The 2025 Rule of Law Report on Cyprus, prepared by the European Commission, is now under evaluation by the House of Representatives. Today, the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions, Values, and the Commissioner for Administration begins its discussion and analysis of the report. The debate will continue in future sessions, starting with a broad overview before moving to a section-by-section review.

As Offsite explains, the report highlights the promotion of legislation separating the advisory and prosecutorial functions of the Attorney General, with the creation of a new authority. It also notes the recently adopted judicial review of decisions by the Supreme Judicial Council, which strengthens transparency and accountability, as well as progress toward establishing a distinct branch of administrative justice and rationalizing the structure of the judiciary.

In addition, the report addresses the advancement of alternative dispute resolution methods, ongoing efforts to strengthen the Independent Authority Against Corruption with sufficient staffing and resources, and the adoption of laws requiring disclosure of assets by elected and non-elected officials.

The European Commission acknowledges improvements but identifies several outstanding challenges within Cyprus’ justice system:

• The low level of digitalization.

• The absence of a comprehensive electronic system.

• Case management inefficiencies in courts.

• The need to improve judicial infrastructure.

• Further reduction of civil and commercial case processing times.

Particular reference is made to the necessity of introducing effective oversight of decisions not to prosecute or to discontinue proceedings—a reform currently underway.

The Commission also stresses the importance of continuing to strengthen the Independent Authority Against Corruption with both human and technical resources to ensure effective performance of its duties.

Regarding corruption, the report confirms that significant improvements have been achieved.

As for the ongoing reform of the Audit Office of the Republic, the Commission calls for safeguards in the appointment process to further strengthen the independence of both the Auditor General and the Deputy Auditor General.

The Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Institutions, DISY MP Dimitris Dimitriou, told OffsiteNews that “we will begin the study of the rule of law in Cyprus based on the Commission’s 2025 report. At Wednesday’s meeting, we will hold an extensive analysis with a focus on the division of responsibilities within the Legal Service, the justice system, and corruption.” He stressed that in subsequent sessions, each issue will be examined individually.

The Ministry of Justice and Public Order welcomed the report, considering it a positive signal regarding the progress of institutional reforms and measures in justice and anti-corruption. At the same time, it acknowledged the need for further steps and reaffirmed its commitment to completing pending actions in line with EU standards and recommendations.

According to the Cyprus Bar Association, the report highlights ongoing shortcomings in judicial efficiency, particularly at first instance level, due to limited human resources, outdated infrastructure, and low digitalization.

The Association also reiterated its position that separating civil and criminal courts would allow for faster judicial appointments and more efficient case management.

It further emphasized the importance of developments in alternative dispute resolution, especially efforts to modernize arbitration law, and the anticipated (though delayed) operation of the Commercial Court and Admiralty Court to boost entrepreneurship.

These measures are expected to strengthen legal certainty and the effectiveness of the single market, though legislative delays remain a significant challenge for businesses.