The European Commission’s 2025 Rule of Law Report on Cyprus acknowledges significant progress in a number of key governance areas but maintains pressure on the country to deliver deeper, structural reforms in justice, anti-corruption, and media regulation.

Among the headline developments, the EU welcomed Cyprus’s steps toward separating the advisory and prosecutorial roles of the Attorney General—a long-standing concern over potential conflicts of interest. A new post of General Public Prosecutor is planned, with bills now before Parliament. However, the EU noted only limited progress on ensuring that prosecutorial decisions can be effectively reviewed, a move strongly demanded by civil society as essential to accountability.

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Meanwhile, Cyprus’s judiciary continues to be plagued by inefficiencies. Despite improvements in the duration of first-instance proceedings, the time to resolve administrative appeals reached an alarming average of nearly 15 years—by far the worst in the EU. The long-delayed operationalisation of the Commercial and Admiralty Courts is viewed by businesses as crucial for restoring trust and competitiveness.

The report also highlights significant progress in fighting corruption, particularly with increased staffing of the Independent Authority against Corruption, new asset declaration laws, and the pursuit of more high-profile investigations. Yet public perception remains grim: 90% of Cypriots see corruption as widespread, and only 15% believe prosecutions are sufficient to deter wrongdoing.

Legal reforms have led to a rise in prosecutions, including ongoing cases involving prominent political and religious figures, as well as 26 individuals tied to the now-discredited Citizenship by Investment Programme. However, concerns persist about prosecutorial delays and lack of impartiality in high-level cases.

On media freedom, progress was described as limited. While the Cyprus Radio and Television Authority maintains independence, no new legislation has been enacted to ensure transparency of media ownership or regulate the distribution of state advertising—a source of potential political influence over media outlets. The draft law to reform the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation is still under review, leaving its governance vulnerable to political interference.

The working conditions of journalists remain precarious, with more than 60% reporting job insecurity and a third saying they feel pressure or threats in the course of their work.

In terms of stakeholder participation, the report praised Cyprus’s improved use of digital tools and public consultation mechanisms. Still, delays in the law-making process and implementation of acts remain a challenge for businesses and investors, who cite overregulation and inconsistent enforcement as obstacles to economic confidence.

Finally, the Commission raised red flags over the independence of oversight institutions, noting that Cyprus remains the only EU member where the Auditor General is directly appointed by the President without any institutional counterweight—a practice criticized by GRECO and international auditing standards.

The Commission's Report urges Cyprus to complete pending legislation, enforce new anti-corruption laws, and ensure effective checks and balances across public institutions.