**Title: Our View: Legal Reform Has Yet to Deliver**
The ongoing need for reform within Cyprus's legal system has been a recurring theme in discussions among lawmakers and legal professionals for many years. Despite repeated emphasis on the urgency of these reforms in reports from the European Commission and assessments by the Council of Europe, tangible progress remains elusive. The administration of justice continues to be characterized by significant delays, with court cases often postponed and taking years to resolve.
On Wednesday, the House institutions committee convened to review the latest European Commission report on the rule of law, which reiterated calls for the government to finalize the long-anticipated reforms to the legal service. These reforms aim to enhance accountability within the office of the attorney-general, which currently possesses the constitutional authority to halt prosecutions without providing explanations. The complexity of these proposed changes underscores the challenges involved in reforming the legal service, as such alterations cannot be implemented through expedited procedures.
Irini Piki, the under-secretary to the president, indicated that reform bills had been submitted to the legislature last year but remain pending discussion. She also noted that amendments addressing deficiencies in recently enacted legislation are expected to be presented in the coming months. However, given that the reform initiatives for the legal service only began last year, it may be unrealistic to anticipate swift completion of these efforts.
The European Commission's report also highlighted ongoing delays in the administration of justice. Reforms initiated during the presidency of Nicos Anastasiades have not yielded the expected improvements. Although new courts have been established to alleviate the workload on existing courts, additional judges appointed, and trial procedures modified to reduce delays, the backlog of cases persists. While there has been some reduction in the number of pending cases, the long wait times for hearings remain a significant issue.
A representative from the Bar Association pointed out that the existing delays have led to a stark decline—up to 80 percent—in the registration of new cases. This trend is understandable, given the lengthy wait times for cases to be heard. Legal costs continue to accrue, as lawyers charge for appearances even when hearings are postponed multiple times. As a result, many individuals may find it more cost-effective to pursue out-of-court settlements rather than endure the protracted legal process.
Despite an increase in the annual budget for the courts—rising from €40 million in 2022 to an expected €70 million by 2028—the infusion of funds has not produced the desired outcomes. Moreover, the introduction of digitalization within the legal system has not significantly addressed the core issues of delay and inefficiency.
As the legal community and the public await further developments, there is cautious hope that the next report on the rule of law will reflect some progress in the ongoing reform efforts. However, until substantial changes are implemented, the challenges facing the Cypriot legal system will likely persist, continuing to affect the timely administration of justice for all citizens.