Supranational criminal enforcement in the Island of Aphrodite: EPPO’s symbiosis with the Attorney general of the Cyprus Republic

This article assesses the application of the EPPO apparatus in the Cypriot legal system and demonstrates its ability to challenge and transform basic constitutional principles of criminal enforcement in the island. The discussion begins with some crucial reflections on the EPPO’s structure and mission in the Union configuration, which contextualise the ensuing narration. That is followed by a succinct analysis of the prevailing principles of the Cyprus investigative and prosecutorial regime, which improves our appreciation of its specificities. Next the most salient aspects of the implementing legislation are thoroughly explored, thus unveiling the conceptual disposition of the Cypriot administration and legislature towards the EPPO transplant. The inquiry proceeds with consideration of the difficulties raised by the EPPO’s cohabitation with the domestic prosecutorial authority. The article concludes with a brief remark on future EPPO related litigation.