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The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Mr.Nicodemus Damianou, participated in the European Union (EU) Telecommunications Council meeting, which took place today, 21 May 2024, in Brussels.
The Council's next topic was the orientation debate "From regulation to practice: a collaborative approach for coherent implementation", which focused on the effective implementation of important digital legislation adopted by the EU in recent years.
In his intervention, Damianou noted that the implementation of these laws requires significant resources and governance structures, both at national and EU level, adding that seamless integration and functionality of the measures adopted should be ensured. He underlined that the promotion of standards, certification procedures and integrated implementation guidelines at EU level can harmonise practices and clarify requirements from digital technology operators. He also noted that interoperable digital tools, such as the European digital identity wallet, help ensure the seamless implementation, in a uniform manner, of EU principles and policies in all Member States.
Further, the Deputy Minister stressed that Cyprus emphasises private and public sector cooperation to enhance the EU's competitiveness in the field of digital technologies, noting that through this cooperation, skills and sustainable project financing opportunities are developed. He also agreed that adaptability and diversification of supply chains is required in the light of geopolitical developments. Strategic autonomy within an open economy, he stressed, preserves the EU's global competitiveness without undermining its resilience to geopolitical developments.
In the context of the Council, Cyprus co-signed, together with Denmark, Poland, Austria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia and Slovenia, an informal paper on "Empowering citizens and businesses in digital transformation through a streamlined and ambitious use of the Digital Wallet".
During the Council working lunch, an exchange of views took place on "Digital Skills and Digital Inclusion". Damianou in his intervention stressed that he considers as a priority, among others, the development of broadband infrastructure also in rural areas, which is being implemented in Cyprus with the aim of covering 100% of the infrastructure with access to ultra-high-speed networks by the end of 2025. He also underlined that the digital skills of the workforce are crucial to protect a competitive economy and for this purpose the Government is organising subsidised training programmes and seminars. In this context, he noted that special emphasis is placed on the participation and education of women in the technology sector, with actions aimed at breaking down stereotypes and promoting positive role models in the fields of digital technologies (ICT) and science and applied sciences (STEM).
Finally, the Council marked the launch of the European Blockchain Services Infrastructure (EBSI) consortium, for applications in both the public and private sectors. It is noted that Cyprus participates in it as a founding member.
(BAT/MS/EATH)
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