The event titled “The Future of the Internet of Things” was held with great success on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Cisco Innovation Hub of the European University of Cyprus, the event titled “The Future of EU Funding 2028–2034: Shaping Europe’s Next Generation of Programs, Innovation and Growth,” was held with great success on Friday,June 19, 2026, at the Cisco Innovation Hub of the European University of Cyprus. The event was organized by GrantXpert Consulting in collaboration with the European University of Cyprus and sponsored by the Cyprus Human Resource Development Authority (AnAD).

The event was attended by representatives from universities, research organizations, public bodies, businesses, start-ups, and other organizations active in the fields of research, innovation, education, and European funding.

The Rector of the European University of Cyprus, Professor Andreas Efstathiou, delivered the opening remarks, while Dr. Celia Hatzichristodoulou, Founder and CEO of GrantXpert Consulting and Director of the Future Skills Hub at the European University of Cyprus, emphasized the importance of organizations preparing early for the new programming period 2028–2034, in an environment where competition for European funding is constantly increasing.

The keynote speaker at the event was MEP Michalis Hatzipantelas, who presented the latest developments regarding the design of the European Union’s new Multiannual Financial Framework, the strategic priorities being shaped for the next seven years, as well as the opportunities expected to arise for member states and their organizations.

Participants also had the opportunity to watch special video messages from MEPs Siegfried Mureșan and Elisavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi, who addressed the challenges and priorities that will shape the future of European investments.

This was followed by a panel discussion featuring Mr. Michalis Hatzipantelas, Ms. Marilena Paraskeva, Head of Funding Programs at the Research and Innovation Foundation, Dr. Stylianos Mavromoustakos, Director of the Foundation for the Management of European Lifelong Learning Programs, and Professor Panos Papageorgiou, Vice Rector for Research at the European University of Cyprus.

During the discussion, the European Union’s key priorities for the period 2028–2034 were highlighted, with particular emphasis on research and innovation, artificial intelligence, the competitiveness of the European economy, green and digital technologies, as well as the development of the skills that the future labor market will require.

Special mention was also made of the significant increase in competition in European programs, as the use of artificial intelligence tools allows an increasing number of organizations to submit high-quality proposals, a fact that makes strategic preparation, the creation of strong partnerships, and the development of a long-term vision.

The event concluded with an open discussion and exchange of views among the participants, confirming the Cypriot community’s keen interest in the developments that will shape the future of European funding and investment.

GrantXpert Consulting reaffirmed its commitment to continue supporting organizations from Cyprus and abroad in capitalizing on the opportunities offered by European and national funding programs, contributing to the development of projects with a meaningful and long-term impact on society, the economy, and the environment.