Cyprus Times

Deputy Minister of Innovation: AI Governance a Critical Challenge for Europe

Published January 15, 2026, 14:12
Deputy Minister of Innovation: AI Governance a Critical Challenge for Europe

The Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou, emphasized at an interparliamentary meeting that the governance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a critical challenge for Europe. The discussion focused on the opportunities and challenges brought about by the age of AI, as well as the need for responsible and value-driven regulation and integration of the technology. Mr. Damianou underlined that history has shown that disruptive technologies are judged by how societies regulate them. AI is already transforming economies and societies, testing ethical, legal, and social frameworks. The real issue is not whether AI will change the world, but whether Europe will manage to steer this transformation with responsibility and transparency. He highlighted the global competition for access to infrastructure and critical raw materials, as well as the massive investments being made in the United States and China. He warned of the risk of Europe leaving the future of technology in the hands of a few large companies. The Deputy Minister advocated for the use of AI for the public good, such as in healthcare, tackling climate change, and improving services to citizens. He stressed that the European Union has already acted promptly with the adoption of the AI Regulation, which is now in the implementation phase.