Nicosia: Europe must invest in its future, Deputy Minister for Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nikodemos Damianou emphasized, asserting that digital competitiveness, research, innovation, and space are central to Europe's strategy for sustainable growth, resilience, and strategic autonomy. Speaking to EU-accredited journalists visiting Cyprus, Damianou outlined the priorities of the Cypriot Presidency in these critical sectors.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Damianou highlighted the pressing need for Europe to bolster its competitiveness, protect its digital and technological sovereignty, and prepare for the challenges posed by an increasingly volatile global landscape. While maintaining its openness and commitment to core values, Europe is urged to invest in its future by focusing on digital competitiveness, research, innovation, and space as integral components of its strategy.
In detailing the Cypriot Presidency's approach, Damianou identified three main pillars. The first is enhancing Europe's digital capabilities and technological leadership through investments in modern digital infrastructures, secure connectivity, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies, all while aligning with European values. He stressed the importance of securing funding for digital transformation initiatives.
The second pillar involves strengthening cyber resilience and establishing a secure digital ecosystem. With cyber threats on the rise and impacting national security and critical infrastructures, the priority is to protect networks, ensure the proper implementation of cybersecurity legislation, and create a safe online environment, particularly for children and young people.
The third pillar focuses on activating digital diplomacy and forming strategic partnerships. Strategic autonomy does not equate to isolation, Damianou noted, emphasizing the importance of digital partnerships with trusted third countries for security, competitiveness, and the establishment of global standards.
Damianou also underscored that Europe's competitiveness extends beyond the digital realm, with research and innovation being fundamental to economic resilience and technological leadership. The goal is to bolster the entire innovation ecosystem, reduce disparities between Member States, and support start-ups and SMEs. Emphasis is placed on developing Europe's capacity in artificial intelligence, data infrastructures, and high-performance computing, alongside linking technology with scientific excellence.
Space, Damianou noted, represents the next technological frontier for Europe. Efforts will focus on ensuring the sustainability and security of European space programs, with predictable funding and a harmonized framework for innovation, cybersecurity, and sustainability within the space sector.
Addressing journalists' inquiries on US pressure regarding European legislation application to large platforms, Damianou clarified that the approach, in line with the Draghi and Letta reports, is pragmatic, not an attack on the regulatory framework. He emphasized that digital sovereignty is not synonymous with protectionism, advocating for dialogue involving the United States, given that 80% of Europe's cloud services are currently provided by entities outside the EU.