Dialogos

Cyprus Targeted for Delays in Transparency and Banking Supervision

Published March 28, 2026, 07:02
Cyprus Targeted for Delays in Transparency and Banking Supervision

The European Commission is increasing pressure on Cyprus, along with 19 other member states, for delays in incorporating important European directives related to business transparency and banking supervision. The Commission has sent warning letters regarding the failure to complete the incorporation of the directive for the European Single Access Point (ESAP), a digital platform that will collect corporate information in a standardized format. The delay does not concern new disclosure obligations, but the technical adaptation of how data is presented. The operation of ESAP is considered crucial for maintaining competitiveness, especially for countries like Cyprus, whose economy relies on financial services. However, adaptation requires significant technical changes and costs for both the public and private sectors. At the same time, the Commission sent warning letters to 22 member states, including Cyprus, for the delay in incorporating the Sixth Directive on Capital Requirements (CRD6), which introduces stricter supervision rules for banks and strengthens the powers of supervisory authorities. CRD6 places particular emphasis on the activity of banks from third countries and incorporates risks related to environmental and social factors (ESG). These developments are part of the EU's strategy to deepen the integration of capital markets and strengthen the stability of the financial system. However, the delays in implementing the directives highlight the difficulties and contradictions in European integration, as well as the cost of adaptation for member states.