“Cyprus has taken important steps in recent years to strengthen its anti-corruption framework and reinforce institutional safeguards. The establishment of the Independent Authority Against Corruption is a significant development, while the European Commission has rightly identified recommendations that remain outstanding, particularly regarding the Authority’s operational independence and effectiveness,” says Cyprus Bar Association President Michael Vorkas.
From judicial reform and the rule of law to artificial intelligence and anti-corruption measures, the president talks about the progress made so far, the challenges to the justice system still requiring solutions and the priorities for the years ahead.
What has been your greatest achievement at the Cyprus Bar Association and what is the CBA’s biggest challenge right now?
Our greatest achievement has been strengthening the CBA’s role as a key institutional stakeholder in shaping the future of the justice system. Today, the CBA is actively consulted by the House of Representatives, ministries, the judiciary and other public bodies on legislative initiatives and reforms, reflecting the trust placed in our expertise and the constructive role we play in public policymaking. At the same time, we have further enhanced our international presence through our active participation in organisations such as the CCBE and the European Lawyers Foundation. Our most pressing challenge remains the continued strengthening of the rule of law. The recommendations of the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report provide a valuable roadmap for improving judicial efficiency, transparency and public confidence through their effective implementation.
While that Rule of Law Report welcomes the progress made on judicial reform in Cyprus, it also notes that court delays remain. Are we any closer to solving this longstanding issue or are we merely managing it?
The judicial reforms, the establishment of the Admiralty Court, the anticipated commencement of the Commercial Court, the introduction of new procedural rules and digitalisation initiatives such as iJustice are all important steps in the right direction. But yes, the European Commission’s Rule of Law Report also highlights that significant challenges remain, particularly regarding the length of judicial proceedings and the enforcement of court judgments. These are issues that continue to affect both businesses and citizens. The CBA shares these concerns. In fact, recognising the importance of effective enforcement, we have prepared a draft bill aimed at improving the enforcement of court judgments, which is currently pending before the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee. While progress has been made in reducing the backlog of older cases, improvements in some of the most critical areas remain slower than expected, despite the repeated recommendations of the European Commission and the views expressed by all stakeholders. The challenge now is not to identify the problems but to ensure that the reforms deliver measurable results in practice. This also requires investing in people. Judges serving in specialised jurisdictions should possess the necessary expertise and receive continuous, specialised training before and throughout their appointment. A modern justice system depends not only on sound legislation and technology but also on highly skilled judicial professionals capable of dealing with increasingly complex legal and commercial disputes.
Have the reforms met European Commission standards or do significant recommendations remain outstanding?
Cyprus has undoubtedly made significant progress in aligning its justice system with European standards and this has been recognised by the European Commission in successive Rule of Law Reports. Important reforms have been introduced, including the restructuring of the courts, the establishment of specialised jurisdictions and the ongoing digitalisation of the justice system. However, it would be premature to conclude that this objective has been fully achieved. The Commission makes it clear that several key recommendations remain outstanding, including the reform of the Law Office of the Republic, the establishment of an effective review mechanism for decisions not to prosecute or discontinue criminal proceedings, and the creation of an Independent Courts Service. It also identifies continuing challenges relating to judicial staffing, court infrastructure and facilities, and delays in the full operation of the Commercial Court. Beyond the recommendations identified by the European Commission, the CBA believes that further structural reforms should also be considered, including the separation of civil and criminal jurisdictions. Greater judicial specialisation would strengthen both the quality and efficiency of justice and better equip the courts to deal with increasingly complex cases. At the same time, priority should be given to implementing further digital reforms, including digital audio recording systems in courtrooms, remote hearings and the electronic presentation of documents and evidence during hearings. The challenge is no longer defining the reform agenda but ensuring its timely and effective implementation so that these reforms deliver tangible improvements for citizens, businesses and the legal profession.
The European Commission has also called for stronger safeguards for the Independent Authority Against Corruption. Does Cyprus have the legal framework and institutional capacity to tackle high-level corruption effectively?
Cyprus has taken important steps in recent years to strengthen its anti-corruption framework and reinforce institutional safeguards. The establishment of the Independent Authority Against Corruption is a significant development, while the European Commission has rightly identified recommendations that remain outstanding, particularly regarding the Authority’s operational independence and effectiveness. As the representative body of the legal profession, the CBA is actively contributing to this process through its Anti-Corruption Committee, which participates in parliamentary consultations on legislation relating to the prevention and combating of corruption, as well as the legal framework governing the Independent Authority Against Corruption. This reflects our commitment to ensuring that reforms are both practical and effective. Ultimately, the legal framework is only part of the solution. Its success depends on consistent implementation, adequate resources, institutional independence and the equal application of the law. Public confidence is strengthened when institutions are seen to operate independently, transparently and without exception.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) is increasingly being promoted across Europe. Is Cyprus ambitious enough to embrace mediation and arbitration as viable alternatives?
ADR is no longer an option; it is an essential component of a modern justice system. The CBA has been at the forefront of promoting it through the establishment of the Cyprus Arbitration and Mediation Centre (CAMC), which provides a modern institutional framework for arbitration and mediation in line with international best practices. However, there is still considerable potential to unlock. ADR should become the first consideration in appropriate disputes and not the last resort after lengthy litigation. This requires a cultural shift among legal professionals, businesses and the public, supported by continuous training, greater awareness and confidence in these mechanisms. The CBA remains fully committed to promoting mediation and arbitration as effective, efficient and internationally recognised means of resolving disputes while strengthening Cyprus’ competitiveness as a regional legal and business hub.
The legal profession is no exception where the growing role of artificial intelligence is concerned and AI is already drafting contracts, analysing documents and reviewing evidence. Which aspects of legal practice will ultimately remain in human hands?
AI has enormous potential to enhance the legal profession by improving efficiency, reducing administrative burdens and expanding access to legal information and services. The CBA embraces innovation while recognising the need for responsible use. Through its Technology Committee, the CBA has developed guidelines on the appropriate use of AI tools and platforms by lawyers, drawing on the EU AI Act and relevant European guidelines, and has informed and educated its members to ensure that these technologies are used responsibly and in full compliance with professional obligations. At the same time, we are exploring, in collaboration with CyLaw, the development of an AI-powered legal platform to support legal research. However, AI should remain a tool that supports lawyers and judges, not one that replaces their professional judgment. The interpretation of the law, the exercise of legal and ethical judgment, advocacy, negotiation and ultimately judicial decision-making must always remain in human hands. Justice requires independence, empathy, accountability and an understanding of the human context that technology cannot replicate. At the same time, AI can improve access to justice by making legal services more efficient and affordable. Our responsibility is to ensure that its benefits are accessible to all, and that appropriate safeguards, transparency and ethical standards prevent the emergence of a two-tier justice system based on technological advantage rather than equal access to justice.
This interview first appeared in the August edition of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
