Commissioner Brunner reassures Cyprus
European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner gave the clearest assurance to date that the Green Line will not hinder Cyprus’ path to joining the Schengen Area. His remarks followed the informal EU Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council meeting held in Nicosia.
Brunner told reporters that despite the “unique reality” created by the UN-administered buffer zone, Cyprus can join Schengen within 2026, provided technical and institutional evaluations conclude successfully.
Technical progress and border security
The Commissioner praised Cyprus’ technical achievements, including the installation of biometric e-gates at both international airports and real-time connection to the Schengen Information System (SIS). He noted that the forthcoming evaluation will consider the island’s special circumstances, “without compromising Schengen’s high security standards.”
Currently, Cyprus remains the only EU member state, apart from Ireland, that is not part of Schengen. The Green Line has been the central challenge, prompting concerns that accession could turn the ceasefire line into a “hard EU external border.”
Concerns over “hard border” dismissed
Deputy Minister for Migration Nikolas Ioannides dismissed these concerns, emphasising that the Green Line Regulation already allows Cyprus to carry out proportional, targeted checks without altering the line’s legal status.
Government sources confirmed that joining Schengen will not change the political or legal status of the Green Line but will require adapting control procedures to ensure smooth implementation of EU rules.
Migration and return programmes
Brunner also addressed the return of migrants to countries of origin such as Syria and Afghanistan, citing “changing conditions” in parts of Syria and stressing the need for stronger cooperation with origin countries.
The EU has allocated €620 million for return and reintegration programmes in 2026–2027, while Frontex facilitated nearly 10,000 voluntary returns within the EU last year.
Economic benefits for businesses
Cyprus’ accession to Schengen is expected to benefit businesses and investors by removing passport checks on flights to continental Europe, speeding up procedures for posted workers, and easing mobility for technical personnel.
Authorities noted that during the transition period, on-site controls along the Green Line will increase, rather than decrease, to reassure other member states that secondary movements remain fully controlled.
Also read: Schengen: Magnus Brunner optimistic, supports Cyprus entry
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