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President Nicos Christodoulides has outlined a sweeping reform plan for 2025, aiming to enhance governance, strengthen security, and accelerate digital transformation. The proposed changes focus on bolstering institutional integrity, modernizing justice, expanding defense cooperation, and improving public sector efficiency.
Institutional and Legal Reforms
The government plans major overhauls of the Legal and Audit Services to strengthen transparency and combat corruption. President Christodoulides emphasized the importance of political will and parliamentary cooperation in implementing these changes. The Central Bank’s governance will also be restructured in line with Eurozone standards.
In the justice sector, Cyprus aims to modernize arbitration laws to position itself as an international mediation hub. A new Administrative Court of Appeal will be established to expedite cases related to administrative law and international protection.
To restore Cyprus' global reputation, the government will introduce legislation to enhance crime prevention and investigations, incorporating recommendations from the FBI. A National Sanctions Enforcement Unit and a Single Supervisory Authority will also be established.
Public Sector Efficiency and Strategic Planning
Reforms in semi-governmental organizations will focus on improving service quality, financial management, and investment strategies, particularly for commercially active entities. A Long-Term Planning Unit, modeled after European counterparts, will be set up to analyze global trends and technological advancements.
Defense and Security Upgrades
The President underscored efforts to strengthen Cyprus' geopolitical standing and defense capabilities. Cooperation with the U.S. and the EU will lead to upgrades at the "Andreas Papandreou" air base in Paphos and the "Evangelos Florakis" naval base in Mari.
Additionally, the government plans to enhance the National Guard by encouraging voluntary enlistment of women, upgrading reservist and militia programs, and integrating retired officers into civilian roles.
Security reforms will also address disaster preparedness, including firefighting capabilities. The goal is to secure 11 aircraft for emergency response, improve early-warning systems, and develop an app to direct citizens to nearby shelters in case of fires or other disasters.
Cyprus Issue and European Presidency
Christodoulides reaffirmed his commitment to breaking the deadlock in Cyprus reunification talks. He confirmed a scheduled meeting on Feb. 10 with UN Assistant Secretary-General Rosemary Di Carlo and expressed hope for a high-level international conference in March.
The government is also preparing for Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the European Council, aiming to enhance the country’s role in EU integration and strategic autonomy.
Digital Transformation as a Top Priority
Declaring 2025 the “year of digital transformation,” Christodoulides announced five key initiatives:
1. Expansion of e-Government Services – The launch of 60 new digital services, including applications for student grants, employment permits, and school enrollments.
2. Upgrades to the "Digital Citizen" Platform – New digital documents, including a Fan Card and a Minors’ ID, and integration with Greece’s e-government system.
3. Artificial Intelligence Integration – Development of a National AI Strategy and an AI-driven public sector innovation program.
4. Streamlining Bureaucracy – A fast-track system for building permits, ensuring approvals within 40 to 80 days.
5. Faster Social Security Payments – From March, all benefits will be processed within 30 days.
Consequently, the ambitious reform agenda aims to modernize Cyprus, enhance governance, and position the country as a competitive and credible player on the international stage. With a focus on institutional integrity, security, digital innovation, and EU leadership, the government seeks to address long-standing challenges and drive forward-looking change.
