Outline
The General Directorate for European Programmes, Coordination & Development in Cyprus is responsible for the efficient management of EU Structural Funds, the Cohesion Fund, and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund. To modernize its approach and comply with the 2014-2020 programming period’s EU regulations, the Directorate initiated the adaptation and upgrade of its existing Management Information System.
The goal is to develop a modern, web-based system that enables real-time, secure, and seamless digital communication between all relevant stakeholders, including beneficiaries, managing authorities, the certifying authority, the audit authority, and intermediary bodies. The system will ensure all financial and administrative processes are executed digitally, securely, and in compliance with EU regulations and Cyprus' governance framework. However such an integrated financial and management system requires tackling several technical, regulatory, and operational challenges.
Approach
To ensure a structured and efficient implementation, the system upgrade project is laid in three key phases: analysis, development, and pilot deployment.
During the analysis phase, our team documented business needs, translated them into technical specifications, and designed the system’s architecture. Security concerns were prioritized to develop a secure and compliant digital environment.
In the development phase, the new system was designed as a web-based platform, accessible via interactive user interfaces and automated system integration tools. The platform supports:
- Interactive and pre-populated forms, reducing administrative workload.
- Automated calculations and embedded validation checks, ensuring data accuracy.
- Automated alerts and notifications, guiding beneficiaries through key actions.
- Real-time project tracking, enabling beneficiaries to monitor project status online.
- Historical data availability, allowing users to access previous records and documents.
By eliminating manual processes and paper-based administration, Cyprus ensures that EU funding is managed effectively and securely, benefiting public institutions, businesses, and the wider economy.
The system is being implemented using advanced enterprise technologies, including Oracle DB 12c, Oracle WebLogic Server 12c, Liferay Portal Server, Java EE, and the Java Play Framework. These ensure robust system performance, security, and interoperability with existing applications.
The final training and pilot deployment phase involves stakeholder training, user testing, and system validation to ensure smooth adoption and long-term operational success.
Results & Impact
The project brings significant improvements in managing EU-funded programmes in Cyprus:
- Streamlined digital workflows, reducing paperwork and administrative delays.
- Enhanced transparency and accountability, ensuring compliance with EU and national regulations.
- Improved user experience, with real-time access to project data and funding updates.
- Secure and reliable data exchange,
By leading the technical upgrade and adaptation of Cyprus’ EU-funded programme management system, we ensure a modern, compliant, and secure digital environment that supports seamless communication, transparency, and efficiency. This project sets a new standard for public administration digitalization, enabling Cyprus to maximize the impact of EU funding while preparing for future programming periods.
