eu india — eu india — Cyprus’ Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides is actively promoting the country’s involvement in the EU–India innovation and technology partnership, following his participation in the EU–India Forum held in New Delhi on 6–7 February. This closed, invitation-only forum came after the 16th India–EU Summit and the finalisation of the India–EU Free Trade Agreement, aiming to convert political agreements into effective operational collaboration in areas such as security, technology, connectivity, and climate change.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Eu india: Significant Participation and Discussions
The forum hosted over 200 senior policymakers, industry leaders, and experts from India and all 27 EU member states. Discussions spanned various critical topics including maritime security, Indo-Pacific cooperation, the semiconductor industry, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence governance, and digital transformation. The dialogue particularly highlighted the importance of enhancing trade and investment in the wake of the FTA, improving security cooperation, and deepening collaboration on emerging technologies.
Meetings and Future Collaborations
During the forum, Skourides held meetings with both EU and Indian officials to explore avenues for Cyprus to bolster its position in innovation, research, and technological development. His discussions are expected to contribute to the upcoming visit of Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nicodemos Damianou, to India, as well as Skourides’ participation in the India AI Impact Expo 2026 later this month.
Artificial Intelligence on the Agenda
A central theme of the forum was artificial intelligence, focusing on interoperable standards, AI governance, and enhancing Europe’s competitiveness in the tech sector. Maria Cristina Russo, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission, underscored the necessity of leveraging AI in scientific fields and fostering cross-border collaboration between Europe and India. This sentiment was echoed by India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, who noted that numerous EU companies operating in India have experienced unprecedented growth, stating, “If you want to scale big, India is the game.”
Cyprus’s Strategic Positioning
Skourides articulated that Cyprus needs to translate strategic dialogues into actionable results. He emphasised, “Cyprus is uniquely positioned at the intersection of Europe, the Middle East, and Asia to act as a trusted innovation and technology gateway. As Cyprus holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, with a clear focus on digital autonomy, sovereignty, and trustworthy AI, our responsibility is to move decisively from dialogue to delivery.”
Transforming Partnerships into Economic Growth
He further elaborated on the objective, stating: “Our aim is clear: to transform strategic partnerships into tangible economic growth, scientific excellence, and high-value opportunities that reinforce Cyprus’s role as a regional hub for innovation and global collaboration.” This proactive approach reflects Cyprus’s commitment to becoming a key player in the evolving landscape of technology and innovation.
Engagement with Global Experts
On the sidelines of the forum, Skourides engaged with EU ambassadors, defence and technology experts, Indian space officials, and industry representatives. These discussions revolved around collaboration in crucial sectors such as AI, biotechnology, defence systems, semiconductors, and space technologies. The conversations also touched upon talent mobility, research collaboration, and the development of interoperable AI standards, all aimed at fortifying Europe’s technological sovereignty.
Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives
As Cyprus steps forward in this initiative, the focus remains on creating a robust framework for collaboration that can address the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid technological advancements. Skourides’ vision for Cyprus as a pivotal player in the EU–India partnership aligns with broader goals of fostering innovation and enhancing the country’s global standing in technology.
With the anticipated visit of Deputy Minister Damianou and ongoing discussions from the forum, there is an optimistic outlook for Cyprus’ role within the EU–India partnership. The groundwork laid during this forum aims not only to enhance bilateral ties but also to position Cyprus as a central hub for innovation that can contribute significantly to both regional and global technology landscapes.
