Cyprus approves national strategy for artificial intelligence until 2032

The Cypriot cabinet has officially approved a new National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the period 2026-2032. Announced by Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy Nicodemos Damianou during the 22nd Annual Economist Cyprus Summit in Nicosia, the framework aims to increase AI adoption among domestic businesses to 75 percent by 2032, up from 9.3 percent in 2025. The government expects these measures, which include 12 flagship programs, to potentially boost national productivity by 15 percent and GDP by 12 percent.

Central initiatives include an AI Literacy Framework for schools, a National AI Skills Observatory to align training with market needs, and the FutureAI CY project for retraining workers and small businesses. Damianou emphasized the goal is to develop at least 3,000 specialized AI professionals. While the government promotes this strategy as a move toward a socially responsible and competitive economy, the opposition party DISY, led by Annita Demetriou, has criticized the administration for allegedly lacking sufficient planning regarding energy needs, budgetary clarity, and concrete measures for professional retraining.

Furthermore, Education Ministers from Cyprus and Greece highlighted the necessity of adapting educational curricula to integrate AI and critical thinking, emphasizing that the focus must remain on human-centric development. The strategy was developed following consultations and recommendations from the National Specialised Committee on Artificial Intelligence, chaired by Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides.