The European Commission released on Monday its fifth State of Schengen report, outlining developments across the Schengen area over the past year and setting priorities for 2026–2027.
The report highlights key progress in border management, migration policy and internal security across member states. It also places emphasis on Cyprus developments, noting the country’s growing contribution to EU-level coordination on risks and regional challenges.
Cyprus role and readiness highlighted
The report underlines that Cyprus plays an important role in strengthening shared awareness of risks and opportunities in its region. It adds that Cyprus expertise supports the EU’s collective capacity in border control, migration and security policy.
According to the Commission, a Schengen monitoring activity took place in Cyprus in December 2025 to assess preparedness ahead of full accession to the Schengen area.
The findings show significant progress throughout 2025, with Cypriot authorities implementing key reforms aligned with Schengen standards. The report links this progress directly to broader readiness efforts.
Return systems and border coordination
The Commission stresses the need for stronger integration of return procedures across member states. It notes uneven readiness levels within the Schengen area and says existing systems no longer fully meet current challenges, especially amid ongoing instability in the Middle East.
The assessment also shows that Cyprus, alongside other Schengen states, still needs to further integrate return operations based on risk analysis. However, the report confirms improved effectiveness in national return systems in 2025, including in Cyprus, marking progress under Schengen frameworks.
EU border systems and security gains
The Commission reports that more than 450 million people benefit from free movement within the Schengen area, supporting travel, work, education and trade.
It also highlights a 26% reduction in irregular crossings in 2025 compared with 2024, alongside stronger external border protection measures.
A major development includes the full rollout of the Entry/Exit System (EES) in April 2026, which recorded over 66 million border movements in its first six months and blocked 32,000 entries. The Commission also adopted its first EU Visa Strategy in January 2026.
These developments form part of broader EU efforts to modernise border management systems.
Priorities for 2026–2027
The Commission outlines key priorities for the next Schengen cycle, focusing on consolidating achievements and addressing remaining gaps.
For Cyprus, the priorities include completing its path towards full Schengen accession, strengthening internal security cooperation, and enhancing border management systems in line with EU standards.
Other priorities include deeper digitalisation of border procedures through EES and ETIAS, stronger return policies supported by Frontex, and improved governance of the Schengen framework.
The Commission calls on the Council to review the report and approve the 2026–2027 priorities at the Justice and Home Affairs Council in June.
Also read: Israeli forces intercept Gaza aid flotilla in international waters near Cyprus
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