Cyprus updates AI regulation timeline and approves national strategy

The Republic of Cyprus has adjusted the timeline for implementing the European Union's AI Act. While initial plans aimed for August 2026, the application of rules for high-risk autonomous systems is now set for December 2, 2027, with rules for embedded systems scheduled for August 2, 2028. The Cypriot Legal Service confirmed this adjustment during a Parliamentary Human Rights Committee meeting. Simultaneously, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new National AI Strategy, which awaits parliamentary ratification. Led by the Deputy Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation, the strategy focuses on four EU-aligned pillars: investment, data infrastructure, talent cultivation, and ethical development. Education reforms are included in the plan, with new AI-focused subjects to be introduced in schools. Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Yiannis Karousos noted that Cyprus currently ranks 19th in the EU regarding AI readiness and aims to improve this position through these initiatives.