The new judicial year began on 10 September 2025, but conditions in Cyprus’s courts continue to deteriorate. Lawyers say they have reached their limits, warning of measures and protests if technology is not urgently introduced into court operations.

At the heart of the issue is the e-Justice system, which was effectively shut down in January 2025 after never functioning properly.
The project, with a total value of €6.2 million (initial contract €5.8 million plus an additional €400,000 for approved changes), had received €1.25 million in payments before its collapse shortly after being launched.

Following the system’s failure, the Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy attempted to give the project a “second chance”, bringing together the main stakeholders — the Cyprus Bar Association and the Judicial Service.
Although initially reluctant, both agreed to participate in efforts to resolve the problems as members of the project’s steering council.
Despite new tenders being issued to upgrade i-Justice, the original system, no progress has been made.

On Friday, 10 October 2025, a delegation from the Cyprus Bar Association, led by President Michalis Vorkas, is meeting with the Supreme Constitutional Court to discuss the escalating crisis.

Speaking to Offsite News, Mr Vorkas was outspoken: “The situation has become intolerable. The courts are regressing to practices from the early 2000s — even a simple scheduling of a hearing date requires lawyers to be physically present.”

He warned that unless assurances are given for the immediate implementation of technology in the courts, lawyers will consider taking strong measures and organising mobilisations.

Apart from the absence of technological infrastructure, lawyers face numerous daily challenges, including:

• Poor building conditions, particularly at the Nicosia District Court

• Non-enforcement of court decisions, due to lack of enforcement mechanisms

• Severe staff shortages (registrars, stenographers, court clerks), leading to delays of months or even years

• Delays in the printing of orders and judgments and in the overall processing of cases

The Vice President of the Cyprus Bar Association, Nikolas Tzardellis, told Offsite News that the overwhelming problems in the judicial system have driven citizens away from the courts, forcing them to seek alternative ways of resolving disputes.

He noted that in the early 2000s, up to 30,000 cases were filed annually, whereas in recent years, the number has dropped to just 5,000.