Newsroom
Cyprus and Greece are tightening their security ties, with a clear focus on fighting organized crime, managing migration, and bringing policing into the modern age.
For Cyprus, this isn’t just another diplomatic meeting. The talks come as the country prepares to set up a new Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, a unit expected to go after financial crimes, human trafficking, and other cross-border threats that increasingly affect the island. The new directorate will be built with direct help from Greece and modeled on its specialized crime-fighting unit.
The plans were discussed this week during a meeting between Greek Minister of Citizen Protection Michalis Chrysochoidis and Cyprus’ newly appointed Minister of Justice and Public Order, Konstantinos Fytiris. It was one of Fytiris’ first high-level meetings since taking office in December.
A central topic was how the new Cypriot unit will be staffed, trained, and housed. Greek authorities are set to provide hands-on support, sharing experience, methods, and expertise as the directorate takes shape.
The two sides also talked about closer cooperation against crimes that cross borders, especially financial crime and human trafficking. Migration was high on the agenda as well, with continued coordination through agencies such as Frontex, Europol, and Interpol.
Prison reform also came up. Chrysochoidis said Greece has already drawn up a strategic plan to modernize its prison system, an issue both countries see as key to public safety.
Fytiris proposed regular meetings every six months between Cypriot and Greek security teams, rotating between the two countries, to speed up decisions and avoid delays.
He also called for Cypriot police officers to train at Greek police academies, saying shared education would help officers better handle modern security challenges. He described the idea as a major step forward for Cyprus’ police force.
Chrysochoidis agreed and said Greek police officials have already been told to move ahead with approvals. He also confirmed plans to visit Cyprus soon, ahead of a meeting of European ministers.
