Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Following the Annual General Meeting held on 18 September 2025 and the consequent BoD Meeting held on October 16, AmCham Cyprus is pleased to present its newly elected Board of Directors. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the outgoing Board and its President, Mr. Georgios Georgiou, for their dedicated service, strategic leadership, and unwavering commitment to the Chamber’s mission. Under Mr. Georgiou’s presidency, AmCham Cyprus expanded its influence, strengthened bilateral relations, and launched initiatives that continue to benefit the business community.

Looking ahead, the new Board led now by newly elect President Mr. Marios Kapiris envisions a dynamic and inclusive future for AmCham Cyprus. Our goals include fostering innovation, enhancing member engagement, and expanding international collaboration. We aim to build on past successes while embracing new opportunities that will empower our members and elevate the Chamber’s role as a leading platform for U.S.-Cyprus business excellence.

Executive Team

Mr. Marios Kapiris – Managing Director, Kyndryl Cyprus (President)

Mr. Savvas Klitou – Regional Managing Partner and Head of Tax Services, Baker Tilly South East Europe (Vice President)

Mr. Elias Orphanou – Director, Chevron Cyprus (Treasurer)

Ms. Louiza Papageorgiou – Government and Public Affairs Manager, ExxonMobil Cyprus (Secretary-General)

Georgios A. Georgiou -( ex-President ) – Director for Digital and Innovation, Logicom Public

Board Members

Michael Michael – Corporate Finance and Business Development Director, A. Zorbas and Sons Ltd

Constantinos Chiotis – Chief Executive Officer, Abacus Ltd

Demetris Demetriou – Chief Risk Officer, Bank of Cyprus

Demosthenis Mavrellis – Partner, Chrysses Demetriades and Co LLC

Nicos Apostolides – General Manager, Datatech IT Solutions Ltd

Michael Michaelides – Partner, Business Tax, Deloitte Ltd

Michael Christos G. Charalambides – CEO and Managing Director, ECOMMBX Ltd

John Georgoullas – Founder and Chairman, Economist Conferences / Way Out Communications

George Sklavos – Head of Corporate Communications and Branding, Eurobank Cyprus

Paris Savva – Country Manager, Fortinet Inc

Aris Vassilopoulos – Executive Director, G.A.P Vassilopoulos Public Ltd

Marios Anastasiou – Partner, George Z. Georgiou Associates Ltd

Nicolas Kyriakides – Partner, Harris Kyriakides LLC

Antonia Michael – Country General Manager, IBM Cyprus

Andrea Antoniou – Vice President, Head of Central and Southern Europe, Iron Mountain

Cosmas Cosma – Managing Partner, K. Treppides and Co Ltd

Michalis Halios – Board Member, KPMG

Constantinos Kattirdjis – Director – Enterprise Partner Lead, Microsoft Cyprus

Andreas Dermosoniades – General Manager, NewCytech Business Solutions Ltd

Chrysostomos Filippou – Country Manager, Modaxo Traffic Management (ELOVATE)

Christos Onoufriou – CEO, Odyssey Consultants Ltd

Antonis Skoullos – Country Leader, Oracle Cyprus

Pericles Theodorides – Managing Director, P.G.T. The Magnet Enterprises Ltd

Stelios Violaris – Partner, PwC Cyprus

Thomas Hoplaros – Managing Director, Simplex Software and Internet Services Ltd

Andreas Constantinides – Managing Director, TMF Administrative Services (Cyprus) Ltd

George Economides – Managing Director, Totalserve Management Ltd

Elena Kontemeniotis – Director of Corporate Affairs, University of Nicosia

Michael Ioannides – Country Manager, Visa Europe (Cyprus)

It is with great pleasure that we welcome our newly elected Board of Directors. Each member brings a wealth of experience, dedication, and vision to our Chamber, and we are confident that together we will continue to elevate AmCham Cyprus to new heights.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all who have committed their time and expertise to serve on the Board. Their leadership is vital as we work to strengthen U.S.-Cyprus business ties, foster innovation, and promote sustainable economic growth.

United by a shared vision, the Board is committed to empowering our members, enhancing bilateral cooperation, and creating opportunities for progress and prosperity. AmCham Cyprus continues to serve as a dynamic platform for dialogue, collaboration, and advocacy, helping our business

New UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP), Khassim Diagne, will begin next week his contacts with the two leaders.

CNA has learned that initially he will hold separate meetings with the leaders possibly on Wednesday or Thursday.

Khassim Diagne succeeds Colin Stewart, who completed his term in August 2025.

‘I am honoured and grateful to be here in Cyprus as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General. I look forward to working with all our partners across Cyprus,’ Diagne said upon his arrival.

Courtesy Meeting between the School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology and Neapolis University Pafos and American University of Beirut (Mediterraneo)

The School of Tourism Management, Hospitality and Entrepreneurship of the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) held a courtesy meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, with representatives from Neapolis University Pafos and the American University of Beirut. The meeting aimed to strengthen collaborative ties and explore prospects for joint initiatives in tourism education and research.

The meeting took place in a spirit of mutual respect and constructive dialogue, highlighting the importance of cooperation among academic institutions in the broader Eastern Mediterranean region for the promotion of excellence, innovation, and sustainable development.

Representing the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT) were Professor Nikolas Tsapatsoulis, Vice-Rector of Academic Affairs, and Professor Evangelos Akylas, Vice-Rector of Financial Planning and Development.

From the School of Tourism and Hospitality Management, Associate Professor Antonis Theocharous, Head of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management, and Assistant Professor Elias Hadjielias, representing the Department of Management Entrepreneurship and Digital Business participated in the meeting.

From Neapolis University Pafos, the delegation included Professor Pantelis Sklias, Rector, Professor Savvas Chatzittofis, Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation, and the Chair of the Department of Communication and Creativity. The representatives of Neapolis University emphasized the importance of fostering synergies that will enhance educational experience and research activity in the fields of tourism, communication, and the creative industries.

Representing the American University of Beirut were Professor Alain Daou, Dean of the School of Management, and Professor Mallek Tabbal, Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, who expressed their appreciation for the invitation and their interest in developing collaborations with Cypriot academic institutions in areas such as tourism management, sustainability, and hospitality education.

During the meeting, the parties discussed opportunities for joint research programs, student and staff exchanges, as well as organizing conferences and scientific events focusing on tourism, hospitality, and entrepreneurship.

The meeting concluded on a positive note, with all participants committing to continue dialogue and strengthen their collaboration through specific initiatives aimed at advancing tourism education and research in Pafos and the wider region.

Ambassador of the State of Palestine to the Republic of Cyprus, Abdallah Attari, has called on all countries to follow the example of the Republic of Cyprus by actively contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

In a press release, he says that “we followed with great satisfaction the statement of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides, on Euronews, in which he highlighted the contribution of the Cypriot Government to the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, as well as the six-point plan of the Republic of Cyprus for Gaza. Initiatives such as these strengthen the resilience of the Palestinian people on their land and reinforce the role of the Palestinian Authority within the framework of the United Nations and UNRWA”.

He adds that “in response to a journalist’s question regarding the two-state solution, at a time when the United States and Israel oppose it, President Christodoulides replied with clarity and determination: there is no other viable solution than the two-state solution. He further stressed that without a just and lasting resolution of the Palestinian question, based on this principle, there can be no stability or peace throughout the region.”

Finally, the Ambassador says that “we call on all countries to follow the example of the Republic of Cyprus by actively contributing to the reconstruction efforts in Gaza”.

“At the same time, we urge those states that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so without delay, thereby strengthening the prospects for peace, justice, and international legitimacy” he concludes.

Commission preliminarily finds TikTok and Meta in breach of their transparency obligations under the Digital Services Act

Today, the European Commission preliminarily found both TikTok and Meta in breach of their obligation to grant researchers adequate access to public data under the Digital Services Act (DSA). The Commission also preliminarily found Meta, for both Instagram and Facebook, in breach of its obligations to provide users simple mechanisms to notify illegal content, as well as to allow them to effectively challenge content moderation decisions.

Data access for researchers

The Commission’s preliminary findings show that Facebook, Instagram and TikTok may have put in place burdensome procedures and tools for researchers to request access to public data. This often leaves them with partial or unreliable data, impacting their ability to conduct research, such as whether users, including minors, are exposed to illegal or harmful content.

Allowing researchers access to platforms’ data is an essential transparency obligation under the DSA, as it provides public scrutiny into the potential impact of platforms on our physical and mental health.

Notice and Action mechanisms

When it comes to Meta, neither Facebook nor Instagram appear to provide a user-friendly and easily accessible ‘Notice and Action’ mechanism for users to flag illegal content, such as child sexual abuse material and terrorist content. The mechanisms that Meta currently applies seems to impose several unnecessary steps and additional demands on users. In addition, both Facebook and Instagram appear to use so-called ‘dark patterns’, or deceptive interface designs, when it comes to the ‘Notice and Action’ mechanisms.

Such practices can be confusing and dissuading. Meta’s mechanisms to flag and remove illegal content may therefore be ineffective. Under the DSA, ‘Notice and Action’ mechanisms are key to allowing EU users and trusted flaggers to inform online platforms that certain content does not comply with EU or national laws. Online platforms do not benefit from the DSA’s liability exemption in cases where they have not acted expeditiously after being made aware of the presence of illegal content on their services.

Content moderation appeals

The DSA also gives users in the EU the right to challenge content moderation decisions when platforms remove their content or suspend their accounts. At this stage, the decision appeal mechanisms of both Facebook and Instagram does not appear to allow users to provide explanations or supporting evidence to substantiate their appeals. This makes it difficult for users in the EU to further explain why they disagree with Meta’s content decision, limiting the effectiveness of the appeals mechanism.

The Commission’s views related to Meta’s reporting tool, dark patterns and complaint mechanism are based on an in-depth investigation, including co-operation with Coimisiún na Meán, the Irish Digital Services Coordinator.

These are preliminary findings which do not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

Next steps

Facebook, Instagram and TikTok now have the possibility to examine the documents in the Commission’s investigation files and reply in writing to the Commission’s preliminary findings. The platforms can take measures to remedy the breaches. In parallel, the European Board for Digital Services will be consulted.

If the Commission’s views are ultimately confirmed, the Commission may issue a non-compliance decision, which can trigger a fine of up to 6% of the total worldwide annual turnover of the provider. The Commission can also impose periodic penalty payments to compel a platform to comply.

New possibilities for researchers will open up on 29 October 2025, as the delegated act on data access comes into force. This act will grant access to non-public data from very large online platforms and search engines, aiming to enhance their accountability and identify potential risks arising from their activities.

Background

The Commission’s preliminary findings are part of the Commission’s formal proceedings launched into Meta, and formal proceedings to investigate TikTok, under the DSA. The Commission continues its investigation into other potential breaches that are part of these ongoing proceedings. These formal proceedings under the DSA are distinct from ongoing investigations against Facebook, Instagram and TikTok concerning compliance with other relevant EU law.

Quote(s)

Our democracies depend on trust. That means platforms must empower users, respect their rights, and open their systems to scrutiny. The DSA makes this a duty, not a choice. With today’s actions, we have now issued preliminary findings on researchers’ access to data to four platforms. We are making sure platforms are accountable for their services, as ensured by EU law, towards users and society.

Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy

President von der Leyen participates in Nordic Council meeting, Sweden

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be in Sweden on Monday 27th and Tuesday 28th October 2025 for her first ever participation in a Nordic Council meeting. This visit will be an opportunity to engage with the region’s leaders on competitiveness, defence readiness and the Arctic.

On Monday evening, President von der Leyen will participate in a working dinner with business leaders and Swedish ministers hosted by the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sweden, Ulf Kristersson.

On Tuesday morning, President von der Leyen will participate in a joint meeting with the Nordic Prime Ministers – Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Denmark; Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway; Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Finland; Kristrún Frostadóttir, Prime Minister of Iceland; Katrin Sjögren, Premier of Åland; Aksel V. Johannesen, Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands; and Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Prime Minister of Greenland, together with Karen Elleman, Secretary-General of the Nordic Council of Ministers. A press conference is foreseen after the meeting, around 10:45 CET. It will be broadcast live on EBS. The President will then attend a lunch hosted by His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf at the Royal Palace.

In the afternoon, President von der Leyen will head to Riksdagen, the Swedish Parliament, to deliver a keynote speech at the Nordic Council’s 77th session, on the theme ‘The Nordics together – Nordic value and cohesion in troubled times.’ Follow the speech live on EBS as of 14:00 CET.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66)

Commissioner Jørgensen in Romania and Bulgaria for key discussions on interconnectivity, energy security and prices

On 27-28 October, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen will be in Romania to co-host the Ministerial meeting of the High-Level Group on Central and South-Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) and in Bulgaria to visit the Vertical Gas Corridor.

On Monday, Commissioner Jørgensen will co-host the CESEC Ministerial with the Romanian Energy Minister, Ivan Bogdan-Gruia, where discussions will focus on delivering REPowerEU objectives as the EU advances its negotiations to gradually phase out fossil fuel imports from Russia. Discussions will also touch upon how to make energy prices more affordable via stronger interconnectivity, market integration and diversification. The discussion will build on the set of actions to lower energy prices outlined by the Commission earlier this week, including an upcoming gas demand aggregation exercise for interested parties in the region. At around 10:45 CEST, the Commissioner will hold a joint press point with the Romanian Energy Minister that you can follow live on EBS.

Commissioner Jørgensen will meet with the Romanian Prime Minister, Ilie Bolojan, and hold a series of bilateral meetings with Ivan Bogdan-Gruia, Romanian Energy Minister; George Niculescu, President of the National Regulator Authority; and Ion Sterian, General Director of the national gas transmission system operator (TSO) Transgaz. In the afternoon, he will visit the National Energy Dispatch Centre, managed by Transelectrica power TSO.

On Tuesday, in Bulgaria, Commissioner Jørgensen and Ministers of the respective European countries involved in the Vertical Gas Corridor will visit the facilities under construction. They will address the press on the importance to enhancing energy security and diversifying gas supplies in Central and Southeastern Europe, which plays a key role in phasing out Russian gas imports.

Audiovisual coverage of the Commissioner’s CESEC participation and visits will be available on EBS.