Internal Audit Service Upgraded to Professional Structure in Cyprus

The Internal Audit Service in Cyprus is being upgraded to a professional structure, from a scientific one, at no fiscal cost, following approval from the Minister of Finance in October 2025. This was announced by the Internal Audit Officer, Anna Zavou-Christoforou, to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance.

The Service's budget for 2026 amounts to €2,946,197, with €2,537,977 relating to personnel expenses. The aim of the upgrade is to enhance the Service's efficiency and create a stable Internal Audit System.

The upgrade will be done at no additional cost, with the relevant regulations included in the 2026 Budget amendments. Until 2025, the Service had 40 organic positions in the scientific structure.

Ms. Christoforou stressed the need for staff in each Ministry for more effective control. She also mentioned that the Service is an Audit Authority for EU co-financed programs and is funded through Technical Assistance.

AKEL MP Andreas Kaukalias stated that the Internal Audit Service had not been involved in important projects, such as the natural gas terminal in Vasiliko, due to understaffing.