Filenews 5 October 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
At a time when the digital transition is a decisive factor for the modernization of public administration, the Deputy Minister of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy, Nikodimos Damianou, gives an extensive interview on all the material. With an emphasis on action and not on announcements, it presents the digital transformation of the state as a strategic process with tangible benefits for the citizen. It refers to the digital services already in place, the priorities for 2025, as well as the importance of Artificial Intelligence, interoperability and cybersecurity. Through specific examples and interventions, it highlights the vision for a modern, functional and accessible "digital Cyprus".
Mr. Deputy Minister, there is a significant increase in the use of the government portal gov.cy and digital tools. What do you think is the biggest "leap" that has been made in the field of citizen service in the last two years?
First of all, let me say that I would avoid the word "jump". However, it is a fact that especially in the last twelve months, we have taken substantial steps to set the technological foundations and digital channels required, so that the citizen can be served faster and more easily by the State. In collaboration with the competent Ministries and Deputy Ministries, several digital services related to the daily life of the citizen are now available in gov.cy, while the most important thing for me is that the pace at which existing services and applications are implemented in digital form is significantly improving. Part of this implementation is the simplification and improvement of the connected procedures followed by the affected public departments, in order to reduce the service time for the end user. The reduction of bureaucracy is not only a technological issue but more of a procedural one, and this Government fully understands this.
Gradually and substantially, therefore, the need for physical presence and time-consuming procedures is reduced, while now through gov.cy centralized information is provided about the work and actions of the Government. Important is the addition of the first generative artificial intelligence tool, "Digital Assistant", which is constantly enriched with new themes, as well as the redesign of state websites, with an emphasis on the user experience. It is no coincidence that almost 1 million visits are recorded every month to the gov.cy and the central linked websites of Ministries and Deputy Ministries that have also been redesigned, a number that has an increasing trend, as the portal becomes more useful and functional. The same applies to the "Digital Citizen" application, which tripled the number of its users in the last quarter, after the addition of the Fan Card.
I note again that for me, it is very important that we have now managed to be in a program of implementing tools and solutions, at a pace that has never been achieved before in the public sector. I should therefore mention that at the same time, a large number of new, modern systems in important public services are in an advanced implementation phase. Such are the Department of Road Transport, the Post Office, the Registrar of Companies, but also the further upgrade of Hippodamus as well as the completion of the Tax for All system, which are expected to substantially upgrade the service of citizens, professionals and companies. I should also mention three examples that have been announced in the last two weeks: the eCMP, which brings parents, students, teachers and the Administration of the Ministry of Education into a common digital environment and digitizes for the first time the critical sector of education, the new Customs system that covers the entire range of import procedures, and the Drug Pricing platform of the Ministry of Health, that fully digitizes and significantly speeds up a complex process. These are just examples of how the digital transition is starting to yield tangible benefits for the citizen and the practical implementation of the Government's program for the digital transition of the public sector.
The Digital Assistant, as the first generative AI application in the public sector, answered more than 163,000 questions. What are the next steps for the development of this tool?
The Digital Assistant is one of the most innovative steps we have taken, since it is the first generative artificial intelligence tool in the Cypriot state. Importantly, it has put the public sector in a process of implementing simple but experimental and innovative technologies, changing the way we evaluate and experiment with new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. An action that started with information about the Social Insurance Services of the Ministry of Labour, but within a few months incorporated a wide range of more than 120 topics that include, among others: welfare procedures and benefits, social welfare and social integration, public procurement procedures, issues concerning teachers such as information on appointments, replacements, transfers and promotions of teachers, and tax issues for legal entities, while last week issues and procedures of the Department of Road Transport were added, such as information on traffic and driving licenses, the plan for the promotion of electromobility, etc.
The enrichment with new topics and information is reflected in the use of the tool, which is constantly increasing, currently exceeding 700 questions per day, while in total it has currently answered more than 180,000 questions. The tool works in Greek and English, but also understands "greeklish", and we are looking at adding additional languages in the coming months. I note that it enables the citizen to ask questions by voice as well, not only in writing, and for this purpose it has been integrated into the Digital Citizen application. We will continue to enrich the Digital Assistant with new topics, such as Consular Services to serve the Cypriots of the diaspora, as well as asylum and migration procedures that are coming in the immediate future, while our goal is to gradually cover every sector that concerns the citizen in his daily life.
The "Digital Citizen" application seems to be finding resonance, especially in the sports sector. Are further extensions of its functionality planned?
It is with satisfaction that we see people installing and using the "Digital Citizen" application and that it is gradually starting to become meaningful and useful as a tool. At the moment the application records 120,000 users and it goes without saying that the more we add useful functions, documents and certificates, to the Digital Citizen, the more its use will increase and citizens will embrace it. A typical example, as you note, is the addition of the Fan Card. In just two months, more than 80,000 Cards were issued through the app, multiplying the total number of users. Of course, it is important to emphasize here that through the Digital Citizen, the issuance of the fan card becomes a simple and automatic process, since through the interconnection with the systems of the CSO, the information is transferred from the systems of the Civil Registry of the Government securely to create the register of the fan card and at the same time to add the digital form of the card to the application. At the same time, through the Digital Citizen, we are giving the mechanism to the competent authorities to implement the goal of better control regarding the access of fans to the stadiums, something that has been absent until today. I would like to thank the President of the CSO, Mr. Yiannis Ioannou, as well as the clubs for their cooperation.
Our goal is to proceed with the addition of tickets for sports matches by the end of the year, while at the same time the interconnection with the Gov GR Wallet has already been implemented, so that Greek and Cypriot citizens can use their documents within the territory of the two countries, as we had promised. Our future plans include the addition of new documents, such as the foreigners' residence permit, the penalty points for a driver's license and the digital identity of a minor under 14, which will be included in the parent's application.
By the end of 2025, the digitization of 70 additional services is expected. What are the main priority axes?
Last January we set a goal: to offer the citizen 60 new digital services in 2025. To date, about 40 services have been digitized this year, while about 30 more are expected, with the total number exceeding our initial goal.
From the issuance of identity cards and passports, to applications for benefits, student sponsorship and student registrations, there are a significant number of services that are now processed electronically.
By the end of the year, citizens will be able to submit online applications for additional Social Insurance procedures – such as parental leave, disability pension, paternity allowance, widow's pension, etc., but also for state support schemes such as the Rent Subsidy Scheme or the Tuition Subsidy Scheme for children over the age of 4, which has been announced this week. In addition, in the next few weeks, we expect that citizens will be able to book appointments themselves electronically, through a platform, at KEP/KEPO and be served via teleconference for the issuance of certificates or information on the progress of their applications. At the same time, in the context of the new integrated systems to which I have referred, a number of new digital services will also be offered. Indicatively, I would like to mention that with the new Customs system that has just been implemented, the customs clearance and customs clearance procedures are significantly simplified and digitized, with benefits both for the Department itself, the economic operators concerned - customs brokers or couriers for example - but also for the citizen himself.
Activation of a special support telephone number is planned. How will its adequate staffing and the provision of quality guidance to citizens be ensured?
First of all, and despite the steps that have been taken, we understand that the service of the citizen by the state still has room for improvement, especially in terms of direct contact and access. In addition, following the messages and feedback from citizens, we see that many face difficulties in using some tools. That is why we have decided to launch this new communication channel, which will provide citizens with general guidance on the use of the digital tools we have developed, such as the gov.cy portal, the "Digital Assistant" and the "Digital Citizen". In more specialized questions, citizens will be referred directly to the competent services, ensuring substantial and quality support. A tender will soon be announced for the management of the center by specialized providers, while training of staff by the competent state services has been provided, so that citizens can be served quickly and efficiently.
With more than 476,000 users, CY Login is now a key to accessing government services. What safeguards are there for the protection of personal data?
CY Login is now the only access mechanism to the new state systems and services, for this very reason, the security it offers. There is two-factor authentication, while all transactions are recorded and monitored through enhanced encryption protocols. It is also worth mentioning that for each digital tool, service or system we ensure the full protection of personal data, in accordance with European regulations and standards, by preparing an Impact Report and obtaining the approval of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection. However, we should emphasize that every citizen should follow basic security measures in the digital world, such as creating strong passwords and not sharing them with third parties.
The national vision for a modern and innovative state
What is your vision for "digital Cyprus" in 2030?
Our vision as a Government is simple: the transition to a modern, digital state. It is not limited to 2030, but aims for a long-term change, with long-term benefits. Benefits for the citizen, for the economy, for the state. We want to build the foundations for Cyprus to ensure its sustainable development, resilience and competitiveness. With modern tools and practices, we seek to shape a technological background suitable to support the challenges of the digital future and meet the expectations of citizens. This is a complex and multidimensional goal, which does not depend on a single reform, but on a series of coordinated actions, ranging from technological modernization, to upgrading digital skills, strengthening the digital transformation of businesses and changing mentality, both in the public sector and in society at large. These are the things that will determine the success of this effort.
Artificial intelligence is developing rapidly. What is Cyprus' strategy for integrating it into critical sectors beyond serving citizens?
Artificial intelligence is at the heart of the state's digital transition plans. We are moving forward with specific and substantial steps, starting with the adoption of the first generative artificial intelligence tool in the public sector, the Digital Assistant. By the end of the year, the National AI Taskforce established last January and chaired by the Chief Scientist is expected to complete the new National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which will include practical measures for the utilization and integration of artificial intelligence in the public and private sectors, highlighting the areas where Cyprus can benefit from developments in AI but also differentiate, with similar benefits for the economy.
At the same time, through the "AI in Government" program and an initial investment of €5 million, we call on businesses to develop solutions to real challenges we face as a state, such as transport, the interconnection of education with the labour market and the need for early warning of extreme weather events. At the same time, we are designing new tools to support businesses that want to leverage AI in their operation, while we will soon be officially part of the European AI Factories network, offering Cypriot institutions access to computing power, specialized knowledge and training opportunities. At the same time, we are considering further investments in computing power infrastructure (HPC) with the aim of strengthening research and innovation in specific areas of strategic importance for the country.
Of great importance in this new world of Artificial Intelligence are our actions in the field of education and how we integrate AI at all levels of our education system, something for which the Ministry of Education is completing a study. This will determine the ability of each country and each ecosystem to adequately respond to the needs of the new reality, whether it concerns the labour market or the development of critical sectors of the economy.
A dynamic digital ecosystem is also being built through private investment: international technology companies, especially in the field of AI, are already choosing Cyprus, bringing with them immediate benefits for the economy, technological knowledge and new jobs. All this significantly strengthens our country's position as a center of innovation and technology in the region, while giving dynamics and prospects for collaborations with the domestic ecosystem as well.
