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Cyprus Approves National Anti-Fraud Strategy For 2026-2031

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

June 2, 2026

Unified Framework For Enhanced Fiscal Integrity

Cyprus has approved its first National Anti-Fraud Strategy for the protection of the European Union’s financial interests, covering the 2026-2031 period. The strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers on May 27, is accompanied by a five-year action plan aimed at strengthening transparency, improving oversight and protecting both EU and public funds.

Comprehensive Measures And Collaborative Oversight

The Strategy establishes a cohesive national framework aimed at preventing, detecting, investigating, recovering, and monitoring fraud-related incidents that impact the EU’s financial interests. Covering both expenditure and revenue elements of the EU budget, the Strategy also targets critical funding areas for the Republic of Cyprus, including the Cohesion Policy, Common Agricultural Policy, Common Fisheries Policy, Migration and Home Affairs, as well as the Recovery and Resilience Facility.

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Developed by AFCOS Cyprus with support from the General Accountant of the Republic and technical assistance from the OECD under an EU-funded project, the Strategy leverages coordinated efforts to mitigate fraud risks. Key figures in its implementation include the General Accountant of the Republic, the General Public Prosecutor, the Chief of Police, the Tax Commissioner, and several other high-level officials.

Robust Implementation And Digital Integration

An integral part of the Strategy is a five-year action plan that details specific measures, timelines, performance indicators, and designated authorities responsible for enforcement. Emphasis is placed on risk assessment, enhanced controls, capacity building among involved agencies, and refining procedures for reporting and referring instances of fraud. The plan also outlines the use of digital tools to improve coordination among services, thereby ensuring more effective fraud prevention and response.

Implementation will be closely monitored by AFCOS Cyprus, with biannual progress reviews and an annual report submitted to both the Minister of Finance and the Ministerial Council. This initiative forms a critical step in Cyprus’ broader commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration and ensuring proactive fraud detection.

By adopting its first National Anti-Fraud Strategy, the Republic of Cyprus further cements its commitment to legal integrity, transparency, and the effective stewardship of European funds, setting a benchmark for comprehensive financial governance in the region.

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New Era For Kato Pyrgos: Major Upgrade To Fishing Refuge Unveiled

Project Overview

Plans to modernize the Fishing Refuge of Kato Pyrgos were announced by the Public Works Department, marking the start of a project valued at more than €6 million. The upgrade will focus on the existing port facilities and is intended to support professional and recreational fishermen, while also serving the growing demand for recreational boating in the area.

For years, Kato Pyrgos has faced challenges linked to its geographic location and limited maritime infrastructure. The proposed works are designed to improve access, safety and operational capacity at the refuge.

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Key Infrastructure Enhancements

According to the project’s environmental and engineering studies, the planned works combine port infrastructure improvements with measures aimed at protecting the Tillyria Bay ecosystem.

Proposed upgrades include:

Extending and reinforcing the main breakwater using natural boulders and precast concrete elements to improve protection from northwesterly winter waves.
Dredging the seabed to remove accumulated sediment and increase water depth, allowing safer access and docking for larger vessels.
Replacing existing docking infrastructure with reinforced concrete platforms, including new loading ramps, fenders and safety staircases.
Installing facilities for the collection of used oils and vessel waste, together with integrated fire-fighting systems.

Timeline And Economic Impact

Interested contractors have until July 17 to submit bids, which will be assessed on the basis of both cost and technical criteria. Following the planned contract award on November 17, 2026, construction is expected to last 24 months, with completion targeted for 2028, subject to any appeals process.

Project documentation indicates that the works are expected to create employment during the construction phase while improving maritime infrastructure in the region. Part of a broader programme of infrastructure investment in coastal and remote communities, the Kato Pyrgos upgrade has been prioritised by the Public Works Department.