NICOSIA — Trying to accelerate how fast cases are heard in Cypriot courts – the average now is almost seven years – Justice Minister Emily Yiolitis submitted reform bills to lawmakers, asking they be voted on before May 30 parliamentary elections.

Cyprus ranks among the slowest countries in the EU for delivering swift justice, according to international institutions, said The Financial Mirror, the average in the bloc about eight months.

The measures, which weren't detailed, were drawn up in consultation with a working group made up of Members of Parliament and the Cyprus Bar Association and reviewed by the Supreme Court.

“Today is a milestone for the much-awaited justice reform, which is a priority of the current government and me personally,” Yiolitis said after sending the reforms to lawmakers without any specifics being reported.