According to an announcement by the office of Cyprus’ Chief Negotiator for EU Accession, George Vassiliou, Cyprus will today close the 24th chapter on Justice and Home Affairs. Chapters remaining are those on Competition Policy, Agriculture, Taxation, Regional Policy & Structural Funds and Financial & Budgetary Provisions.

Chapter 24 is considered one of the most important of the acquis communautaire and covers matters regarding borders, combating of terrorism, asylum and immigration matters, effective operation of the judicial system, local police cooperation with Europol, drug trafficking and other matters.

Based on the requirements for legislative alignment, until the end of the year the House must prepare a number of bills and regulations as well as a series of other practical measures to enable effective implementation of obligations resulting from the acquis.