As the Cyprus legal system grapples with judicial delays, public mistrust and the urgent need for modernisation, the Cyprus Bar Association (CBA) finds itself at the heart of reform efforts.
Here, CBA President Michael Vorkas reflects on the Association’s achievements, the setbacks that continue to test the justice system and the reforms required to restore trust, safeguard independence and align Cyprus with the highest European standards regarding the rule of law.
What have been the main challenges faced by the CBA over the past year? Tell us about your key achievements and the issues that are currently at the top of your agenda.
This past year, the CBA has faced two major challenges: the promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) practices as a credible and efficient complement to traditional litigation, and the deepening public mistrust of the justice system. We have intensified pressure on the competent authorities to implement the long-overdue courts project, mainly the Nicosia District Court, where working conditions remain unacceptable.
Additionally, we have strongly advocated for the creation of an independent judicial service staffed with trained administrative personnel to support judicial efficiency. A priority remains the pending reform of the first-instance jurisdiction, which is essential for alleviating court congestion. We have also prioritised and intensified the promotion of ADR through the Cyprus Arbitration and Mediation Centre (CAMC), in collaboration with OEB and the CCCI, as part of a collective effort by all involved stakeholders.
Key achievements include restoring operational continuity, strengthening institutional advocacy, promoting legal education and the role of lawyers in safeguarding justice. Looking ahead, we prioritise transparency, mediation and arbitration, reliable digital justice tools and structural reforms to restore trust and modernise the justice system.
The House of Representatives has approved the Investment Funds Administrators Law and introduced amendments to the NIS Law to align it with the EU NIS2 Directive. How would you assess the legal community’s preparedness to navigate these evolving regulatory frameworks and what role should the Bar Association play in guiding practitioners through such complex and technical legislative shifts?
Although the said legislative enactments seek to bring the Republic of Cyprus on a par with other EU Member States concerning not only financial competitiveness but also cybersecurity enhancement, the legal community and – I dare say – the business community await a comprehensive information campaign and discussion as to the practical application of the legislative measures to be organised by the respective competent Ministries.
The CBA will, of course, address any issues mentioned by its members by submitting relevant queries to the competent Ministries and updating them through informative events, as already happened with Foreign Direct Investment screening, and enquiring directly to EU Commission, as was the case concerning the implementation of the Commission’s Recommendation 2025/63 of 15 January 2025 on the review of outbound investments in areas of technology deemed critical for the economic security of the European Union.
How confident are you that the ongoing reforms – judicial digitalisation, lawmaking transparency, anti‑corruption frameworks, etc. – will transform Cyprus into a robust European rule‑of‑law jurisdiction?
These reforms are vital steps in aligning Cyprus with core European rule-of-law standards but reforms are insufficient without effective implementation, institutional integrity and sustained political will. Crucially, justice sector reforms require serious, targeted public investment. The state must ensure that funding is adequate, strategic and subject to rigorous evaluation to support the timely and effective delivery of reform projects.
The CBA believes in a holistic approach – one that protects judicial independence, strengthens accountability and makes justice more accessible to all. We remain hopeful – but also realistic. If reforms are carried out with care, cooperation, proper financing and transparency, Cyprus does have the potential to evolve into a modern, credible European rule-of-law state – not just in words but in action.
The European Commission's 2025 Rule of Law Report emphasises the importance of specialised courts and judges – particularly in commercial law – to speed up justice and improve business confidence. How is Cyprus progressing in this area, and what obstacles remain?
The 2025 Rule of Law Report rightly highlights the need for specialised courts and judges, particularly in commercial law but, unfortunately, in Cyprus, progress has been disappointingly slow. Despite legislative initiatives, no specialised judges have yet been appointed and recruitment delays persist.
Bureaucratic procedures continue to obstruct reform efforts, undermining momentum and frustrating both practitioners and stakeholders. A deeper cultural shift is also required – towards a mindset that is flexible, responsive and action-oriented. In an era of rapid change, justice systems must be agile and forward-looking. The CBA calls for the urgent acceleration of reforms, streamlined procedures and a judicial culture that not only reflects modern needs but is capable of anticipating them in practice.
The Report also flags remaining gaps in public procurement transparency and anti-corruption frameworks. What reforms would you prioritise to bolster integrity and public trust in the Cypriot justice system?
It is a fact that serious gaps remain in public procurement transparency and the fight against corruption – both of which directly affect public confidence in institutions, including the justice system. To strengthen integrity, we believe that reforms must focus on real-time transparency in public spending, the empowerment of independent oversight bodies and the full implementation of whistleblower protection, ensuring alignment with the EU Directives.
Equally important is to ensure that the legislative amendments guarantee the operational independence and effectiveness of prosecutorial and audit mechanisms. The CBA calls for a stronger ethical framework for public officials and regular public reporting on anti-corruption efforts that reinforces compliance, monitoring and enforcement structures. Restoring trust requires more than announcements – it requires action, accountability and a justice system that is not only independent but seen to be independent, fair and beyond political influence.
Following the failure of the e-Justice system, what are your next steps? Are there any concrete measures currently planned to address the challenges it created?
Following the failure of the e-Justice system, the CBA strongly advocated for the reinstatement of the i-Justice platform, which remains in force today. While it has restored stability, we are calling for a structured upgrade plan to address its limitations. Concrete measures include scheduled technical updates, better user support, improved document handling functions and the possible integration with other public services.
We are actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure that upgrades reflect real user needs and that changes are tested before implementation. Our goal is to avoid past mistakes and build digital tools that serve – not obstruct – justice. The digital transition must be built on functionality, reliability and trust, with a justice system that evolves in line with the demands of modern society and is capable of genuinely working for legal professionals and the people it serves.
(Photo: Michael Kyprianou)
This interview first appeared in the August edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
