The Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Keve) and a delegation from Connect Europe, an association representing telecommunications and connectivity providers, held a meeting this week at the Cyta offices in Cyprus.

The purpose of the meeting, which took place on Wednesday, was the exchange of views and the exploration of ways to improve telecommunications services both in Cyprus and in Europe.

Along with with Keve, two of its member companies operating in the field of telecommunications services also took part in the meeting.

The announcement said that the two companies further “enhanced the discussion with their experience and proposals“.

“The discussion focused on the increase in bureaucracy and cost, which affect competitiveness, as well as the need for simplification of procedures and strengthening of innovation and investments,” the chamber said in a statement.

“Furthermore, emphasis was placed on the security of digital infrastructure and the role of Cyprus in promoting European goals for digital transformation, as well as the need for simplification, deregulation, and harmonisation of the European telecommunications framework,” it added.

Moreover, the Digital Networks Act, the Digital Package, and the Cloud and AI Development Act were also discussed during the meeting.

“Particular emphasis was given to strengthening digital sovereignty in strategic sectors, such as the EU Cloud Rulebook,” Keve stated.

“Attention was also given to the need for strong cybersecurity and the development of digital skills,” it added.

“At the same time”, the chamber continued, “the importance of targeted information and education regarding European legislation and initiatives was underlined, to ensure the effective adaptation of businesses and organisations to the new digital requirements.”

Furthermore, the chamber also presented the results of a survey it conducted, aiming to gather the views and experiences of local businesses regarding the real needs and challenges they face in the digital sector.

Within the framework of the meeting, a joint statement was signed.

The joint statement highlighted that “Europe urgently needs a simplified and modern framework for telecommunications to strengthen investments, innovation, and digital competitiveness“.

Referring to Cyprus’ upcoming term in the Council of the European Union, the joint statement also called on the Cypriot Presidency to “lead this reform through an ambitious Digital Networks Act and Digital Omnibus“.