Cyprus is entering a path of full digital transformation for 2026, with the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy setting as its central goal the delivery of more than 100 new digital services. During the presentation of the 2025 review and planning for the coming year, Deputy Minister Nikodemos Damianou highlighted 2026 as a milestone year, when Artificial Intelligence ceases to be a theoretical concept and is actively integrated into state structures for faster public service.

The major news for 2026 concerns the activation of critical systems that will change citizens’ daily lives. Within the first half of the year, the “Digipol” platform is expected to go live, serving as the new digital communication channel with the Police. At the same time, the largest part of the new Social Insurance system will be delivered within the year, a landmark project aiming at the complete overhaul of the department’s internal procedures. Significant changes are also coming to transport, as the new system of the Road Transport Department will fully replace the existing one, offering a wide range of digital conveniences.

Artificial Intelligence will be at the core of the new infrastructure, with the National AI Strategy entering its final phase. In 2026, generative AI tools will be implemented in the “iJustice” system, assisting legal professionals in analyzing legislation and decisions, while similar solutions will accelerate decision-making in the “Ippodamos” system. Infrastructure will be further strengthened through the creation of a national supercomputer in collaboration with NVIDIA and the completion of the expansion of fiber optic networks across the entire territory.

Within the framework of the “Smart Cyprus” project, 2026 will mark the completion of the first phase, including the “Smart Citizen App.” Through this application, citizens will be able to communicate directly with local authorities and access energy consumption data. The already successful “Digital Citizen” app will be enhanced with new features, such as a child’s digital ID and sports event tickets, while the gov.cy Digital Assistant will expand to cover Land Registry and Migration matters. Finally, the Deputy Ministry is placing emphasis on social inclusion, promoting a new initiative for practical support of the elderly in 2026, ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the new digital era.

With information from CNA.