The Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs called on the Ministry of Finance and the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Digital Policy, led by Nikodimos Damianou, to explain the Republic of Cyprus's withdrawal from co-funding the "Quantum Computing for Science and Technology" (QSciTec) program. This EU-approved initiative had secured funding of €15 million for six years.

Following the committee session, VOLT MP Alexandra Attalidou, who proposed the discussion, expressed concerns over the decision. "The Republic of Cyprus had committed, via a letter to the European Commission, to provide equal co-funding for the project. However, it has since withdrawn this commitment, effectively cancelling the implementation of what could have been the first quantum computing unit in Cyprus and the Middle East, excluding Israel," Attalidou stated.

Attalidou revealed that the government cited two main criteria for the withdrawal: Economic feasibility and broader societal, scientific, and research benefits.

However, she criticized the Ministry of Finance for evaluating the project solely based on economic criteria, overlooking the significance of quantum computing for the future of artificial intelligence, research, and innovation.

The European Commission granted an extension for Cyprus's commitment until February 21, 2025, yet the government has shown no willingness to reconsider its position. Attalidou warned that the decision would result in the loss of the €15 million in EU funding, as well as a vital opportunity for Cyprus to establish a foothold in quantum computing—an area critical to the nation's economy, scientific progress, and even defense.

The total funding required for the project included €15 million from the European Commission, with Cyprus expected to contribute €5 million. While the state had initially committed to this contribution, it later requested a feasibility study, which was conducted.

Attalidou demanded that the government submit the evaluation criteria and the names of participants involved in the assessment to the Internal Affairs Committee, stressing the need for accountability. "We hope this won’t be another case where Cyprus lags behind in sectors where we have both the talent and the potential to actively participate," she concluded.