Brussels: In a lively discussion at the European Parliament's Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO), Cyprus Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou, presented the priorities of his portfolio in the context of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos also attended the session. Damianou emphasized the vital role of the IMCO Committee in shaping EU internal market policies, focusing on regulatory enforcement and consumer protection online.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister highlighted the need for a fair, enforceable, and consumer-centric market fit for the digital age. He outlined the Cyprus Presidency's digital agenda, structured around strengthening Europe's digital capabilities, reinforcing cyber-resilience, and engaging globally through international partnerships. These pillars reflect the Presidency's ambition of building a competitive and digitally sovereign Europe.
Damianou stressed the importance of a competitive digital single market, requiring modern infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. He emphasized support for startups and scale-ups to become global leaders and advocated for simplifying administrative procedures during the Cyprus Presidency. He also discussed advancing digital simplification files, including the AI Omnibus and Artificial Intelligence Act, ensuring effective and timely application without compromising risk management principles.
The second pillar of the programme focuses on safety, trust, and integrity in the digital single market. Damianou addressed challenges posed by digital technologies, particularly the protection of minors online. He called for further measures and welcomed the Commission's announcement on guidelines for protecting minors. The Cyprus Presidency aims to strengthen EU action to protect minors through a coordinated approach, developing an age-verification system under the European Digital Identity framework.
In closing, Damianou noted that the priorities of the Cyprus Presidency reflect a broader political choice, focusing on Europe's strategic autonomy and competitiveness while upholding fairness, trust, inclusion, and social responsibility. He expressed eagerness to work with the European Parliament, IMCO Committee, European Commission, and Member States to advance these objectives.