EU soft law in Cyprus: In search of role and value

This chapter aims to identify and evaluate the use and effects of EU soft in two policy fields, namely competition law and financial regulation within the Cypriot legal order. In carrying out this research, we apply a mixed methodology. With respect to competition law, we analyse the decisions of the national competition authority and the case law of the Cypriot courts. Furthermore, we draw on the Cypriot competition authority’s own perceptions about EU soft law – as these were recorded in the authority’s answer to a questionnaire – to evaluate the latter’s normative and practical impact in the domestic administrative practice. With respect to financial regulation, we carry out an empirical analysis of the published instruments issued by the competent Cypriot regulator and review the relevant case law.