The priorities of his portfolio for the Cypriot Presidency were presented by the Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fytiris, before the Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs (LIBE), underlining that Cyprus is assuming the responsibility ‘with pride but also with a high sense of responsibility.’
‘The Cypriot Presidency serves with deep faith in the power of European unity and autonomy, in democracy, human rights and the rule of law,’ he said, stressing that at a time of complex geopolitical and social challenges, Cyprus aspires to act ‘as a bridge of cooperation, as a reliable mediator and as a Member State that contributes substantively to the collective European effort for a more autonomous, secure, competitive and open Europe.’
A central priority of the Presidency, as he made clear, will be tackling serious and organised crime. ‘Organised crime is evolving at unprecedented speed and requires an equally dynamic response,’ he noted, adding that ‘we need a comprehensive, multi-sectoral strategy capable of adapting to the changing nature of criminal networks.’
Fytiris stressed that this response ‘must be reflected in action plans, operational cooperation and legislative initiatives,’ while also underlining the importance of cooperation with third countries and the private sector: ‘Without strong international and cross-sectoral cooperation, we cannot stay one step ahead of criminal networks.’
He placed particular emphasis on the recovery and confiscation of illegally acquired assets. ‘The most effective way to combat organised crime is to target the economic pillars of criminal networks,’ he stressed, adding that ‘striking at the roots of crime passes through strong tools for asset recovery and confiscation.’
He also referred to the proposals submitted at the informal Justice Council in Nicosia, which he found interesting and which ‘will be carefully examined by the Cypriot Presidency.’
On economic and financial crime, he warned that ‘criminal networks are increasingly penetrating the legal economy and using sophisticated money-laundering techniques to conceal their illicit profits.’
He described the directive on asset recovery and confiscation as ‘a powerful tool in the hands of the authorities’ and stressed that its transposition into national law must be completed by November 2026.
‘We cannot speak about combating organised crime without highlighting the contribution of Europol,’ the minister underlined. As he said, the Cypriot Presidency will contribute so that the forthcoming revision of its mandate ‘is evidence-based and responds to the real operational needs of the Member States.’
On the new EMPACT cycle 2026-2029, he noted that it ‘ensures the continuation of efforts against drug trafficking, economic and financial crime and other serious criminal activities,’ stressing that operational cooperation and financial investigations ‘must remain at the core of the European response.’
On the new EU strategic framework on drugs, the Minister underlined that ‘drug policy can only be effective if it simultaneously includes combating trafficking and reducing use and its harmful consequences.’ He made special reference to alternative measures to detention for minors and young users and, as ministers discussed at the informal Council in Nicosia, ‘detention must remain a measure of last resort. Diversion towards the health sector and addiction treatment can have very positive results, both for those concerned and for society.’
On preventing and combating child sexual abuse, he stated that the goal of the Cypriot Presidency is ‘to contribute to reaching a political agreement as soon as possible,’ so that ‘a sound and effective act can be adopted for the protection of children and the fight against this abhorrent crime.’
He recalled that the temporary derogation from privacy rules in electronic communications ‘expires on 3 April’ and warned that, without agreement, ‘there is a real risk of a legal vacuum.’ At the same time, on data retention, he pointed out that ‘the key issue is the right balance between the need for effective criminal investigations and the protection of the individual’s fundamental rights.’
Referring to the Schengen area, Fytiris stressed that ‘the rapid implementation of the agreed measures is a crucial step towards restoring a fully functioning area without checks at internal borders.’
On Frontex, ‘the Agency’s core mission must remain supporting Member States on returns and protecting our common external borders,’ he noted, adding that any increase in the Agency’s staff ‘must be based on an assessment of real operational needs.’
‘Violent extremism continues to pose a serious threat to the European Union,’ he said, speaking of a ‘worrying surge in radicalisation and the recruitment of minors,’ while noting that the main threat for Member States remains jihadism. He also referred to new forms of threat through artificial intelligence, the internet and new technologies: ‘The threat is evolving and we must continuously adapt our tools and policies.’
In closing, Fytiris assured that Cyprus is assuming the Presidency ‘with confidence, realism and commitment to our fundamental shared values,’ looking forward to ‘close and constructive cooperation with the European Parliament.’ As he said characteristically, ‘security, justice and human rights are not conflicting goals; they are interlinked prerequisites for a strong and democratic Europe.’