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Cyprus is setting its sights on joining the Schengen Zone by 2026, President Nikos Christodoulides announced on Sunday, pledging that all the necessary groundwork will be wrapped up by the end of next year.
Speaking at an event in Nicosia, the president made it clear that the goal isn’t just a wish, it’s a national commitment. “We will enter the Schengen Zone in 2026,” he said, emphasizing that behind the scenes, a “huge effort” is already underway to meet all the technical requirements in time.
For everyday Cypriots, entry into the Schengen Zone would be a game-changer. It means easier travel, fewer border hassles, and better integration with the rest of Europe. For the country, it marks a strategic leap forward, politically, economically, and symbolically.
“This is a development not just for Cyprus, but for the European Union as well,” Christodoulides said, adding that it’s also high on his diplomatic agenda as he prepares for upcoming visits to EU capitals.
As part of the push, Cyprus is relying on strong support from European institutions. The president noted he's encouraged by what he’s hearing from Brussels, including positive signals from the President of the European Parliament.
Still, Christodoulides made it clear that Cyprus has work to do first. “We must complete our part,” he said, vowing that all technical steps will be finished by the end of 2025, paving the way for official Schengen membership the following year.
He also reminded reporters that this wasn’t a new promise. “It’s something I committed to during the election campaign, and you can be sure that we’ll deliver on it.”
If all goes according to plan, 2026 will mark a milestone for Cyprus as it steps into a border-free Europe, and one step closer to full EU integration.
