Cyprus is making significant strides in its efforts to enhance transparency and rule of law, as highlighted by Deputy Minister to the President Irene Piki during her address at the Cyprus Forum 2025 in Nicosia. Piki emphasized that the country has exceeded compliance levels in anti-corruption reforms compared to other European nations.
Progress on Anti-Corruption Recommendations
During a discussion with Nicolas Kyriakides, Executive President of the Cyprus Forum, Piki noted that Cyprus has addressed or made substantial progress on 85% of the recommendations put forward by the Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO). She remarked, “Other countries average around 55-60% at this stage, which means our compliance rate is considerably higher.”
Key Measures for Enhanced Transparency
Piki outlined several critical steps taken to bolster transparency within the government. These include:
- The introduction of a code of conduct for ministers.
- The appointment of a recognised former judge as an ethics adviser to the cabinet.
- The launch of a national e-consultation platform to facilitate public feedback on legislative matters.
- The strengthening of the Anti-Corruption Authority.
Additionally, she highlighted a Justice Ministry initiative aimed at subsidising ISO anti-bribery certification for public authorities and municipalities, with 90 applications already submitted from departments such as Customs, Taxation, and Land Registry. “These are areas often associated with suspicions of corruption. Ensuring these systems are in place is a very important step for transparency,” she stated.
Increased Funding and Operational Independence
The Deputy Minister also revealed that the Anti-Corruption Authority is set to receive a 70% budget increase in 2024, allowing it to move towards greater operational independence. This includes the potential to recruit its own staff once pending legislation is approved. “It is a new institution, but it has already earned the trust of citizens,” Piki asserted.
Lobbying Regulations and Decision-Making Transparency
On the subject of lobbying regulations, Piki confirmed that ministers have been briefed through seminars and provided with a practical guide to enhance transparency in decision-making processes. “We believe we have achieved a high level of transparency in decision-making,” she added.
Reforming Legal and Audit Offices
Turning to institutional reforms, Piki discussed government-backed bills currently under review in parliament that aim to modernise the Law Office and the Audit Office. These reforms include:
- Separating the role of legal adviser to the state from that of the public prosecutor—an essential change recommended in various rule of law reports.
- Introducing single non-renewable terms for the Attorney General, the Deputy Attorney General, and top audit officials, thereby reducing the perception of dependence on the executive due to reappointments.
Piki explained, “When an official knows they cannot be reappointed, their work is free of such considerations.” Furthermore, the Audit Office will gain financial autonomy, moving away from reliance on the central government for its budget. This reform includes the establishment of a multi-member audit council, ensuring that responsibility does not solely rest with the Auditor General.
Central Bank Reforms and Governance Improvements
In addition to these measures, Piki mentioned that the Central Bank of Cyprus is preparing a reform package to update its governance and oversight structures, with draft legislation already in progress. “Cyprus must modernise and move forward. The state must be more transparent, accountable, and effective,” she declared.
Engaging Citizens and Strengthening Democracy
During the Q&A session, forum participants raised questions regarding the balance of powers among the Anti-Corruption Authority, the Attorney General, and the President. Others inquired how citizen input via the new online consultation tools is considered. Piki assured attendees that all public feedback is documented, assessed, and accompanied by explanations on whether it was adopted.
Kyriakides expressed gratitude to Piki for her continued participation in the Cyprus Forum, underscoring the importance of dialogue between institutions and civil society in fortifying democracy and the rule of law.
