The Council of Ministers has approved the establishment of a National Specialized Committee for Artificial Intelligence (AI Taskforce), according to the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou.

In his statements following the Council meeting, Damianou emphasized that the goal is to prepare the country for the challenges and opportunities offered by AI in the most effective way possible.

The National AI Taskforce, he explained, "will serve an advisory role with a primary focus on the development, integration, and application of AI in Cyprus, aiming to enhance the economy, ensure competitiveness, and improve the quality of life for citizens."

The Deputy Minister highlighted that the Taskforce will define the country's AI strategy with a practical and targeted orientation. It will provide data-driven recommendations for shaping the national AI strategy, particularly concerning the broader and more effective utilization of AI in both public and private sectors.

Damianou noted that the Taskforce will also identify key areas and practical applications of AI that can have a positive impact on the economy, society, competitiveness, productivity, and national security.

"It will offer suggestions for improving public sector efficiency and delivering enhanced public services to citizens and businesses," he stated.

The Taskforce will monitor global trends and the dynamic AI landscape, offering guidance on Cyprus's potential role in this evolving field in both the medium and long term. This aligns with the broader national strategy to establish Cyprus as a regional hub for technology and innovation.

Additionally, the Taskforce will make recommendations to strengthen and develop the AI research and innovation ecosystem, ensuring alignment with the Ministry's strategic framework for research and innovation.

The National AI Taskforce will be chaired by the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology, Demetris Skourides. Its 10 other members, appointed by the Council of Ministers for a five-year term, include:

• Nikos Savva: Professor of Management Science and Operations, London School of Economics

• Savvas Hadjichristofi: Vice Rector of Research and Innovation, Neapolis University

• Constantinos Dovrolis: Director of the Computational Science and Technology Center (CaSToRC), Cyprus Institute

• Soterios Hadjis: Associate Professor and Department Chair, Cyprus University of Technology

• Margarita Hli: Assistant Professor and Director of the Vision for Robotics Lab, ETH Zurich

• Dimitris Angelakis: Professor and Director of the Quantum Optics and Quantum Information Group, Technical University of Crete

• George Zacharia: Chair of KAYAK and Co-founder of Insurify

• Nick Kounoupias: Partner and Head of Intellectual Property, Michael Kyprianou Law Firm

• Nikolas Markou: Managing Partner and AI Director, Electi Consulting

• Orla Ni Chorcora: Vice President for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, Equinix

Deputy Minister Damianou also revealed that in alignment with the European Union's AI Act, aimed at ensuring the safe, ethical, and compliant use of AI systems across the EU, the Council of Ministers approved the creation of a governance structure at the national level.

The Commissioner of Communications has been designated as the notifying authority and market surveillance authority, acting as the Single Contact Point for the AI Act. Additionally, the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection has been appointed as a market surveillance authority for AI applications falling within her remit.