The Council of Europe’s Group of States against Corruption (GRECO), in a report published today, calls on Cyprus to pursue its efforts to prevent corruption in respect of persons with top executive functions and as regards the personnel of the Cyprus Police.

GRECO notes that while the legislation has some strong features on paper, its effectiveness is compromised by institutional flaws including the proliferation of committees with little coordination, resources, expertise and authority. Cyprus needs a stronger system of accountability in government to prevent risks of undue influence. The issue of conflicts of interest, including in relation to revolving doors, is a particular challenge in Cyprus, yet its treatment is narrow in scope. GRECO also notes that more needs to be done regarding asset disclosure, particularly to strengthen the corresponding supervisory and enforcement mechanisms.   Additional steps are also needed in respect of access to information.

Regarding the Police, GRECO calls for targeted measures to enhance the objectivity and transparency of decisions on the selection of officers for higher ranks, promotions, and transfers. This also applies to the appointment and removal of the Chief and the Deputy Chief of the police. GRECO notes the need to strengthen vetting procedures, upon recruitment and at regular intervals. The representation of women in all ranks in the police as part of recruitment and of internal upwards career moves should be strengthened. GRECO also notes the need for a holistic overhaul of how complaints against the police are lodged and processed, as well as visibility and accountability as to how they are handled. Improvements are also needed regarding discipline so as to better ensure that cases are decided in a timely manner and that misconduct is effectively punished. Finally, it is critical that the newly introduced legislation on whistleblowing protection is coupled with appropriate implementation measures effectively enabling police officers to speak up in a safe manner.

The implementation of the recommendations addressed to Cyprus will be assessed by GRECO in 2025 through its compliance procedure.

Link to the report: English – French – Greek*

*unofficial translation, as provided by the authorities