Greco has urged Cyprus to accelerate its anti-corruption reforms in light of its recent evaluation report. The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (Greco) has set a strict timeline of 18 months for the island to enhance its compliance with the recommendations made in 2023.
- Other noteworthy advancements include a coordinated integrity and corruption prevention policy for the police and a process aimed at resolving disciplinary cases promptly and consistently.
- As Cyprus navigates this critical period, the government remains committed to enhancing its anti-corruption measures, aiming to bolster its international credibility and uphold democratic values.
In a follow-up conformity report, Greco reviewed the 22 recommendations it previously issued, finding that Cyprus has fully implemented six and partially implemented 13, while three remain unaddressed.
Anti-corruption: Progress in Integrity Measures
Among the recommendations successfully implemented, Cyprus has established clear integrity requirements for government recruits. It also ensured that senior executives undergo integrity checks before their appointments. Additionally, an institutionalised monitoring mechanism for legislative consultations has been set up, along with practical guidance for managing relationships between high-level officials and lobbyists.
Other noteworthy advancements include a coordinated integrity and corruption prevention policy for the police and a process aimed at resolving disciplinary cases promptly and consistently.
Recommendations Still Pending
Despite the progress, Greco highlighted significant gaps in implementation. Cyprus has yet to address recommendations concerning the prevention of former officials from exploiting their previous positions and enhancing cooperation among various government offices for anti-corruption efforts. Furthermore, the need for a consistent approach to resolving disciplinary cases remains unfulfilled.
Assessment of Current Framework
Greco acknowledged the strides made in regulating the legal status of consultants working with government members and the introduction of codes of conduct for high-level officials. However, it expressed that further consolidation of integrity standards and practical guidance is essential for sustained progress.
The recent launch of an “e-consultation” platform for sharing draft legislation was noted as a significant advancement, but Greco reiterated the necessity for a more comprehensive integrity strategy among high-ranking officials.
Calls for Enhanced Staffing and Transparency
The report suggested that increasing staffing levels at the anti-corruption authority could enhance its effectiveness. Additionally, it emphasised the need for transparency in the selection process for the chief of police and related procedures.
Greco also welcomed the partial implementation of reforms such as the strengthening of financial disclosure for police leadership and legislative amendments aimed at protecting whistleblowers from retaliation.
Government’s Response to Greco’s Report
President Nikos Christodoulides responded to the Greco report with a note of optimism, highlighting that only three recommendations remain unaddressed and that the compliance rate exceeds 85%. He regarded this as a testament to the government’s systematic approach to reforms.
Christodoulides framed the report as both a recognition of past efforts and a roadmap for future reforms, asserting that the full implementation of all recommendations is a priority. He emphasised that combating corruption is a collective responsibility for both institutions and citizens, underscoring the importance of trust and integrity in governance.
As Cyprus navigates this critical period, the government remains committed to enhancing its anti-corruption measures, aiming to bolster its international credibility and uphold democratic values.