Under the auspices of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and the European Doctoral School on the Common Security and Defence Policy, the Security and Defence Academy of the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Cyprus, the University of Nicosia, and the Diplomatic Academy co-organised a doctoral school on Artificial Intelligence, Security, and Cooperation in the European Union.

The course was held on 2-5 December 2024, split up between the University of Nicosia and the Sun Hall Hotel in Larnaca. Participants included national officials and members of the academic community from Cyprus and other EU member-states, agency experts, and EU institutions representatives.

The topics centred on AI incorporated a vast range of perspectives, including the ethical use of AI for policy and academic work, the use of AI and emerging technologies and their dual use and applicability for civilian and military matters, cybersecurity and AI, disinformation, and hybrid threats. The course also included interactive workshops that included doctoral-level work that centred on AI-based disinformation practices and security threats, as well as threat assessment scenarios making use of AI practices.

A special workshop for doctoral fellows and advanced students was also held at the University of Nicosia. The course’s opening ceremony took place at the UNESCO Amphitheatre at the University of Nicosia on 2nd December.