The Procedural Law Unit served as the Knowledge Partner for the panel discussion entitled “Rule of Law beyond Formal Independence: Accountability, Remedies, and Public Trust”, held as part of the Cyprus Forum in September 2026.
The panel was chaired by our Director, Dr. Nicolas Kyriakides, and brought together representatives from the legal profession, independent institutions and European bodies to examine the challenges of safeguarding the rule of law beyond formal institutional independence.
The discussion featured Haris Boyiadjis, Transparency Commissioner; Menelaos Kyprianou, Managing Partner of Michael Kyprianou Law Firm; Sophia Kleopa Hadjikyriakou, Law Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus; Anne Pantazi, European Prosecutor at the European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO); and Symeon Keletzis, Founder and Coordinator of the EU Diplomatic LGBTIQ+ Network, as well as a senior diplomat with the European External Action Service (EEAS).
The panel examined the importance of ensuring that formal institutional independence is accompanied by accountability, transparent decision-making, effective remedies and public trust. Particular attention was given to judicial delays, access to justice, independent oversight and the need for reforms that strengthen the effectiveness of justice institutions.
During the discussion, Mr. Boyiadjis outlined the work of the Independent Authority Against Corruption, particularly its efforts to address outstanding complaints and strengthen its investigative powers. Mr. Kyprianou focused on the impact of judicial delays on access to justice, emphasising the need for greater investment in judicial infrastructure, digitalisation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
Ms. Hadjikyriakou highlighted the institutional role of the Office of the Law Commissioner and its ongoing legislative initiatives, while Ms. Pantazi stressed the importance of substantive judicial independence and the role of the EPPO in upholding the rule of law across EU Member States. The discussion also considered the wider European dimension of the rule of law, with Mr. Keletzis emphasising its significance to the European Union’s identity and credibility.
Through its role as Knowledge Partner, the Procedural Law Unit contributed to the discussion of key challenges facing justice systems and the reforms needed to strengthen accountability, access to justice and public confidence in legal institutions.