Cyprus discusses SME support and state aid rules — Cyprus Mail
In Cyprus, the Office of the Commissioner for State Aid Control and the Research and Innovation Foundation discussed strengthening institutional cooperation. As Cyprus Mail reports, Commissioner Stella Michaelidou and Chairman of the foundation’s board Demetris Skourides took part in the meeting.
Regular coordination
The parties considered creating a more structured format for interaction, providing for regular communication and the exchange of knowledge and experience. It is intended to complement existing cooperation: the office has already provided assessments and opinions, as well as adopted decisions on the foundation’s schemes and programmes.
The participants also stressed the importance of consultations with the office before the finalization of new schemes and programmes of the foundation. According to the Commissioner’s office, early consideration of state aid issues can help identify potential difficulties more quickly, reduce the need for subsequent changes and speed up the implementation of measures.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
SMEs, regulation and AI
The parties also discussed broader application of the General Block Exemption Regulation, particularly in the development of support programmes for small and medium-sized enterprises. The office noted that proper application of the regulation can simplify procedures and accelerate the implementation of compatible state aid measures.
They also discussed the use of artificial intelligence in public administration to increase productivity, process information more quickly and assist officials in carrying out their duties. The participants reviewed the foundation’s AI in Government programme and stressed that AI tools should be used safely and responsibly, with protection of confidential and personal data, human oversight and final decision-making retained by humans.
In addition, the meeting discussed targeted training for foundation staff on state aid issues and the possibility of establishing a State Aid Innovation Academy. It could cover the financing of research, development and innovation, application of the regulation, assessment of innovative projects, as well as the safe and responsible use of AI and other digital tools.
