Continued concerns over prolonged delays in the justice system remain high, the House legal committee heard on Wednesday.

Despite recent reforms, significant structural and procedural issues continue to slow down the delivery of justice.

Speaking after a session of the House committee, Akel MP Aristos Damianos highlighted the ongoing problems. He acknowledged progress but warned that Cyprus still ranks last in Europe for justice spending and first for case delays.

Years after key judicial reforms were passed, including the separation of the Supreme Court and the establishment of the Court of Appeal, many issues persist. Court buildings remain inadequate, creating difficulties for daily users, including lawyers and people with disabilities. Staffing shortages, particularly in Nicosia, contribute to an increasing backlog of cases.

Damianos noted that cases from 2022 onwards are already facing significant delays, adding to an already burdened system. The failure to enforce court decisions is also a growing problem, with no immediate solution in sight.

One major concern raised is the lack of a specialised judicial training school in Cyprus. Damianos stressed the need for a modern institution where lawyers can receive training before becoming judges, following the model of other European countries.

“Judges, especially in district courts, need more specialisation,” he said, underlining the importance of proper education in ensuring fair and efficient rulings.

Despite acknowledging progress, Damianos echoed past warnings from the Supreme Court that the justice system is at risk of collapse. The combination of low funding, court congestion and enforcement failures continues to undermine public confidence.

“We have taken steps forward, but many critical issues remain unresolved,” he concluded.

As Cyprus works to modernise its legal system, the effectiveness of these reforms will depend on addressing these deep-rooted structural weaknesses.