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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.

Only 1% Of Cyprus Farms Use Precision Farming Technologies

Cyprus remains one of the European Union’s least digitised agricultural economies, with just 1% of farms using precision farming technologies in 2023, according to Eurostat.

The findings come as the EU continues to encourage the adoption of digital tools aimed at improving agricultural productivity, efficiency and sustainability.

Internet Access Expands, But Digital Uptake Lags

Internet access has improved across the bloc, although adoption remains uneven. Eurostat found that 43% of EU farms had internet access in 2023, with northern and central European countries leading the way.

Denmark, Germany, Slovakia, Latvia, the Czech Republic and Austria all reported internet access rates above 90%.

Greater connectivity, however, has not translated into widespread digital adoption. Farm management information systems, which help farmers manage day-to-day operations, were used by only about 11% of EU farms. France was a notable exception, with around 60% of farms using the technology.

Precision Farming Concentrated In Larger Operations

Robotics adoption also remained relatively limited, with only about 7% of EU farms using robotic technologies. Overall, around 18% of farms with utilised agricultural area employed at least one precision farming technology or practice in 2023.

These included robotics for plant protection, band spraying, variable-rate application, precision crop monitoring and soil analysis. Despite representing fewer than one in five farms, these holdings accounted for around 44% of the EU’s utilised agricultural area.

The figures suggest that precision farming remains concentrated among larger agricultural businesses, where investment in digital technologies is typically easier to support.

Cyprus Lags Behind EU Leaders

Luxembourg, Finland and Estonia recorded the highest shares of utilised agricultural area managed by farms using precision farming technologies, each exceeding 75%.

At the other end of the ranking, Cyprus recorded just 1%, while Greece and Romania reported between 10% and 15%. The results indicate that Cyprus remains at an early stage of digital adoption in agriculture, even as precision farming becomes more widespread across parts of the European Union.

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