ISF Programme
1. Programme strategy: main challenges and policy responses
Τhe general objective of Cyprus is to ensure a high level of internal security. CY Strategy is under constant monitoring in order to be fully harmonised with EU priorities incl. recommendations from related reports (Schengen evaluations, Country Specific Recommendations) and any national policy developments. The main policy areas are:
Preventing and combating terrorism and radicalisation
Preventing and combating serious and organised crime
Combating serious crime/corruption
Tackling Financial Crime
Combating trafficking in drugs
Combating Cybercrime
Combating Trafficking in Human Beings (THB)
- The RoC based on the Accession Act in 2003 is committed to fully applying the Schengen acquis. The preparation for its full accession into the Schengen Area is still in process and there are still needs to be covered. The Programme will be used to accommodate any Schengen Evaluation with financial implications that may be issued to CY.
Based on the national and EU strategic priorities, progress of actions implemented in PP2014-2020, the Schengen evaluations and gaps identified, CY aims to achieve the following:
- Improve the exchange and enhance the analysis of information capabilities with other MS, Europol and/or third countries, including through the implementation of recommendations from relevant evaluation mechanisms, such as Schengen Evaluation.
- Improve coordination and cooperation of competent authorities as well as EU LEAs.
- Strengthen cross border cooperation in relation to crime with MS and neighboring third countries.
- Ensure continuous training of Police officers and other relevant staff, in close coordination with CEPOL, with a view to avoiding duplication and maximizing synergies.
- Enhance operational capacity in order to become more effective and compatible to the latest standards.
Specific Objectives (SO)
Solidarity and fair responsibility sharing are essential for the effective management of disproportionate migratory pressures faced by front line Member States such as Cyprus.
- Set up/adapt and maintain ICT systems/ applications/ new software to increase the exchange of information between MS/ Europol.
- Ensure interoperability of IT systems (e.g., Passenger Information Units (PIU) at national level to develop and implement a Passenger Name Record IT System, API System).
- Implementation of actions based on the Schengen Evaluation.
- Continue and enhance participation to actions in the context of EMPACT.
- Promote exchange of information and best practices regarding various types of serious and organized crime with other MS and/or third countries in areas such as organized crime, fight against cybercrime, drug trafficking, human trafficking.
- Increase the coordination and cooperation of relevant competent authorities through actions such cooperation of SPOCs of CY and other MS, secondments.
- Increase training to enhance operational skills and implementation of the EU Law Enforcement Training Scheme in collaboration with CEPOL, with a view to avoiding duplication and maximizing synergies.
- Improve investigation procedures and cooperation among relevant bodies.
2. Potential beneficiaries under the ISF funding instrument
Potential beneficiaries under the ISF funding instrument are the relevant public bodies who hold a de jure responsibility to form and regulate the policy of CY regarding the areas covered by the Fund. Other potential beneficiaries include academic institutions, international organizations, social partners, and any other body that may have an impact in the identification, protection and support of victims of crime, incl. trafficking of human beings, cybercrime, migrant smuggling, child sexual abuse and drugs.
CY Police
Ministry of Justice and Public Order
Ministry of Interior
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (risk and crisis)
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sport and Youth
Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance (MLWSI)
Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare
Social Welfare Services
Deputy Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digital Policy (IT systems)
Information Technology Department of Police
Police Drug Law Enforcement Service
Police Crime Combating Department
Police Criminalistic Services
Police Cybercrime Office
Police Emergency Responce Unit
European Union & International Police Cooperation Directorate (EU&IPCD)
Legal Service (judicial system)
Judicial Service (judicial system)
Civil Registry and Migration Department (human trafficking)