A significant increase in whistleblower reports was recorded in 2025, as 85 reports were submitted to the competent authorities, compared to 25 in 2024 and 12 in 2023. The data are included in an answer by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fytiris, to a question by Limassol MP Michalis Paraskevas, regarding the implementation of the legislation on the protection of whistleblowers in the public sector.
Of the 85 reports in 2025, 51 concerned corruption issues. 48 were investigated and the investigation for 28 was completed. In six cases, the investigations were closed due to a lack of sufficient evidence, while in the remaining 22 other out-of-court proceedings were initiated.
In 2024, 20 out of 25 reports were investigated, while in 2023 all 12 were examined. Of the 2023 reports, seven led to the initiation of proceedings, with none ending in a court proceeding.
In his question, Mr. Paraskevas requested, among other things, data on the number of public bodies that have internal reporting channels, the complaints submitted since 2023, their outcome, as well as the measures to protect whistleblowers from retaliation.
There is no centralized control
According to the Minister's answer, there is no central body that controls the operation of internal reference channels in the public sector, as this is an internal matter of each ministry, service or department. As it is clarified, neither the European Directive nor the national legislation provides for an obligation to create such a body.
The Ministry of Justice states that it has sent letters to the competent authorities, informing them of their obligations, while it has posted on its website a list of authorities to which citizens can turn, depending on the nature of the possible violation.
However, the Ministry does not collect data on complaints of retaliation against whistleblowers, as this is not included in the information required to be submitted to the European Commission under the European Directive and national legislation.
What does the legislation provide?
Regarding the protection of whistleblowers, Mr. Fytiris states that the legislation ensures the confidentiality of their identity, as well as the identity of the persons mentioned in the complaints.
In the event of retaliation, whistleblowers may apply to the competent court to have them lifted and to claim damages. The legislation also provides that retaliatory measures are considered null and void and, in the event of dismissal for reporting, reinstatement may even be ordered.
Measures to protect the anonymity of informants who are called to testify as witnesses in criminal proceedings are also provided, as well as an obligation for employers to take measures to prevent and remove retaliation.
As stated in the response, the relevant provisions were evaluated by the European Commission in the context of the incorporation of the Directive into national legislation, with amendments to be made in February 2024. Since then, according to the Minister, the Committee has not returned.
