EU Social Media Kids Act: The European Commission proposes banning children under 13 from social media, using an EU-built open-source age-verification app that checks eligibility on users’ phones (Cyprus is among pilot countries). Digital Identity Wallets: Deadlines for EU Digital Identity Wallets are colliding with uneven readiness; Cyprus is bidding to upgrade its public service app for EUDI Wallet integration. Schengen Tech Delays: Several Schengen states can pause parts of the Entry/Exit System (EES) as facial and fingerprint tech readiness lags, after queues and flight disruption complaints. Cyprus Space Push: Research Deputy Minister Nicodemos Damianou says Cyprus is becoming an “emerging player” in Europe’s space ecosystem, citing ESA associate membership and satellite infrastructure investments. Energy Storage Focus: Cyprus Institute leaders warn diesel and natural gas won’t solve long-term energy needs, urging sustainable storage tech alongside renewables via the PROTEAS facility. Groundwater Monitoring Gap: Investigative reporting says Cyprus can’t accurately track how much groundwater is pumped due to incomplete borehole records and weak monitoring. Credit Boost: S&P upgrades Cyprus’ long-term rating to A, pointing to growth in services exports, including IT and intellectual property. Israel–Cyprus Defence Industry Links: Cyprus is seen as a growing defence partner, with embassy comments highlighting potential joint projects and technology cooperation. Health & Climate: Italy reports West Nile virus spreading longer as warmer seasons expand mosquito transmission. Research Spotlight: Alberta researchers study a “zombie” parasite that can switch host control on and off.