GRECO made public its 4th Round Second Addendum to the Second Compliance Report on Cyprus this Tuesday, addressing corruption prevention concerning members of parliament, judges, and prosecutors.
The report, adopted on November 27, 2023, states that the seven pending recommendations to Cyprus are considered “partly implemented,” according to the Cypriot delegation to GRECO.
In a press release, the Cypriot delegation stated that GRECO’s Evaluation Report indicates satisfactory implementation or handling of nine out of sixteen recommendations from the Fourth Round Evaluation Report. It notes that all seven pending recommendations have been partly implemented.
Regarding members of parliament, GRECO appreciates the adoption of a Code of Ethics in 2021, coupled with monitoring, advisory, and enforcement mechanisms. The press release encourages authorities to view the Code as a dynamic document adaptable to new emerging integrity-related issues and risks.
GRECO also commends the introduction and further refinement of lobbying rules in 2023. It mentions induction training on ethics for MPs and their assistants, but no regular training throughout the parliamentary term. The press release emphasises the need for additional upgrades to the financial disclosure system, particularly in terms of effective supervision and enforcement. Although a new bill is undergoing parliamentary discussion, it has not yet been enacted.
Concerning judicial power, GRECO states that all recommendations have been complied with. For prosecutors, only one recommendation is pending, focusing on the reform of the Law Office and the independence of prosecutorial functions. GRECO welcomes the draft Law currently before Parliament but suggests additional refinement to ensure individual law officers/prosecutors can carry out their duties autonomously with the necessary rule of law safeguards.
GRECO urges authorities to promptly address the planned reform of the Law Office of the Republic.
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