**Brussels Warns Cyprus Over Justice Delays and Legal Service Reform**
In a recent report released on Saturday, the European Commission has expressed serious concerns regarding Cyprus's progress in implementing essential rule of law reforms. The 2026 rule of law report highlights ongoing issues, including significant delays in overhauling the legal service, sluggish court proceedings, and inadequate oversight of prosecution decisions, which collectively represent some of the country's most pressing institutional challenges.
The Commission's findings indicate that Cyprus has made only "limited further progress" in reforming its legal service and establishing effective mechanisms for reviewing decisions not to prosecute or to discontinue criminal proceedings. The report emphasizes the need for the Cypriot authorities to expedite these reforms, particularly the establishment of the office of the director of public prosecutions. Furthermore, it calls for the introduction of robust oversight of prosecutorial decisions, including those related to victimless offenses, in alignment with European standards.
The administration of justice in Cyprus has been flagged as a persistent concern, with the report stating that the length of court proceedings remains a serious issue. The Commission has noted ongoing delays in the establishment of an independent courts service, a key reform aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the judiciary. Cyprus is urged to accelerate the implementation of this reform to address the backlog and inefficiencies currently plaguing the court system.
While the report acknowledges that some progress has been made in various areas, it underscores that the modernization of the justice system is advancing at a slow pace. The proposed bill for reforming the legal service is still pending in parliament, and the digital transformation of the courts remains limited. Additionally, the report points out persistent challenges related to recruitment and infrastructure within the judicial system, as well as delays in the opening of a commercial court, which continue to raise concerns for the business community.
On a more positive note, the Commission recognized "significant progress" in strengthening the independent anti-corruption authority, following the adoption of new legislation aimed at improving its recruitment framework and resources. However, it cautioned that additional measures are necessary to ensure that the authority can effectively fulfill its mandate.
The report also highlighted reforms aimed at enhancing the independence of the audit office, including the introduction of fixed, non-renewable eight-year terms for the auditor general and assistant auditor general, along with stricter criteria for appointments.
In other areas, the Commission noted advancements in transparency concerning media ownership, lobbying regulations, and public procurement oversight. However, it pointed out that reforms related to state advertising and public media are still in progress. The safety of journalists in Cyprus is reported to be stable overall; however, the Commission warned that media professionals continue to face precarious working conditions.
The report concluded by recognizing improvements in public participation in decision-making processes and reforms affecting civil society organizations. Nonetheless, it noted that businesses in Cyprus still encounter obstacles stemming from the complex nature of certain legislation.
As Cyprus grapples with these challenges, the European Commission's report serves as a reminder of the importance of timely and effective reforms to strengthen the rule of law and enhance the overall functioning of the judicial system. The Cypriot authorities are now faced with the task of addressing these issues to align more closely with European standards and expectations.