Newsroom
Cyprus must continue reforming its justice system to reduce delays and adapt courts to a rapidly changing legal environment, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Tuesday, while stressing that faster proceedings cannot come at the expense of fair trials or judicial independence.
Speaking at the opening of the new judicial year at the Supreme Constitutional Court, Christodoulides said completing justice reforms remained a Government priority, describing an effective justice system as essential not only for citizens but also for the economy, social cohesion and the functioning of the state.
One of the central challenges identified by the President is the time required to resolve court cases. While Cyprus has already undergone major structural changes to its judicial system, he said the quality and speed of the administration of justice still require further work.
The reform of the judicial map introduced on July 1, 2023 established the Supreme Constitutional Court, the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal as key parts of the new structure. Further changes have since been made to administrative justice, including the creation of an Administrative Court of Appeal and a new structure for administrative courts under the Supreme Constitutional Court.
Christodoulides said institutional reform alone was not enough. The Government wants to simplify procedures, reorganise jurisdictions and make better use of judicial time in an effort to reduce the length of proceedings at both first-instance and higher court levels.
Digital courts and artificial intelligence
Technology is expected to play an increasingly important role in this effort.
The President pointed to the digitalisation of court proceedings, the use of new technologies and the further development of the i-Justice system as tools that could improve case management, increase transparency and make access to the courts easier for citizens.
The need for technological adaptation is also being driven by the changing nature of legal disputes. Courts are now dealing with issues involving artificial intelligence, cybercrime, new forms of financial crime, cross-border cases and personal data protection.
These developments, Christodoulides said, are creating a more complex legal environment and placing new demands on the justice system.
The Government is also seeking improvements in court buildings, infrastructure and staffing, arguing that adequate resources are necessary if the courts are to deliver justice efficiently.
Speed cannot come at the expense of fairness
While reducing delays is a major objective, the President stressed that efficiency must be balanced with the quality of judicial decisions and the safeguards associated with a fair trial.
The challenge is therefore not simply to process more cases more quickly, but to create a system that can respond efficiently while maintaining the standards expected of an independent judiciary.
Christodoulides also placed particular emphasis on the separation of powers, saying the independence of the Judiciary was fundamental to democracy.
He said the Executive has a responsibility to provide courts with the infrastructure, resources and legal framework they need, while respecting their constitutional independence. He also referred to the role of Parliament in creating legislation that reflects current needs.
A changing role for the courts
The President's remarks reflect a justice system dealing with challenges that extend beyond traditional court administration. Digital technology, AI, cybercrime and international cases are forcing institutions to adapt while maintaining protections for fundamental rights.
Christodoulides said strong and independent institutions were particularly important in this environment, with the courts responsible for protecting the constitutional order, the rule of law and citizens' rights.
He also thanked judges, lawyers, court registrars and administrative and support staff for their work, describing their responsibilities as substantial.
The Government's stated objective is therefore twofold: to make the courts faster and more accessible while ensuring that the reforms do not weaken the independence, quality or fairness of the justice system.
For Cyprus, the next phase of judicial reform will involve not only changing the structure of the courts, but also determining how effectively technology, resources and new procedures can translate those reforms into faster and more accessible justice for citizens.
