Senior experts and policymakers from the Czechia, Germany, Ireland, Poland and the United Kingdom gathered in Nicosia 5-7 March 2025 to offer advice on internal governance procedures for local authorities in Cyprus. Known as a “Peer Review”, this activity of the Congress focused on the role and responsibilities of vice-mayors following the recent local government reform.  The visit coincided with a discussion in the parliamentary committee on interior affairs on possible amendments to the law on municipalities.

The recent reform led to the merger of 30 municipalities and 63 communities into 20 new municipalities, and the direct election of 93 vice-mayors. Eight months into implementation, challenges have emerged, highlighting the need for further policy debate to harmonise governance mechanisms and strengthen local democracy.  The vice-mayors have recently announced the establishment of a committee to advocate for their role and strengthen their position.

Building on the Council of Europe’s ongoing support for the reform process, the experts presented experience from their national jurisdictions, shared good practice, and provided insights to assist Cypriot national authorities in refining the reform in the context of the ongoing policy debate. 

This activity is part of the project ‘’Enhancing the Local Government Reform in Cyprus’’, implemented by the Centre of Expertise for Multilevel Governance at the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities, with the voluntary contribution of the Government of Cyprus.