunen highlighted the collective approach to these issues, emphasizing the need for speed, coherence, and efficiency to foster a positive future.
Damianou stressed that Europe has strong strategies and frameworks, yet the focus should now shift to large-scale implementation. On AI, the meeting acknowledged the foundational progress and discussed accelerating AI application while building capacity and infrastructure. The protection of minors online emerged as a shared responsibility, requiring coordinated European action, supported by strong frameworks like the Digital Services Act.
The discussions also covered the protection of critical infrastructure, emphasizing systemic resilience across Europe. Damianou noted that Cyprus played a key role in facilitating open exchanges to drive discussions on crucial matters.
Commissioner Virkkunen outlined significant points, including AI investments and the simplification of AI rules. She mentioned the Apply AI strategy aimed at enhancing competitiveness in strategic sectors and the establishment of AI-powered advanced screening centers for healthcare.
The protection of minors remains a high priority, with tools like the Digital Services Act and the Cyber Bullying Action Plan in place. Virkkunen emphasized the need for online platforms to ensure privacy and security for minors. Recent investigations revealed issues with platforms like META and TikTok concerning user age verification and addictive design.
On critical infrastructure, strong rules are in place, but the focus is on anticipating risks and enhancing supply chain resilience. The EU's initiatives, such as the Cable Security Action Plan and upcoming tech sovereignty package, aim to boost resilience.
In response to a query about China's reaction to the EU Cybersecurity Act, Commissioner Virkkunen stated the importance of security measures for critical infrastructure. Damianou addressed concerns regarding Cyprus' reliance on Chinese components, clarifying that decisions will be risk-based and proportional, ensuring balanced impacts on operators and consumers.