Cyprus’ Schengen accession could be completed by July 1, 2027, with Greece setting that date as its target for the island to join Europe’s border-free travel area, President Nikos Christodoulides has said.
Greece will assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on that date.
Christodoulides stated that objections raised by EU member states to Cyprus joining the Schengen zone had largely been overcome.
He also stressed that Turkish Cypriots and their family members who are entitled to use the crossing points would not be affected by accession. They would retain the same rights to cross between the island’s two sides as they have today.
Digital border system presents a challenge
Christodoulides also addressed questions about the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES) for third-country nationals and its potential application at the 11 crossing points connecting the island’s two sides.
He said a workaround involving some form of control mechanism at Larnaca and Paphos airports would be introduced, but did not provide further details.
The issue concerns travellers entering Cyprus through Ercan (Tymbou) airport and subsequently crossing the Green Line, or arriving from a Schengen member state and departing through Ercan.
In such cases, their entry or exit would not be recorded by the EU’s digital system.
If left unresolved, this could create serious administrative difficulties for the Schengen area, as one of its member states would be unable to record some arrivals and departures involving third-country nationals.
European Commission supports Cyprus’ accession
The European Commission expressed support for Cyprus joining the Schengen zone in July, with Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reportedly among the main figures pushing for the island’s accession.
A diplomat speaking anonymously said that European attitudes had changed considerably.
For years, the prevailing view had been that Cyprus could not join Schengen without a settlement of the Cyprus problem. However, von der Leyen had since urged EU member states to support the island’s accession.
Nevertheless, concerns remain among some member states.
The Council of the EU’s Justice and Home Affairs Council did not include Cyprus’ potential accession on the agenda of its most recent meeting at the beginning of October.
The next meetings are scheduled for December 3 and 4.
Erhurman warns of possible complications for Turkish Cypriots
Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhurman has previously stressed the importance of involving the Turkish Cypriot side in the accession process.
He warned that joining the Schengen zone could create complications, particularly regarding freedom of movement for Turkish Cypriots who are not citizens of the Republic of Cyprus.
Cyprus is one of only two EU member states that remain outside the Schengen zone.
The other is Ireland, which has chosen not to fully join the area to preserve its Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.
Also read: EU may offer Turkey customs union talks in return for Cyprus progress
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