Nicosia: Cyprus has made significant progress in enhancing its legal framework to prevent corruption and promote integrity in the central government and the police, according to a follow-up report released today by the Council of Europe´s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), which notes however that further reforms are still needed.
According to Cyprus News Agency, in a report assessing compliance with the 22 recommendations issued to the country in an evaluation report in 2023, GRECO concludes that Cyprus has fully implemented six recommendations and partially implemented 13. Three recommendations remain unimplemented.
Specifically, GRECO welcomes the adoption of codes of conduct for members of the government and consultants-associates, which now cover all top executive functions except the President of the Republic. It adds that training sessions have been organised by the Independent Anti-Corruption Authority for the individuals concerned. The report notes that work remains to be done to consolidate all integrity standards and provide practical guidance.
Other positive steps, the press release says, include the publication of the Code of Practice for the better implementation of the Law on the Right of Access to Public Sector Information and the launch of an e-platform for public consultation on draft legislation.
GRECO also welcomes the publication of the practical guide on lobbying and related explanatory circulars, as well as the strengthening of the financial disclosure regime for persons with top executive functions and its enforcement mechanism but highlights the need for more regular financial reporting.
Some of the outstanding recommendations, the press release says, concern the need to develop a coordinated strategy based on risk assessment to promote integrity of persons with top executive functions, reform the confidential advice mechanism, review the post-employment regime, reinforce the staffing of the Anti-Corruption Agency, and streamline the work of the anti-corruption oversight bodies. Further measures are also needed to improve public access to information, the press release adds.
Regarding law enforcement agencies, GRECO welcomes the strengthening of the financial disclosure regime for the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police and the legislative amendments enhancing the protection of whistleblowers against retaliation. Another positive development has been the establishment of external and internal reporting channels in the police, it continues.
On the other hand, GRECO encourages the authorities to pursue several ongoing reform projects in the police, particularly the streamlining of the oversight and accountability mechanisms. Action is also required to address the gender balance in the police and to make the confidential counselling mechanism fully operational.
The report recommends greater transparency in the selection process for the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police, as well as in all promotion and transfer procedures, and improvements in the disciplinary system.
GRECO asks the Cypriot authorities to submit additional information on the implementation of outstanding recommendations by 31 December 2026.
The Group of States against Corruption (GRECO) is a Council of Europe body that aims to improve the capacity of its members to fight corruption by monitoring their compliance with anti-corruption standards. It helps states to identify deficiencies in national anti-corruption policies, prompting the necessary legislative, institutional and practical reforms. It comprises the 46 Council of Europe member states, Kazakhstan and the United States of America.