The Government of Cyprus declares that the country has fulfilled all the technical requirements for joining the Schengen area. However, the previous deadline of 2026 is no longer fixed, but remains only a goal.
President Nicos Christodoulides spoke in February about the "completion of technical training." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus reported that the goal of technical readiness by the end of 2025 has been achieved: "We have fulfilled all the conditions." Compliance assessment is ongoing, but Cyprus expects the European Commission's recommendation to be positive. After that, the decision will be transferred to the political plane of the EU Council.
The main obstacle remains the so-called "Green Line" border between the south and north of the island. Some EU countries (Austria, the Netherlands) see it as a potential security threat and a loophole for illegal migration.To meet the Schengen requirements, Cyprus has simplified visa procedures, as well as purchased equipment and is modernizing the Larnaca Airport. The new terminal was designed taking into account the separation of passengers from the Schengen area and from other countries.
The European Commission, in turn, notes that the timing depends on Cyprus' progress in integration processes, including the introduction of large IT systems (EES, ETIAS, etc.). The final decision on the country's admission to the Schengen area must be taken by the EU Council unanimously, and the Commission has no formal role in this procedure.
An indirect advantage for Cyprus is that it has not yet implemented the new EES system (digital control replacing passport stamps). In the countries where it has been operational since April 10, there are long queues at airports.
Currently, all checkpoints on the Green Line are controlled exclusively by the Cyprus Police. Previously, the Office of the Civil Registry helped her, but now there is no need for this: most Turkish Cypriots have identity cards of the Republic of Cyprus.
Source: Cyprus Mail
