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New Scheme For ISO Standard Against Corruption

In a significant move to bolster its anti-corruption framework, the Cypriot government has unveiled a scheme to promote the adoption of the ISO 37001 standard among public and private sector organisations. This initiative is part of the broader Recovery and Resilience Plan for Cyprus, allocating €2 million to support approximately 120 entities in implementing the internationally recognised anti-bribery management system.

Strategic Financial Support

The scheme offers financial incentives covering up to 60% of the costs for private sector entities involved in consulting and certification services required for the standard’s implementation. This targeted financial support aims to ease the burden on organisations and encourage widespread adoption of robust anti-corruption practices.

Detailed Implementation Guide

A comprehensive guide detailing the scheme’s parameters, including eligibility criteria, terms of participation, and maximum sponsorship amounts, is available on the Ministry of Justice and Public Order’s website. This guide serves as a vital resource for organisations seeking to understand and benefit from the initiative.

Government’s Commitment to Anti-Corruption

The government has emphasised the importance of this initiative in its broader anti-corruption strategy. By urging relevant public service departments to participate, the government aims to lead by example and underscore its commitment to transparency and integrity. This initiative is expected to enhance the public sector’s capabilities in preventing and combating corruption, thus fostering a more transparent and accountable governance framework.

Broader Implications and Future Directions

The adoption of the ISO 37001 standard is anticipated to have far-reaching implications for Cyprus. By embedding stringent anti-corruption measures within both public and private sectors, the country aims to enhance its global reputation for business integrity. This move aligns with international best practices, positioning Cyprus as a proactive player in the global fight against corruption.

Moreover, the initiative reflects the government’s broader strategy of integrating international standards to improve governance and foster sustainable economic growth. By ensuring that organisations operate with high ethical standards, Cyprus aims to attract foreign investment and boost economic confidence.

EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.

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