COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT 2025 Rule of Law Report Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Cyprus Accompanying the document Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions 2025 Rule of Law Report The rule of law situation in the European Union

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COMMISSION
Strasbourg, 8.7.2025
SWD(2025) 913 final
COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT
2025 Rule of Law Report
Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Cyprus
Accompanying the document
Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the
European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions
2025 Rule of Law Report
The rule of law situation in the European Union
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1
ABSTRACT
In Cyprus, the reform of the Law Office is advancing, with the goal of providing a clearer
distinction between the advisory and the prosecutorial functions of the Attorney General.
With the reform, the Attorney General maintains its role as legal adviser of the state and head
of the Law Office, while the powers relating to the prosecution are transferred to the new
institution of General Public Prosecutor. The Attorney General has requested the opinion of
the Supreme Court in relation to the review of its decisions not to prosecute or to discontinue
proceedings. The recently introduced judicial review of the decisions of the Supreme Council
of the Judicature reinforces transparency and accountability. Efforts to promote the use of
alternative dispute resolution, including the modernisation of arbitration law, are supported
by businesses. The level of digitalisation remains low and there is not a fully functional
integrated electronic case management system. Challenges regarding resources and
infrastructure continue to affect the work of first instance judges. Τhe length of proceedings
and backlogs remain a serious concern, in particular for civil and commercial cases, despite
some improvements. Businesses consider the operationalisation of the Commercial and
Admiralty Courts to be necessary to avoid delays in the administration of justice.
The resources of the Independent Authority against Corruption are being increased and there
are ongoing discussions in Parliament to strengthen the functional independence of this
authority. A lot of work is being put into investigating high-level corruption cases and more
investigations have been initiated. Important efforts are being made to step up capabilities
through recruitment and training to address corruption. New legislation on asset declarations
for both elected and appointed officials have entered into force. Compliance with and
enforcement of the law on lobbying is improving. Implementation of integrity rules was
strengthened through the appointment of a Special Ethics Adviser and a revision of the Code
of Conduct for Civil Servants. Efforts are being made to improve the efficiency, transparency
and accountability in public procurement.
The Cyprus Radio and Television Authority operates in an independent manner. The legal
framework relating to transparency of media ownership has not been improved. The lack of
legislation and transparency in the field of state advertising, as well as the need to enhance
the independent governance of public service media still need to be addressed. The situation
as regards safety of journalists has improved; however, they continue to experience
precarious working conditions.
The effective and timely consultation of stakeholders has significantly improved, including
with the systematic use of the e-consultation platform. Businesses and investors see delays in
the law-making process and in adopting implementing acts as challenges. The Government
put forward plans to reform the Audit Office, while questions remain around the appointment
procedure of the Auditor General and his Deputy. Challenges regarding administrative
requirements for Civil Society Organisations persist, while efforts to revise the legal
framework are still ongoing.
2
RECOMMENDATIONS
Overall, concerning the recommendations in the 2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus has made:
• Some further progress on taking forward plans to adopt legislation aiming to provide a
clearer distinction between the advisory and the prosecutorial functions of the Attorney
General and limited progress on taking measures to establish an effective review of its
decisions not to prosecute or to discontinue proceedings, taking into account European
standards on independence and autonomy of the prosecution.
• Significant progress on continuing the efforts to ensure that the Independent Authority
against Corruption has the human and technical resources to effectively perform its
competences.
• Significant progress on ensuring the effective implementation of rules on asset disclosure
for elected officials to establish regular and comprehensive filing, combined with
effective, regular and full verifications.
• Limited progress on adopting legislation to ensure fair and transparent distribution of
advertising expenditure by the state and state-owned companies.
• Limited progress on further advancing with the process aimed at strengthening the rules
and mechanisms to enhance the independent governance of public service media taking
into account European standards on public service media.
• Significant progress on ensuring the effective and timely consultation of stakeholders in
the legislative process and address shortcomings.
On this basis, and considering other developments that took place in the period of reference,
in addition to recalling the relevant commitments made under the Recovery and Resilience
Plan, it is recommended to Cyprus to:
• Further advance with the ongoing reform of the Law Office and the establishment of the
Office of the Public Prosecutor General and establish an effective review of decisions not
to prosecute or to discontinue proceedings, taking into account European standards on
independence and autonomy of the prosecution.
• Advance with the legislative reforms to strengthen the Independent Authority against
Corruption and continue efforts to ensure it has the human and technical resources to
effectively perform its tasks.
• Adopt legislation to ensure fair and transparent distribution of advertising expenditure by
the state and state-owned companies.
• Strengthen the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent governance of public
service media taking into account European standards on public service media.
• Ensure that the ongoing reform of the Audit Office introduces safeguards in the
appointment procedure to enhance the independence of the Auditor General and the
Deputy Auditor General.
3
I. JUSTICE SYSTEM1
Independence
The level of perceived judicial independence in Cyprus continues to be average among
both the general public and companies. Overall, 42% of the general population and 44% of
companies perceive the level of independence of courts and judges to be ‘fairly or very good’
in 20252
. Among the general public, this figure has decreased in comparison with 2024
(49%), as well as in comparison with 2021 (48%). The perceived judicial independence
among companies has decreased in comparison with 2024 (47%) and has slightly decreased
in comparison with 2021 (45%).
There has been some further progress on the recommendation to provide a clearer
distinction between the advisory and the prosecutorial functions of the Attorney
General.3
. Following the completion of a comparative study in May 20244
, the Ministry of
Justice prepared a package of legislative proposals aiming to separate the dual role of the
Attorney General and submitted them to the Law Office for legal vetting in November 2024
and April 20255
. According to the proposal, the Attorney General will maintain its role as
legal adviser of the state and head of the Law Office, while the powers relating to the
prosecution will be transferred to the new institution of General Public Prosecutor. The
proposal also foresees an eight-year, non-renewable tenure for both officials and their
deputies, who are appointed by the President of the Republic6
. In June 2025, the Law Office
completed the vetting following extensive redrafting of the bills taking into account a number
of aspects of the reform7
. The Council of Ministers approved the bills on 2 July 2025, and
they will now be submitted to Parliament. In parallel, the Government has been planning the
administrative separation of the Law Office and the establishment of the new institution. In
presenting the Governance Agenda for 2025, the President of the Republic referred to the
implementation of the reform of the Law Office and explained that this was important to
restore citizens’ trust in the institutions8
. Stakeholders welcome the reform9
. Thus, there has
1
An overview of the institutional framework for all four pillars can be found here.
2
Figures 51 and 53, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard and Figures 49 and 51, 2023 EU Justice Scoreboard. The
level of perceived judicial independence is categorised as follows: very low (below 30% of respondents
perceive judicial independence as fairly good and very good); low (between 30-39%), average (between 40-
59%), high (between 60-75%), very high (above 75%).
3
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Cyprus to take forward plans to adopt legislation aiming to
provide a clearer distinction between the advisory and the prosecutorial functions of the Attorney General.
4
2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, p. 4.
5
The initial package included two main bills (one amending the Constitution and one proposing a new law)
and twenty-five bills revising existing legislation that is impacted by the creation of the Office of the General
Public Prosecutor. Additional bills were submitted in April 2025 to complete the list of existing legislation
that needs to be revised in view of the planned reform.
6
The Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General are currently appointed under the same conditions as the
judges of the Supreme Court; their term of office is until they reach their 68th
year of age.
7
The Law Office had previously referred to the constitutionality of the proposed reform and the status of the
prosecutors and legal officers to be eventually transferred to the Office of the General Public Prosecutor;
Cypriot Government (2025a). In the context of the legal vetting, the Attorney General also reviewed the
opinions of a committee of experts and two former Supreme Court judges on the constitutionality of the
reform. Law Office (2025), written input, AG pp. 2-4.
8
Cypriot Government, Ministry of Justice and Public Order (2025), written inputs, pp. 3-4, and 1 respectively.
4
been some further progress on the implementation of this specific element of the
recommendation made in previous years.
There has been limited progress on the recommendation to establish an effective review
of the decisions of the Attorney General not to prosecute or to discontinue
proceedings10
. The proposal, which was submitted by the Government to the Law Office for
legal vetting in November 2024, foresees that the decisions of the General Public Prosecutor
should be based on predefined criteria, the application of which may be subject to review by
the Supreme Court. The Attorney General considered the proposed provisions incomplete and
expressed reservations as to the introduction of a judicial review11
. He therefore requested the
opinion of the Supreme Court, which expressed its views on 17 June 202512
. The matter is
now under examination by the Ministry of Justice and Public Order. In parallel, the Law
Office suspended plans to establish an internal procedure of review, waiting for the outcome
of the planned reform13
. On different occasions, both the Supreme Constitutional Court and
the Supreme Court reiterated the established case-law that under the existing constitutional
framework, decisions of the Attorney General to discontinue criminal proceedings are not
subject to any control14
. Civil society considers the review of the decisions of the Attorney
General the most important aspect of the reform15
. Thus, there has been limited progress on
the implementation of this specific element of the recommendation made in previous years.
The recently introduced judicial review of the decisions of the Supreme Council of the
Judicature reinforces transparency and accountability. In September 2024, the Supreme
Constitutional Court exercised, for the first time, the powers conferred on it by the last
judicial reform16
, and ruled on two requests for review submitted by unsuccessful candidates
against decisions of the Supreme Council of Judicature on judicial appointments. In the first
case, the Supreme Constitutional Court upheld the appealed decision, whereas in the second
case, the Court set aside the decision and concluded that the appointment process had to be
reopened17
. The judgments were welcomed by stakeholders as enhancing transparency and
public trust18
.
Plans to establish a distinct branch of administrative justice with a separate Judicial
Council aim to rationalise the structure of the court system and improve its functioning.
9
The Cyprus Bar Association considers that reforms should be encouraged but with full respect of
constitutional norms, Cyprus Bar Association (2025), written input, pp. 8-9; Country visit Cyprus, Oxygen
for democracy, OPEK and CiREN.
10
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Cyprus to “take measures to establish an effective review of
the decisions of the Attorney General not to prosecute or to discontinue proceedings, taking into account
European standards on independence and autonomy of the prosecution”.
11
The Attorney General considers that judicial review would further burden the heavy workload of the courts,
and that a hierarchical review would be more appropriate. Law Office (2025), written input, pp. 2-4; Cyprus
Forum (2024); Legal Matters (2025), Interview with the Attorney General, Part B, 16 January (2025).
12
Law Office (2025), additional written contribution, p.1.
13
On preliminary comments regarding the internal review, 2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, pp. 5-6.
14
Supreme Constitutional Court (Plenary), Request 1/2024, 18 September 2024, p.188; Supreme Court, Civil
Appeal 240/2016, 13 January 2025, pp 3-6.
15
Country visit Cyprus, Oxygen for democracy, OPEK, CiREN and CroLEV.
16
The introduction of judicial review against the decisions taken by the Supreme Council of the Judicature was
welcomed as a positive development by both the European Commission and the Venice Commission. 2023
Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, p. 5; CDL-AD(2021)043, para. 56.
17
Cypriot Government (2025), written input, pp. 9-10.
18
Country visit Cyprus, Supreme Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Association of judges and Cyprus Bar
Association; Oxygen for democracy (2025), written input, p. 8.
5
Under the current regime, the decisions regarding careers and disciplinary issues for judges
dealing with administrative cases at first and second instance are taken by the Supreme Court
acting as the Supreme Council of the Judicature19
. However, this structure does not follow the
substantive jurisdiction of these courts, as the Supreme Constitutional Court is competent for
administrative cases. Following a proposal by the President of the Supreme Constitutional
Court, the Government put forward plans to establish (i) a new Administrative Court of
Appeal, consisting of up to six judges; and (ii) a second Judicial Council responsible for the
appointment, promotion, transfer and discipline of administrative court judges. The
composition and functioning of the new Judicial Council would mirror the existing provisions
for the Supreme Council for the Judicature: it will be composed of all the nine judges of the
Supreme Constitutional Court and four non-judicial members. Its decisions will be subject to
judicial review by the Supreme Court20
. Judges and lawyers consider that this reform will
enhance the governance and accountability of administrative justice as well as the quality of
case-law21
.
Quality
Efforts to promote the use of alternative dispute resolution, including the modernisation
of arbitration law, are supported by businesses. Considering the current framework not to
be fit for purpose, in August 2024, the Government put forward draft legislation aiming to
unify and modernise the arbitration institution. This is part of a plan to establish Cyprus as an
International Centre for Mediation and Arbitration and to restore its reputation as a reliable
investment destination. The Government also submitted to Parliament draft bills aiming to
make mediation in civil disputes more effective. The bills unify the existing mediators’
registers, introduce mandatory training for mediators as well as a compulsory preliminary
mediation session for claims less than EUR 5 00022
. The Bar Association made suggestions
to further amend the rules on compulsory mediation to ensure access to justice and avoid
unnecessary costs for litigants23
. The promotion of alternative procedures for resolving
disputes is seen as a positive development24
. Business representatives and lawyers strongly
support efforts to promote alternative dispute resolution. Both, the Chamber of Commerce
and Industry and the Bar Association offer mediation services and agree that promotion and
trainings are necessary to achieve a swift change in culture25
.
The level of digitalisation remains low and there is not a fully functional integrated
electronic case management system. The Supreme Court adopted new procedural
regulations on electronic justice, which provide a unified legal framework for the
19
The non-judicial members of the Supreme Council of the Judicature do not participate in disciplinary and
transfer proceedings, while they have no voting rights for issues regarding promotions of judges.
20
Cypriot Government, Ministry of Justice and Public Order (2025), written inputs, pp. 18 and 2 respectively.
21
Country visit Cyprus, Supreme Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Association of judges and Cyprus Bar
Association. The Bar Association also underlined the need to implement this structural change in a manner
compatible with constitutional constraints.
22
Cypriot government and Ministry of Justice and Public Order (2025), written inputs, pp. 17-18 and p. 2.
23
The Bar Association suggested that if mediation fails and the case ends before a court, it should be exempted
from the mandatory pre-action protocol introduced by the new Civil Procedure.
24
Judgment of the CJEU, case C-75/16, Menini and Rampanelli v Banco Popolare Società Cooperativa, para
51; European Commission (2016), Report on the application of Directive 2008/52/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters.
25
Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Cyprus Bar Association (2025), written inputs, pp. 4 and 6-
7 respectively.
6
digitalisation of justice26
. However, criminal proceedings and proceedings before the highest
courts lack digital solutions27
. The failure to implement the e-justice case management
system has resulted in delays and setbacks in digital transformation: The decision to upgrade
the existing i-justice system is a positive development, but its implementation will not be
completed before 202828
. Progress regarding digital recordings was postponed29
. The absence
of a fully digitalised case management system also exacerbates challenges regarding the
collection of statistics30
, as well as the implementation of a rotation-based system for the
legal aid scheme31
. Reluctance to adopt innovative solutions and technological tools for
handling cases impacts first instance courts the most32
.
Challenges regarding resources and infrastructure continue to affect the work of first
instance judges. Following the reform of the courts structure, the number of experienced
first instance judges moving to higher courts left several vacancies which are difficult to fill.
Several stakeholders noted a continued lack of qualified candidates33
. Lawyers note that
under the current system, candidates for judicial positions must have experience in several
fields of law, which is difficult to find. The Bar Association considers that flexibility to
recruit also more specialised judges, and the permanent separation of civil and criminal
courts, would allow judicial vacancies to be filled faster, and cases to be handled more
efficiently34
. Experienced court staff, including registrars, were also transferred from district
courts to the Court of Appeal following the reform. As a result, judges need to regularly
undertake administrative tasks. Plans to establish an Independent Court Service aiming to
improve the overall efficiency of justice and alleviate all court presidents and Supreme Court
judges from non-judicial administrative responsibilities are currently underway but are
expected to take a lot of time to complete35
. Judges and lawyers also point to the need to
improve court premises, particularly in the district court of Nicosia. The Law Office also
faces challenges regarding its buildings36
.
26
Supreme Court (2025), written input, pp. 10-13.
27
See also, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figures 42 to 46.
28
For the i-justice, see also, 2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, pp. 7-8. The Supreme Court requested the
Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy to implement several other digitalisation
projects. These projects are supported by the Ministry but delays in implementation stem from contractual
and human resources related constraints.
29
Country visit Cyprus, Department of Judicial Reform.
30
Judicial statistics are collected manually. Country visit Cyprus, Department of Judicial Reform. Lawyers and
civil society complain that statistics are limited and not publicly available. Cyprus Bar Association and
Oxygen for democracy (2025), written inputs, p. 4 and pp. 7, 9 and 13 respectively.
31
The proposed rotation-based system for legal aid (see 2023 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, p. 10) could only
be applied for cases regarding requests for international protection, as these cases are handled by a single
court and a single registry. Given the lack of an electronic system, it was initially impossible for criminal
cases, where different courts where involved. Cypriot government (2025), written input, pp. 20-21. The
Government together with the Supreme Court and the Bar is in the process of finding solutions to extend the
system to all categories of legal aid and to upgrade it to a fully digitalised system.
32
Cyprus Bar Association (2025), written input, pp. 3-4; CCBE (2025), written input, pp. 44-46.
33
Country visit Cyprus, Cyprus Judges Association, Supreme Court, Supreme Constitutional Court.
34
Cyprus Bar Association (2025), written input, p. 4. On specialization of judges, also ENNHRI (2025),
Cyprus, p. 86.
35
Country visit Cyprus, Department of Reform of the Supreme Court.
36
Law Office (2025), written input, p. 9.
7
Efficiency
Τhe length of proceedings and backlog remain serious concerns, in particular for civil
and commercial cases, despite some improvements. The disposition time in civil and
commercial cases at first instance courts further decreased from 761 days in 2022 (947 in
2021) to 605 in 2023, but it remains among the highest in the EU. For administrative cases,
the disposition time dropped at first instance cases from 461 days in 2022 (844 days in 2021)
to 380 days in 2023, which constitutes overall a significant improvement. However, at second
instance, the disposition time in 2023 for administrative cases reached the alarming level of 5
429 days (more than double the figure of 2 310 days in 2022), which is by far the highest in
the EU37
. The extremely high disposition time is partly explained by the new court structure
and the establishment of a Court of Appeal in July 2023, which entailed delays in the
handling of appeals38
. In 2023, the clearance rate for civil, commercial and administrative
cases increased to 118% (from 101% in 2022) and is the highest in the EU39
. The government
is taking steps to reduce delays, including proposals to establish a separate Administrative
Court of Appeal, with the potential of increasing the number of second instance judges 40
, and
establish a third Assize Court in Nicosia41
. The targets set by the National Recovery and
Resilience Plan have been reached and surpassed and the Supreme Court continued to deal
efficiently with an important number of backlog cases. However, the backlog at first and
second instance remains significant42
. All stakeholders see preventing new backlogs as being
the priority, and one proposal is some judges to work exclusively on backlog cases43
.
Businesses consider the operationalisation of the Commercial and Admiralty Courts to
be necessary to avoid delays in the administration of justice. The major reform of the
judicial system in 2023 provided for two courts of special jurisdiction aiming to support the
decongestion of the heavily burdened district courts and provide for a faster resolution of
high value commercial and admiralty disputes by specialised judges44
. However, neither
court is yet operational. While the vacancies for the Admiralty Court were published in
September 2024, no appointments for the five judges of the Commercial Court have taken
place45
. According to business representatives, the entry into operations of the Commercial
Court should be a priority, as delays in the administration of justice are a major concern for
companies and serve as a deterrent to business growth, with SMEs particularly affected46
.
The International Monetary Fund also pointed that the improving the efficiency of the
judicial sector in Cyprus is essential to support investment-driven growth47
. The Bar
Association considers that the high number of experienced lawyers dealing with commercial
law in Cyprus should facilitate finding suitable candidates for the judicial positions48
.
37
2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figure 8.
38
Country visit, Department of Reform of the Supreme Court.
39
2025 EU Justice Scoreboard, Figures 5, 8, 9 and 10.
40
The Supreme Court also proposed to maintain the number of judges at the Court of Appeal at sixteen in
addition to the new judges to be appointed at the new Administrative Court of Appeal.
41
Nicosia faces a heavy caseload. Country visit Cyprus, Supreme Court.
42
The project requires that specific proportions of backlog cases be cleared within specific timeframes, see
2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, p. 10.
43
Cyprus Bar Association (2025), written input, p. 3.
44
2023 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, pp. 11-12.
45
Cypriot Government (2025), input, p. 4.
46
Country visit Cyprus, Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation; Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
47
IMF (2025), Cyprus: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission.
48
Country visit Cyprus, Cyprus Bar Association.
8
Efforts are being made by the Government to remove legal obstacles in enforcing court
judgments between private parties. Delays and difficulties in enforcing final judgments,
which have been delivered after long lasting proceedings, are an additional challenge for the
efficiency of justice. The Bar Association refers to difficulties in seizing funds and personal
assets, as well as to the need to entrust enforcement to private professionals49
. In April 2025,
the Government submitted to Parliament a draft bill aiming to address these concerns and
improve the legal framework50
. The Government made a proposal to address previously
reported challenges regarding the administration’s failure to comply with decisions of
administrative courts, but additional legal issues were raised by the Law Office and the
Supreme Constitutional Court51
.
II. ANTI-CORRUPTION FRAMEWORK
The perception among experts, citizens and business executives is that the level of
corruption in the public sector remains relatively high. In the 2024 Corruption
Perceptions Index by Transparency International, Cyprus scores 56/100 and ranks 16th
in the
European Union and 46th
globally52
. This perception has been relatively stable over the past
five years53
. The 2025 Special Eurobarometer on Corruption shows that 90% of respondents
consider corruption widespread in their country (EU average 69%) and 60% of respondents
feel personally affected by corruption in their daily lives (EU average 30%). As regards
businesses, 93% of companies consider that corruption is widespread (EU average 63%) and
66% consider that corruption is a problem when doing business (EU average 35%).
Furthermore, 15% of respondents find that there are enough successful prosecutions to deter
people from corrupt practices (EU average 36%), while 10% of companies believe that
people and businesses caught for bribing a senior official are appropriately punished (EU
average 33%)54
.
Significant progress was made on the recommendation to increase the resources of the
Independent Authority against Corruption (IAAC) and proposals to reform the IAAC’s
functional independence are under discussion55. The IAAC’s staff increased from 5 over
the past year to 18, despite an administrative budget that is 2.5% lower than last year, in line
with similar reductions across the public sector, as this does not affect its human resources’
budget56
. The fact that the IAAC has no legal basis to recruit its own (permanent) staff and
49
Cyprus Bar Association (2025), written input, p. 2.
50
Cypriot Government (2025) additional written contribution.
51
2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, p. 27. Whereas the Constitution provides that the Administrative Court,
the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Constitutional Court are empowered to impose sanctions on any
person not complying with a judgment, this power remains unregulated in law. Figure 49, 2025 EU Justice
Scoreboard.
52
The level of perceived corruption is categorised as follows: low (above 79); relatively low (between 79-60),
relatively high (between 59-50), high (below 50).
53
In 2020 the score was 57, while in 2024, the score is 56. The score significantly increases/decreases when it
changes more than five points; improves/deteriorates (changes between 4-5 points); is relatively stable
(changes from 1-3 points) in the last five years.
54
Data from Special Eurobarometer 561 (2025) and Flash Eurobarometer 557 (2025).
55
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Cyprus to “continue the efforts to ensure that the
Independent Authority against Corruption has the human and technical resources to effectively perform its
competences”.
56
IAAC (2025), written input, p. 23. The 18 include the Commissioner for Transparency and 4 Members. Most
requests for secondments of public servants were denied by their managers. The IAAC raised its lack of
human resources and the need to speed up employment processes with the OECD (Nicosia, 25 November
2024).
9
relies mainly on short-term public contractual staff creates uncertainty and could undermine
the continuity of operations and the confidentiality of investigations. The Law Office is
currently legally vetting a bill, to allow the IAAC to hire permanent staff through its own
internal rules and procedures, which has the support of the Government. The bill will be
submitted to the Ministry by the middle of July 202557
. In parallel, a bill was tabled in
Parliament to reform the IAAC and to turn it into a public law entity that would ensure its
complete independence from state institutions58
. These proposals, if adopted, would
significantly strengthen and improve the IAAC’s functional and operational independence.
This would help it respond to the increasing number of complaints that it receives and
processes59
and its additional role in monitoring compliance with lobbying regulation. There
has therefore been significant progress on the implementation of the recommendation made
in the 2024 Rule of Law Report.
The IAAC is implementing an Awareness, Education and Prevention Strategy. In 2025,
the IAAC started implementing an Anti-Corruption Action Plan for 2025 and 2026. It
includes a coherent framework of actions, interventions and projects, aimed at educating
citizens about the risks of corruption and strengthening public and private sector and general
public oversight and accountability through activities and trainings. The IAAC also intends to
help public authorities develop sectoral anti-corruption strategies60
. In 2024, the IAAC
forwarded one major report on suspected corruption to the Attorney General for further
investigation. It is currently dealing with eight ongoing corruption investigations (compared
to 4 last year). Measures encouraging the private sector to implement international best
practices and compliance programmes, including on foreign bribery, will also be taken under
the purview of the Ministry of Justice.
A lot of work is being put into investigating high-level corruption cases and more
investigations have been initiated. The Anti-Corruption Taskforce, that operates under the
Attorney General’s remit, continued to supervise the investigation and prosecution of
corruption offences, including high-level cases, and organised training on asset recovery.
This expertise has been crucial, resulting in an amount of more than EUR 8 million of frozen
assets obtained in domestic cases in 2024, a marked increase compared to the previous
years61
. In 2024, a total of five persons were convicted for corruption offences in four tried
cases and the Police investigated 13 corruption cases, including in high-level corruption cases
(compared to three convictions and five investigations the previous year). Six new
investigations were initiated in 2025. A significant number of mostly low-level corruption
cases involving local administration and authorities were also reported. Fourteen cases on
sports corruption were initiated or tried in 2024, while an investigation into a high ranking
sports official that begun in late 2023 is still ongoing62
. Many of the 15 prosecutions for
57
The bill, prepared by the Office of the Law Commissioner, proposes to amend Law 19(I)2022, that
established the IAAC, and the Public Service Law 1/1990.
58
IAAC, Ministry of Justice and Parliament (2025), written inputs, pp. 23-24, p. 4 and p. 2 respectively.
59
Between 2022 and 2024, the IAAC received more than 315 complaints (209 reported in July 2024).
60
Cypriot Government (2025), written input, pp. 25-26, IAAC (2025) press release, and Country visit Cyprus,
IAAC.
61
Law Office (2025), written input, p. 10 and country visit Cyprus, Police.
62
Of the 13 police investigations, eight were brought before the court, three of which included cases against a
city mayor, a president of an NGO, and two high-ranking church officials. Cypriot Government and Law
Office (2025), written inputs, pp. 31-32, pp. 11, 12 and 14 respectively and additional written input p.7.
10
corruption linked to the now suspended Citizenship Investor Programme (CIP)63
, initiated by
the Attorney General, are still ongoing and 26 natural and legal persons are currently being
prosecuted64
. The EPPO investigated one corruption case in 2024, accounting for around 4%
of the total number of EPPO cases in Cyprus65
. Civil society have expressed continued
concerns about systemic weaknesses, investigative and prosecutorial delays, and a perceived
lack of impartiality in the way high-level cases are dealt with, advocating for more effective
checks and balances and the need for more specialisation and resources66
.
Important efforts are being made through recruitment and training to step up law
enforcement capabilities to address corruption. In October 2024, the President of the
Republic convened a high-level meeting with key authorities to tackle the challenges of
corruption and organised crime, speed up investigations, and increase the investigative and
forensic accounting capacity of the police, under new leadership since September 202467
. The
staff of the Financial Crime Sub-Directorate of the Cyprus Police only increased by one over
the past year and there are plans to hire additional investigators in 2025, especially forensic
accountants, deemed crucial for asset recovery. Additionally, in early 2025, a new District
Financial Crime Investigation Office was establised in Paphos with five specialised
investigators68
. In 2024, the Police acquired direct access to the Land Registry and the
Companies Ultimate Beneficial Owners Registry which should enhance their investigative
capacity and efficiency, also when cooperating with other Member States69
. The Police
Internal Affairs Service (PIAS) continued to actively investigate allegations of police
misconduct. So far in 2025, it has examined 10 reports of possible police involvement in acts
of corruption (compared to 22 in 2024). Of these, three cases involving two members of the
63
The scheme’s legal framework has not been abolished yet. The infringement procedure launched by the
Commission in October 2020 concerning Cyprus’ scheme is ongoing. Following the judgment of the Court
of Justice in Case C-181/23, finding that the Maltese investor citizenship scheme breaches EU law, the
Commission sent a letter to Cyprus asking it what conclusions it has drawn from this judgment for its own
scheme.
64
A 2022 trial, involving the former Speaker of Parliament and a former Member of Parliament, is ongoing. A
high-profile criminal case was recently filed before the court that includes two former Ministers and various
charges, including corruption and money laundering. In a case filed in June 2021, nine defendants were
acquitted but are now facing retrial following a successful appeal by the Attorney General. Another appeal in
a similar case is ongoing. An investigation by the IAAC into the Citizenship Investor Programme involving
allegations against prominent political figures and former ministers is in a preliminary phase. If evidence of
criminal liability is found, the report and its conclusions will be forwarded to the Attorney General. Law
Office (2025), written input, pp. 12-14 and additional written input pp. 7-8. See also 2024 Rule of Law
Report, Cyprus, p. 16.
65
EPPO (2025), Annual Report 2024, p. 23. In July 2024, EPPO opened an investigation into a liquefied
natural gas (LNG) import terminal project, on suspicion of procurement fraud, misappropriation of EU funds
and corruption, following a referral from the Audit Office. Country visit, Cyprus, Audit Office.
66
Country visit, Cyprus, Oxygen for Democracy and CIREN. Oxygen for Democracy (2025), written input pp.
7, 24-25.
67
The Minister of Justice, the Attorney General, the Chief of Police, the Head of the FIU, and the Tax
Commissioner participated in the meeting.
68
The Financial Crime Sub-Directorate of the Police consists of 30 members (25 specialized investigators and
5 forensic accountants). Competitions for new hires in the Cyprus Police are ongoing (some 200 applicants
with another 200 confirmed for the summer). There are now three District Financial Crime Investigation
Offices in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos with nine, seven and five specialised investigators respectively.
Cypriot Government and Law Office (2025), written input, p. 26 and pp. 10-11 respectively and additional
written input p. 6. Country visit Cyprus, Police and Law Office.
69
Throughout 2024, financial crime investigators took part in training with their counterparts from the US
Federal Bureau of Investigation to improve their expertise and enable information exchange. Country visit
Cyprus, Cypriot Police.
11
police have led to criminal prosecution and are pending trial before the Court, while six cases
are pending invesigation70
.
Significant progress was made on the recommendation on asset declarations with the
entry into force of new legislation for both elected and appointed officials71. Two laws
establishing standards for regular and detailed asset declarations and audits for both elected
and appointed officials (including politically exposed persons or ‘PEPs’) entered into force in
November 2024 and March 202572
. Both laws oblige officials to declare assets within four
months after taking office and four months after leaving office and to periodically submit
statements showing any differentiation of assets during their tenure. The submission of asset
declarations of parliamentarians and the President and ministers under the new law will be
triggered following the 2026 parliamentary elections and 2028 Presidential elections
respectively or at any date prior if the position of an elected or appointed official becomes
vacant before the end of their tenure73
. The Special Parliamentary Committee (for the
President, Ministers and Parliamentarians) and the three-member Council (for certain
officials and PEPs) retained responsibility for the laws’ monitoring and oversight, as under
the previous framework74
. Nevertheless, some stakeholders have concerns that despite the
improved legal framework, certain gaps in the new system remain75
. Meanwhile, on 8 May
2025, the Parliament voted on two proposals amending the PEPs law, approving the extention
of the law’s scope to the Chairman and Members of the Tax Tribunal and rejecting the
exemption of the Chairman and Members of the Advisory Council from its scope76
. There
were no reported violations of declarations made in 2024. With the enactment of the new
laws on asset declaration, significant progress has been made on the recommendation made
last year.
70
To date, the PIAS has received 51 reports against the police of which 10 were of investigative interest. In
2024, the PIAS received 94 reports, of which 22 were of investigative interest. Two cases involving police
members were brought before the Court in 2024. Cypriot Government (2025), written input and additional
written input from the Cyprus Police, pp. 31 and 7 respectively.
71
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Cyprus to “Ensure the effective implementation of rules on
asset disclosure for elected officials to establish regular and comprehensive filing, combined with effective,
regular and full verifications”.
72
Law of 2024 (N. 112(I)/2024) covers the President, Ministers and Members of Parliament. Law of 2024 (N.
137(I)/2024) covers certain officials and certain politically exposed persons, including the Attorney General,
Auditor General, Chief of Police and their Deputies. In November 2024, in a referral brought by the
President, the Supreme Constitutional Court ruled that the Attorney General and the Deputy Attorney
General fall within the scope of the PEP law. This procedure delayed the law’s adoption and its entry into
force. The enactment of these laws also responds to GRECO recommendations in the 5th
and 4th
Evaluation
Rounds. Cypriot Government, Ministry of Justice and Public Order, Law Office and, Parliament (2025),
written inputs p. 28, pp. 5-6, p. 16, and pp. 3-6 respectively.
73
Country visit Cyprus, Parliament Secretariat.
74
The spouses/partners and dependents of elected and appointed officials are required to submit but not
publish asset declarations. The judiciary’s declarations are covered by a separate legal framework issued by
the Supreme Constitutional and Supreme Courts and are not published. Civil society considers the
judiciary’s exclusion from the scope of the new laws as a gap in transparency. Oxygen for Democracy
(2025), written input, p. 20.
75
In their assessment, a group of certified public accountants noted that, despite its improvements, the new
system still has certain gaps e.g., it does not create an independent oversight and audit body with technical
expertise and places a big workload on the office of the Tax Commissioner.
76
According to the Explanatory Note accompanying the proposal, the Chairman and Members of the Tax
Tribunal were unintentionally left out of the principal Law while the Chairman and Members of the
Advisory Council are not considered to be officials or PEPs within the meaning of the said Law. Parliament
and Ministry of Justice and Public Order (2025), written contribution in the context of the country visit to
Cyprus.
12
Compliance with the law on lobbying is improving and stakeholders have welcomed the
increased transparency. The IAAC is responsible for implementing and enforcing the
lobbying law and maintaining the publicly available lobbying register. Interest
representatives and public officials must report their meetings and the subjects discussed to
the IAAC. Over the past year, registrations of lobbyists increased significantly with 184
entries as of the end of May 2025. During 2024-2025, ninety-five meetings were reported to
the IAAC. While lobbyists and officials are required to submit reports of their contacts to the
IAAC, these are not public. Sanctions can be imposed on both lobbyists and public officials
for failure to comply with their obligations77
. The IAAC is satisfied with adherence to the
rules by both lobbyists and public officials. The IAAC prepared a tender to digitalise the
registration and monitoring procedures, which the Department of Information Technology
Services is currently reviewing78
. The private sector and civil society have welcomed the
improvements to the lobbying rules, which help provide a level playing field for market
players to gain access to public officials, as well as improve transparency in decision-
making79
.
Implementation of integrity rules was strengthened through the appointment of a
Special Ethics Adviser and a revision to the the Code of Conduct for Civil Servants. In
August 2024, the President of the Republic appointed a former Supreme Court Judge as a
Special Adviser on Ethics on a pro bono basis, and he is expected to play a central role in
promoting the principles of good governance for high-level elected and appointed officials.
This is part of the government’s efforts to strengthen the implementation of the 2023 Code of
Ethics applicable to high-level officials. The Special Adviser submitted draft guidelines to the
President in February 2025 which are being finalised80
. The Council of Ministers approved a
new Guide of Conduct and Ethics for Civil Servants at the end of March that was circulated
to the civil service in April 2025. This incorporates the standards of professional behaviour as
well as core integrity principles such as impartiality, objectivity, the avoidance of conflicts of
interest and incompatibilities of office, and other corruption prevention measures81
.
77
Lobbyists are required to submit a report biannually detailing their contacts with officials, and officials are
required to submit a co-signed report to the IAAC after every contact with lobbyists within two months.
Failure to comply can include a maximum imprisonment of six months and a maximum financial penalty of
EUR 5 000. Art 13, 17, 22, and 24 of Law 20(I)/2022 and Circular No. 005 of 28 February 2025.
78
Law 20(I)/2022 on ‘Transparency in Public Decision-Making Procedures and Related Matters Law’ fully
entered into force on 1 March 2024 for both public officials and lobbyists. Lobbyists include both
individuals and entities such as trade unions, NGOs and political party organisations. Registered lobbyists
must adhere to the publicly available 2024 Code of Conduct prepared and overseen by the IAAC. Both
public officials and lobbyists are required to inform and report to the IAAC on their meetings and subjects
discussed. Cypriot Government (2025), written input, pp. 24-25 and country visit, Cyprus, IAAC.
79
Country visit, Cyprus, Chamber of Commerce and OEB. Oxygen for Democracy (2025), written input, pp.
15, 18 and 20. It has also ben pointed out that the IAAC needs additional resources to monitor compliance
effectively.
80
Country visit, Cyprus, Special Ethics Adviser. The Special Ethics Adviser’s office is attached to the Office
of the President and supported by administrative staff. This appointment was made in response to the
GRECO recommendations, following its 5th
round evaluation report.
81
The Guide of Conduct and Ethics for civil servants, that was prepared by the Department of Public
Administration and Personnel of the Ministry of Finance in collaboration with the Commissioner for
Administration and Human Rights and the Law Commissioner replaced the one from 2013. Training
programmes for civil servants will be organised by the Cyprus Academy of Public Administration. Cypriot
Government (2025), written input pp. 26-27, and Country visit Cyprus, Department of Public Administration
and Personnel of the Ministry of Finance.
13
Training on how to handle whistleblowing reports continued. By the end of 2024, the
Police received 80 complaints through its external reporting website of which one was
assigned to the Criminal Investigation Department. In January 2025, the Cyprus Academy of
Public Administration organised and provided training to public sector officers who receive
and handle the internal and external whistleblowing channels82
.
Efforts are being made to improve efficiency, accountability and transparency in public
procurement. Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU show that 37% of
companies in Cyprus (EU average 25%) think that corruption has prevented them from
winning a public tender or a public procurement contract in practice in the last three years83
.
The Single Market and Competitiveness Scoreboard on access to public procurement in
Cyprus reports 17% of single bids for 2023 (EU average 29%). The Police, the Audit Office,
civil society and business stakeholders continue to highlight public procurement as
particularly prone to corruption84
. This creates an uncertain business and investment
environment, 85
. Government efforts to improve accountability, transparency, accessibility
and efficiency, together with the digitalisation of public services and procurement and the
more efficient approval process for small developments should help to improve the business
environment86
. Furthermore, 47% of companies perceive the level of independence of the
public procurement review body (Tender Review Authority) as very or fairly good87
. The
IAAC is working on a guide that will identify high risk sectors and support public authorities,
including those issuing permits, to develop anti-corruption strategies in finance, healthcare,
defence and security, public procurement, construction, and infrastructure. A new e-
procurement system should be in place by the end of 2025 to improve transparency and
accountability of public tenders, improve data quality, and assist the work of audit
authorities88
. In the past year, the Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus identified four cases of
conflicts of interest, three of which were excluded from EU funding programs and two were
referred to the IAAC for further investigation89
.
82
Cypriot Government (2025) and Ministry of Justice and Public Order (2025), written inputs, p. 29 and p. 4
respectively. Country visit, Cyprus, Police.
83
Flash Eurobarometer 557 on Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption in the EU (2025). This is 12
percentage points above the EU average.
84
Challenges highlighted by business include collaboration to set prices or divide the market, tender
specifications that favour a specific company, and conflicts of interest. Chamber of Commerce and Industry,
written input p. 6. Country visit Cyprus, Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation, and the Police.
85
CSOs and the media also highlight the negative publicity around the citizenship-by-investment programme
and the alleged involvement of high-profile individuals in corruption cases. Country visit, Cyprus, CIREN.
OEB and Chamber of Commerce; Oxygen for Democracy and Chamber of Commerce (2025), written
inputs, p. 24 and pp. 5-7.
86
Chamber of Commerce (2025), written input p. 5-7.
87
The Tenders Review Authority examines recourses against acts or decisions by the contracting authorities
(i.e., the State, local authorities, public law bodies or associations of such authorities or public organizations)
that violate any provision of the law before or after signing a contract of supplies, services or projects. Figure
59, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
88
The system will provide all information on public procurement procedures, from the project’s inception to
its conclusion and final acceptance. Training has been especially targeted towards small contracting
authorities. The termination of certain flagship projects seek to send a clear message to the market that it will
no longer tolerate a mismatch between what a contractor promises and can deliver. Cypriot Government
(2025), written input, p.30.
89
Cypriot Government (2025) additional written input, p. 9.
14
III. MEDIA PLURALISM AND MEDIA FREEDOM
The Cyprus Radio and Television Authority operates in an independent manner.
Cyprus’s regulator for audiovisual media services, the Cyprus Radio Television Authority
(CRTA), is governed by the Radio and Television Broadcasters Law and is functionally and
effectively independent. Pursuant to the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation Law, CRTA is
mandated to partially monitor Cyprus’s public service broadcaster. The Media Pluralism
Monitor (MPM) 2025 has increased its risk analysis from low to medium-low risk for the
independence of the media regulator pointing out that various new tasks are not regulated by
a suitable legal framework90
. The CRTA publishes its decisions and reports on its website,
including an annual activity report, which it submits to the President of the Parliament 91
.
MPM 2025 concludes nonetheless that such activity reports appear to include neither the
actual regulatory work of the Authority nor its functioning and do not provide details as to its
financial situation92
. The Authority is currently in the process of examining measures to
ensure the adequacy of its resources for the purpose of enforcing the Digital Services Act and
the European Media Freedom Act93
.
The legal framework relating to transparency of media ownership has not been
improved. Digital and print media remain unregulated as regards transparency of media
ownership and the relevant legal framework governing audiovisual media is applied in an
inconsistent manner. In view of these factors, MPM 2025 considers this to be an area
presenting very high-risk94
. A report published by the Cyprus Investigative Reporting
Network (CIReN), based on information in the public domain, looks into the ownership
structures of Cyprus’ thirteen most prominent media groups95
. The Cypriot authorities have
confirmed plans to develop a database covering all media ownership information, including
beneficial owners96
. In Cyprus, the media regulatory authority has no power of review of
media mergers and acquisitions. The Minister responsible may, prior to the decision of the
competition authority, declare that a notified concentration is deemed to be of major public
interest as regards the effect it may have on the public security, the pluralism of the media or
the principles of sound administration97
. The Cypriot authorities have announced that relevant
provisions will be introduced to take into account the criteria laid down in the European
Media Freedom Act on media market concentrations98
.
There has been limited progress to address the lack of legislation and transparency in
the field of state advertising99. The Government implements a set of guidelines – based on
various criteria such as audience and readership share – in relation to amounts distributed to
media companies for the publication of information campaigns managed by the government’s
Press and Information Office. The criteria used for the allocation of state advertising are
90
2025 Media Pluralism Monitor report on Cyprus, pp. 17-19.
91
Cypriot Government (2025a).
92
Ibid.
93
Cypriot Government (2025), written input, p. 33.
94
2025 Media Pluralism Monitor report on Cyprus, pp. 21-22.
95
CIReN (2024), Who Owns the Media?
96
Cypriot Government (2025), written input, p. 34.
97
Article 5 and Articles 36-39 of the Control of Concentration between Undertakings Law 83 (I) of 2014. In
such cases, the case is referred to the Council of Ministers which may officially approve or not approve the
concentration in question.
98
Information received from Cyprus in the context of the country visit to Cyprus for the 2024 report.
99
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Cyprus to “Adopt legislation to ensure fair and transparent
distribution of advertising expenditure by the state and state-owned companies”.
15
published on the Office’s website, together with its yearly financial transactions100
. The MPM
continues to rank this area at medium risk, pointing out that there is no legal framework
regulating the area101
. Draft legislation to further regulate the area is in preparation and the
aim of the Government is to stipulate that public expenditure for state advertising must be
distributed to a wide variety of media outlets, and to designate a monitoring authority to
oversee such spending102
. For these reasons, there has been limited progress on the
recommendation made in the 2024 Rule of Law Report.
There has been limited progress with regard to the independent governance of public
service media103. Consultations are still ongoing between the Government, the Cyprus
Broadcasting Corporation and the CRTA on the modernisation of the Law on the Cyprus
Broadcasting Corporation. Draft legislation drawn up by the government is currently under
examination by CyBC. The bill, that aims at modifying the system of appointment and
dismissal of members of CyBC’s Board and at establishing stricter eligibility conditions, has
been circulated to the relevant authorities104
. While awaiting further progress on this bill, the
Media Pluralism Monitor points out that the CyBC’s present governing board was appointed
by the Government taking into account the advice of a Consultative Council, which proposed
persons for appointment taken from a list of persons who expressed interest in the role. MPM
underlines, however, that the establishment of this body does not appear to prevent political
interference and rates this as an area presenting medium-high risk105
. Given that the concerns
raised in previous Rule of Law Reports106
and by MPM persist and the anticipated reform is
still ongoing, there has been limited progress with regard to the recommendation to further
advance with the process to strengthen the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent
governance of public service media.
The Information Commissioner continues to play an active role in terms of raising
awareness on the public’s right to access information. An adequate legislative framework
is in place and its implementation is efficiently overseen by the Information Commissioner
who has organised press conferences and campaigns to raise public awareness about the right
to access information107
. However, the MPM maintains its analysis that the system leaves
room for arbitrariness and has increased its risk analysis within the medium risk band,
highlighting the contradictory practices adopted by different public authorities108
. As a
response to GRECO recommendations to Cyprus to conduct a thorough analysis of the
challenges in the implementation of the law and to take additional measures to improve
public access to information and a culture of openness within the public authorities, in
February 2025 the Information Commissioner adopted and published a Code of Practice to
strengthen the implementation of the right to access information. The Code provides
100
Cypriot Government (2025), written input, p. 33.
101
2025 Media Pluralism Monitor report on Cyprus, pp. 30-31.
102
Cypriot Government (2025), written input, p. 33.
103
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended Cyprus to “Further advance with the process aimed at
strengthening the rules and mechanisms to enhance the independent governance of public service media
taking into account European standards on public service media”.
104
Information received from Cyprus in the context of the country visit to Cyprus for the 2024 report.
105
2025 Media Pluralism Monitor report on Cyprus, pp. 31-32.
106
2022 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Cyprus, pp. 13-14, 2023 Rule of
Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Cyprus, p. 19 and 2024 Rule of Law Report,
Country Chapter on the rule of law situation in Cyprus, p. 22.
107
Law 184(I)/2017. Information and written input received from the Information Commissioner in the context
of the country visit to Cyprus for the 2025 report.
108
2025 Media Pluralism Monitor report on Cyprus, pp. 15-16.
16
guidance to public authorities, citizens and journalists on the purpose of the Law, the relevant
exceptions therein, applicable deadlines and the fee system109
. The Information
Commissioner confirms trends in previous years that the majority of complaints received by
her office – very few of which are lodged by journalists – are resolved following the office’s
intervention.
The situation as regards safety of journalists has improved, however they continue to
experience precarious working conditions. The government has submitted for legal vetting
to the Law Office of the Republic a draft bill introducing anti-SLAPP provisions110
. Although
the Media Pluralism Monitor continues to emphasise precarious working conditions, in light
of the fact that Cyprus has registered no cases of physical or other attacks on journalists, it
has decreased its risk evaluation for this area from medium to low risk111
. Media
professionals and organisations representing journalists continue to emphasise the precarious
financial and employment situation impacting the sector with a recent study finding that 61%
of journalists in the country experience job insecurity, and one-third feeling pressure or
threatened in relation to their work112
. The Council of Europe’s Platform to promote the
protection of journalism and safety of journalists has published no new alerts since the
publication of the 2024 Rule of Law Report, relating to Cyprus113
while the Media Freedom
Rapid Response Mechanism registered one alert in relation to a draft law relating to
surveillance114
.
IV. OTHER INSTITUTIONAL ISSUES RELATED TO CHECKS AND BALANCES
Significant progress has been made as regards the recommendation on the effective and
timely consultation of stakeholders, including with the systematic use of the electronic
platform for public consultations115
. Draft legislation has been regularly submitted for
comments in the electronic platform for public consultations116
. Reports on concluded public
consultations, including feedback on the comments received, are published on the platform
together with the amended drafts, thus enhancing transparency. There are discussions on
whether to transfer the monitoring of the use of the platform, as well as the implementation of
the policy on public consultations, under the authority of the Commissioner for the Citizen117
.
Two draft bills, one aiming to make public consultations compulsory118
and a second on
Citizens’ Legislative Initiative could further improve public participation in decision-
making119
. Additional tools enhancing participatory democracy include the digital platforms
109
Information and written input received from the Information Commissioner in the context of the country
visit to Cyprus for the 2025 report.
110
The Protection of Persons Engaging in Public Participation from Manifestly Unfounded Lawsuits or Abusive
Judicial Proceedings Law of 2024, implementing Directive 2024/1069/EU.
111
2025 Media Pluralism Monitor report on Cyprus, pp. 16-17.
112
Country visit, Cyprus, Union of Cypriot Journalists.
113
Council of Europe Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists (2024-2025).
114
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Media Freedom Rapid Response – Cyprus.
115
The 2024 Rule of Law Report recommended to Cyprus to “continue efforts to ensure the effective and
timely consultation of stakeholders in the legislative process and address shortcomings”.
116
By February 2025, 114 draft bills and proposals were submitted to public consultation. Country visit Cyprus,
Ministry of Finance.
117
Commissioner for the Citizen (2025), written input.
118
Public consultations are currently conducted by virtue of a decision of the Council of Ministers, 2024 Rule
of Law Report, Cyprus, p. 24.
119
Commissioner for the Citizen (2025), written input.
17
Citizen’s Voice, which seeks public opinions on proposed laws and policy, and ekfraCY, for
engaging with younger citizens. Civil society considers that these developments are positive
and promote inclusivity and transparency, while their implementation needs to be monitored.
Business representatives and the Bar Association are regularly consulted by the executive and
invited to present their views on draft legislation during parliamentary hearings120
. Building
on the overall progress assessed in the previous Reports121
, there has been significant
progress on the implementation of the recommendations made in the previous years.
Businesses and investors see delays in the law-making process and in adopting
implementing acts as challenges. Clear legal frameworks are particularly important for
businesses and investors. Business representatives consider that the law-making process is
slow and fails to address urgent needs. Delays in adopting implementing regulations further
hinder the timely enforcement of legislation and create regulatory gaps that impact upon
economic stability and market confidence122
. Compliance costs are particularly burdensome
due to complex regulations and overregulation, especially for SMEs123
. In Cyprus, 32% of the
surveyed companies perceive the frequent changes in legislation or concerns about quality of
law-making process as a reason for the lack of confidence in investment protection (25% in
2024 and 36% in 2023)124
. The creation of a legislation preparation platform, the e-legislation
platform, faces further delays and is not expected to be completed before the end of 2026125
.
In May 2025, Parliament held preliminary discussions over a draft bill submitted by a
Member of Parliament aiming at promoting transparency by publishing official acts and
decisions on a digital platform126
.
Less than a third of the companies surveyed in Cyprus express high levels of confidence
in the effectiveness of investment protection. 27% of companies are very or fairly confident
that investments are protected by law and courts127
. The main reasons among companies for
their lack of confidence include difficulties to enforce rights in court due to concerns about
the quality, efficiency or the independence of justice (49%) and to obtain a fair compensation
to protect property (49%)128
. As regards authorities relevant for economic operators, 49% of
companies perceive the level of independence of the national competition authority, the
Commission for the Protection of Competition, as very or fairly good129
.
120
CroLEV (2024), Findings Report: CRoLEV Focus Groups on Civic Spaces and Responses to Crises in the
Republic of Cyprus, pp. 18-25. Country visit Cyprus, Oxygen for democracy, Cyprus Employers &
Industrialists Federation, Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Cyprus Bar Association.
121
2024, 2023 Rule of Law Reports, Cyprus, pp. 24-25 and 20-21 respectively.
122
Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2025), written input, pp. 1-2. Country visit Cyprus, Cyprus
Employers & Industrialists Federation.
123
EIB Investment Survey 2024 Country Overview: Cyprus, p.18. Overall, 80% of Cypriot firms employ staff
to deal with regulatory compliance. The regulatory burden is particularly high for SMEs, given their small
size. See also, European Semester 2025, Annex 6.
124
Figure 55, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
125
Investment C3.412 of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan concerns the digitalisation of the law-
making process. It should enable easier drafting, consolidation, management and storing of law and
regulations accessible to citizens and businesses. Country visit Cyprus, Ministry of Finance.
126
Parliament, file no 23.02.062.156-2021.
127
Figure 54, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard,
128
Figure 55, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
129
The Commission for the Protection of Competition is an administrative body consisting of a chairman and
four members. Its mission is to regulate and protect free competition with the aim to further economic
growth and progress, but also to protect competitive forces and consumer welfare. Figure 60, 2025 EU
Justice Scoreboard.
18
The Government put forward plans to reform the Audit Office, while questions remain
around the appointment procedure of the Auditor General and his Deputy. The
Government prepared draft legislation to transform the country’s Supreme Audit Institution,
the Audit Office130
, into a collegiate body, the Audit Council, composed of the Auditor
General, the Deputy Auditor General, and three other members131
. The three members would
be appointed by the President of the Republic from a list of five candidates established by a
special Advisory Council, after considering the views of the Auditor General. The
appointment procedure for the Auditor General and his Deputy is not planned to change and
would remain within the exclusive remit of the President132
. International standards on the
independence of Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) indicate that the head of the SAI needs to
be appointed by a process that ensures independence from the Executive133
. Cyprus is the
only Member State where the head of the SAI is appointed directly by the President without
any other body being involved in the procedure134
. GRECO considered that Presidential
powers over the direct appointment of the top management of the key oversight bodies risks
creating a relationship of interdependence135
. The current Auditor General expressed the view
that a two-stage appointment procedure, which would involve different bodies, would
increase public trust136
. The Auditor General also noted that the reform is an opportunity to
enhance the financial independence of the Office, which is not fully guaranteed under the
current framework137
. Regarding unrestricted access to information138
, the Audit Office has
not so far experienced any further challenges or set-backs, mainly as a result of the good
working relationship with the Law Office. While this marks an improvement compared to the
major challenges reported in previous years139
, the Audit Office still has limited tools to force
auditees to comply with their legal obligations.
On 1 January 2025, Cyprus had 8 leading judgments of the European Court of Human
Rights pending implementation, a decrease of 2 compared to the previous year140. At
that time, Cyprus’ rate of leading judgments from the past 10 years that had been
implemented was at 58% (compared to 47% in 2024; 42% remained pending), and the
average time that the judgments had been pending implementation was 3 years and 6 months
130
Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) are public oversight institutions which audit the use of public funds. In
Cyprus, the Audit Office is an independent state body, headed by the Auditor-General. 2023 Rule of Law
Report, pp. 12 and 14.
131
The reform also concerns the term of office: an eight-year, non-renewable term for the Auditor General and
the Deputy (currently appointed until the age of 65) and a three-years, renewable once term for the three
other members. Ministry of Justice and Public Order (2025), written input, pp 3-4.
132
Article 115 (1) of the Constitution of Cyprus. Following the unanimous decision of the Supreme
Constitutional Court of 18 September 2024 on the dismissal of the Auditor General for improper conduct,
the President of the Republic appointed a new Auditor General on 24 September 2024.
133
INTOSAI (2019), Mexico Declaration on SAI Independence, Principle 2.
134
Figure 63, 2025 EU Justice Scoreboard.
135
GRECO (2023), 5th
Evaluation Round, Evaluation Report Cyprus, paragraph 101.
136
Country visit Cyprus, Audit Office.
137
The budget of the Audit Office is part of the state budget, approved by the Minister of Finance and the
Council of Ministers, before it is submitted to Parliament. However, Parliament can only decrease the
allocated budget. This limitation impacts on the financial independence of the Office, as well as on its
resources and capacity to perform its tasks. Cypriot Government (2025), additional input, pp. 5-6. According
to the Government, a corresponding proposal put forward by the Audit Office was included in the draft bill.
138
INTOSAI (2019), Mexico Declaration on SAI Independence, Principle 4.
139
While non-compliance is a criminal offence, auditees do not risk prosecution when their refusal to give
access to information follows the advice of the Attorney General. Cypriot Government (2025), additional
written input, pp. 5-6. Country visit Cyprus, Audit Office; 2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, pp. 13-14.
140
For an explanation of the supervision process, see the website of the Council of Europe.
19
(compared to 3 years and 4 months in 2024)141
. The oldest leading judgment, pending
implementation for 6 years, concerns poor conditions of detention at Nicosia Central
Prisons142
. As regards the respect of payment deadlines, on 31 December 2024 there were 2
cases in total awaiting confirmation of payments (compared to 0 in 2023)143
. On 16 June
2025, the number of leading judgments pending implementation had increased to 10144
.
Challenges regarding administrative requirements for Civil Society Organisations
(CSOs) persist, while efforts to revise the legal framework are still ongoing. Civic space
in Cyprus remains narrowed145
. The lack of uniform application in practice of the regulatory
framework and heavy administrative procedures result in additional requirements not
provided for by the law, delays, and inconsistent practices by the different district offices,
which are a challenge for CSOs146
. The process of revising the Law on Associations and
Foundations, launched in November 2023, has not been concluded yet. According to the
Government, the new law would reduce administrative burden and provide clearer guidance
for its application147
. CSOs consider that training, capacity building and continuous dialogue
with civil society are also important elements to create a civic culture. The appointment of a
new Commissioner for the Citizen, responsible for outreach to civil society, has been
regarded as a positive step148
. The Ombudsperson is also regularly exchanging and working
together with civil society representatives in the context of the Human Rights Advisory
Committee149
.
141
All figures calculated by the European Implementation Network (EIN) and based on the number of cases
that are considered pending at the annual cut-off date of 1 January 2025. EIN (2025), written input, pp. 2-3.
142
Judgment of the ECtHR, 21318/12, Danilczuk v. Cyprus, pending implementation since 2018.
143
Council of Europe (2025), p. 156.
144
Data according to the online database of the Council of Europe (HUDOC).
145
Rating by CIVICUS (2024); ratings are on a five-category scale defined as: open, narrowed, obstructed,
repressed and closed.
146
2024 Rule of Law Report, Cyprus, pp. 28 -29. Civil Society Advocates (2025), Civil Society Organisations:
Evaluation and Monitoring the Implementation of: (i) The legislation on Associations and Foundations (Law
104(I)/2017); (ii) Its implementation Regulations.
147
Country visit Cyprus, Ministry of Interior.
148
OHCHR (2025), written input, pp. 7-10; Country visit Cyprus, NGO Support Centre, Civil Rights
Advocates, OPEK, Oxygen for democracy; CroLEV (2024), Findings Report: CRoLEV Focus Groups on
Civic Spaces and Responses to Crises in the Republic of Cyprus, pp. 18-25.
149
Ombudsperson (2025), written input, p. 5; ENNHRI (2025), Cyprus, p. 81.
20
Annex I: List of sources in alphabetical order*
* The list of contributions received in the context of the consultation for the 2025 Rule of Law report
can be found at https://commission.europa.eu/publications/2025-rule-law-report-targeted-
stakeholder-consultation_en.
Alphanews (2024), The escape, the manhunt, and the capture of the fugitive,
https://www.alphanews.live/cyprus/i-apodrasi-to-anthropokynigito-kai-i-syllipsi-tou-drapeti/
Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom (2025), Media Pluralism Monitor 2025, Country
report for Cyprus, Media Pluralism Monitor – Centre for Media Pluralism and Media Freedom.
Centre for the Rule of Law and European Values (CroLev) (2025), Findings Report: CRoLEV Focus
Groups on Civic Spaces and Responses to Crises in the Republic of Cyprus.
Christos P. Panayiotides, Nicos G. Syrimis and Economics Professor Sir Christopher A. Pissarides
(2025), Assessment of the new wealth statements system of the politically exposed persons (PEPs).
Legislated in Cyprus in 2024, https://www.pothen-esches-cyprus.com/.
Civicus (2024), Monitor tracking civic space – Cyprus, https://monitor.civicus.org/country/cyprus/.
Civil Society Advocates (2025), Civil Society Organisations: Evaluation and Monitoring the
Implementation of: (i) The legislation on Associations and Foundations; (ii) Its implementation
Regulations,
https://civilsocietyadvocates.org/images/Projects/Dialogue_Consultation_Empowerment_3D/Report_
EvaluationMonitoringLawImplementation_Eng.pdf
Committee of Media Ethics (2025), Written contribution from the Committee of Media Ethics in the
context of the country visit to Cyprus.
Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE) (2025), Contribution from the Council of Bars
and Law Societies of Europe for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Council of Europe: Committee of Ministers (2000), Recommendation CM/Rec(2000)19 of the
Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe on the role of public prosecution in the criminal
justice system.
Council of Europe: Venice Commission (2021), Opinion on three bills reforming the judiciary in
Cyprus (CDL-AD(2021)043).
Council of Europe: Venice Commission (2010), Report on European Standards as regards the
independence of the judicial system: Part II- the prosecution service (CDL-AD(2010)040).
Council of Europe: Venice Commission (2018), Opinion on Constitutional arrangements and
separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary and law enforcement (CDL-
AD(2018)028-e).
Council of Europe, Platform to promote the protection of journalism and safety of journalists (2025).
Cypriot Government (2025), Input from Cyprus for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Cypriot Government (2025a), Additional written contribution for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Cyprus Bar Association (2025), Written contribution from the Cyprus Bar Association in the context
of the country visit to Cyprus.
21
Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (2025), Written contribution from the Cyprus Chamber
of Commerce and Industry in the context of the country visit to Cyprus.
Cyprus Forum (2024), Attorney General Powers, 3 October 2024.
Cyprus Investigative Reporting Network (CIReN) (2024), Who Owns the Media?
Cyprus Judges Association (2025), Contribution from the Cyprus Judges Association for the 2025
Rule of Law Report.
Cyprus Mail (2024), EU authorities alerted over cable project irregularities, https://cyprus-
mail.com/2024/12/31/eu-authorities-alerted-over-cable-project-irregularities.Cyprus Mail (2024),
Former Supreme Court judge appointed as ethics adviser to President, https://cyprus-
mail.com/2024/08/29/former-supreme-court-judge-appointed-as-ethics-adviser-to-president .
Cyprus Times (2024), Violence at stadiums and responsibilities: Findings from Analytica's survey
with 7,000 participants, https://cyprustimes.com/ereynes/via-sta-gipeda-kai-efthynes-ta-evrimata-
erevnas-tis-analytica-me-7-chiliades-symmetoches/.
Cyprus Police (2024), Memorandum of Understanding between the Cyprus Police and the FBI to
assist in the investigation of cases of possible violation of sanctions, money laundering and
corruption.
Dialogos (2024), Committtee of Ethics satisfied about the decision of the Supreme Constitutional
Court regarding asset declaration of Attorney General and Deputy,
https://dialogos.com.cy/ikanopoiisi-melon-ep-thesmon-gia-apofasi-anotatoy-gia-pothen-esches-
eisaggeleon/.
European Centre for Press and Media Freedom, Media Freedom Rapid Response – Cyprus.
European Commission (2016), Report on the application of Directive 2008/52/EC of the European
Parliament and of the Council on certain aspects of mediation in civil and commercial matters,
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52016DC0542.
European Commission (2022), 2022 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation
in Cyprus.
European Commission (2023), EU Justice Scoreboard.
European Commission (2023), 2023 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation
in Cyprus.
European Commission (2024), EU Justice Scoreboard.
European Commission (2024), 2024 Rule of Law Report, Country Chapter on the rule of law situation
in Cyprus.
European Commission (2025), 2025 Country Report – Cyprus, Accompanying the document
Recommendation for a Council Recommendation on the economic, social, employment, structural and
budgetary policies of Cyprus, SWD (2025) 213 final.
European Commission (2025), EU Justice Scoreboard.
European Commission (2025), Flash Eurobarometer 557– Businesses’ attitudes towards corruption
in the EU.
22
European Commission (2025), Special Eurobarometer 561 – Citizens’ attitudes towards corruption in
the EU.
European Implementation Network (2025), Contribution from the European Implementation Network
for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
European Investment Bank (2025), EIB Investment Survey 2024: Cyprus overview.
European Network of National Human Rights Institutions (2025), State of the rule of law in Europe,
Reports from National Human Rights Institutions, Cyprus.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office (2024), ‘Cyprus: EPPO investigates project for liquefied natural
gas import terminal’, https://www.eppo.europa.eu/en/media/news/cyprus-eppo-investigates-project-
liquefied-natural-gas-import-
terminal#:~:text=%28Luxembourg%2C%2025%20July%202024%29%20%E2%80%93%20The%20
European%20Public,procurement%20fraud%2C%20misappropriation%20of%20EU%20funds%20an
d%20corruption.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office (2025), Annual Report 2024.
Global Alliance of Human Rights Institutions (2022), Report and Recommendations of the Session of
the Sub-Committee on Accreditation (SCA), Geneva, 3-7 October 2022.
GRECO (2016), Fourth Evaluation Round, Evaluation Report on Cyprus on Corruption prevention in
respect of members of parliament, judges and prosecutors.
GRECO (2023), Fifth Evaluation Round, Preventing corruption and promoting integrity in central
governments (top executive functions) and law enforcement agencies.
GRECO (2024), Fourth Evaluation Round Second Addendum to the Second Compliance Report,
Corruption prevention in respect of members of parliament, judges and prosecutors.
Independent Authority against Corruption (2025), Announcement to Registered Representatives of
Special Interest Groups ("Lobbyists"), 25 February 2025.
Independent Authority against Corruption (2025), The Independent Authority against Corruption
(IAAC) implements the "Anti-Corruption Action Plan, 17 April 2025.
Information Commissioner (2025), Written contribution from the Information Commissioner in the
context of the country visit to Cyprus.
International Monetary Fund (2025), Cyprus: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV
Mission.
International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) (2019), Mexico Declaration on
Supreme Audit Institutions Independence.
Law Office (2025), Written contribution from the Law Office in the context of the country visit to
Cyprus.
Legal Matters (2025), Interview with the Attorney General, Part B, 16 January 2025.
Ministry of Justice and Public Order (2025), Written contribution from the Ministry of Justice in the
context of the country visit to Cyprus.
23
Office of the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights (2025), Written
contribution from the Office of the Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human
Rights in the context of the country visit to Cyprus.
Oxygen for Democracy (2025), Contribution from Oxygono for the 2025 Rule of Law Report.
Parliament of Cyprus (2025), Written contribution from Parliament in the context of the country visit
to Cyprus.
Philenews (2024), ‘Audit office sends Cyprus-Crete power cable probe to European prosecutors’,
https://in-cyprus.philenews.com/insider/audit-office-sends-cyprus-crete-power-cable-probe-to-
european-prosecutors/.
Philenews (2024a), ‘The President dismissed everyone – Police Chief and Deputy Chief removed,
Arnaoutis appointed as the new head’ (Τους καθάρισε όλους ο Πρόεδρος – Παύση Αρχηγού και
Υπαρχηγού Αστυνομίας, νέος επικεφαλής ο Αρναούτης ),
https://www.philenews.com/politiki/article/1512989/tous-katharise-olous-proedros-pafsi-archigou-
iparchigou-antikatastasi-diefthinti-filakon/.
Philenews (2024b), ‘Sweeping transfers in the Police – High-profile officer reassignments’
(Σαρωτικές μεταθέσεις στην Αστυνομία – Αλλαγές ηχηρών ονομάτων αξιωματικών),
https://www.philenews.com/kipros/astinomika/article/1524097/sarotikes-metathesis-stin-astinomia-
allages-ichiron-onomaton-axiomatikon/
Philenews (2024c), ‘Corruption and organised crime at a meeting at the Presidential Palace -
Involvement of Income Tax’ (Διαφθορά και οργανωμένο έγκλημα σε σύσκεψη στο Προεδρικό –
Εμπλοκή και Φόρου Εισοδήματος),
https://www.philenews.com/kipros/koinonia/article/1520368/diafthora-ke-organomeno-egklima-se-
siskepsi-sto-proedriko-emploki-ke-forou-isodimatos/
Philenews (2024d), ‘We are entering a new era – Arnaoutis' revealing message to 5,500 police
officers’ («Εισερχόμαστε σε νέα εποχή» – Αποκαλυπτικό μήνυμα Αρναούτη σε 5.500 αστυνομικούς)
https://www.philenews.com/kipros/astinomika/article/1520031/iserchomaste-se-nea-epochi-
apokaliptiko-minima-arnaouti-se-5-500-astinomikous/
Philenews (2024e), ‘A reorganisation to meet these goals is also planned ‘The Chief announced a
reorganization after 64 years at the confirmation ceremony’ (Προανήγγειλε αναδιοργάνωση μετά από
64 χρόνια ο Aρχηγός στην τελετή διαβεβαίωσης),
https://www.philenews.com/kipros/koinonia/article/1513383/proaningile-anadiorganosi-meta-apo-64-
chronia-o-archigos-stin-teleti-diaveveosis/
Supreme Constitutional Court (2024), Decision on Request 1/2024, 18 September 2024.
Supreme Constitutional Court (2024), Decision on Referral 3/24 President of the Republic v House of
Representatives, 20 November 2024.
Supreme Court (2025), Written contribution from the Supreme Court in the context of the country visit
to Cyprus.
Supreme Court (2025), Decision on Civil Appeal 240/2016, 13 January 2025.
Transparency International (2025), Corruption Perceptions Index 2024,
https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2024.
24
Union of Cyprus Journalists (2025), Written contribution from the Union of Cyprus Journalists in the
context of the country visit to Cyprus.
UN Human Rights Regional Office for Europe (OHCHR) (2025), Contribution from OHCHR for the
2025 Rule of Law Report.
25
Annex II: Country visit to Cyprus
The Commission services held virtual meetings in February 2025 with:
• Association of Judges
• Audit Office
• Centre for the Rule of Law and European Values (CroLev)
• Civil Society Advocates
• Commissioner for Administration and the Protection of Human Rights
• Commissioner for Citizens
• Commissioner for Information
• Committee of Media Ethics
• Cyprus Bar Association
• Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Cyprus Employers & Industrialists Federation (OEB)
• Cyprus Investigative Reporting Network (CIReN)
• Department of Judicial Reform, Supreme Court
• House of Representatives
• Independent Authority against Corruption (IAAC)
• Institute for Mass Media (IMME)
• KISA
• Ministry of Finance
• Ministry of Interior
• Ministry of Justice and Public Order
• NGO Support Centre
• Office of the Attorney General
• OPEK
• Oxygen for Democracy
• Police - Internal Affairs Service, Office of Investigation of Financial Crimes and
Professional Standards and Inspection Directorate (PSID)
• Press and Information Office
• Radio-Television Authority
• Special Adviser on Ethics
• Supreme Constitutional Court
• Supreme Court
• Treasury of the Republic of Cyprus
• Union of Cyprus Journalists (ESK)
* The Commission also met the following organisations in a number of horizontal meetings:
• Amnesty International
• Araminta
• Civil Liberties Union for Europe
• Civil Society Europe
26
• European Civic Forum
• European Partnership for Democracy
• European Youth Forum
• International Commission of Jurists
• International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH)
• JEF Europe
• Philea – Philanthropy Europe Association
• Transparency International