Pavlos Xanthoulis
One of the two major obstacles to Cyprus’ full participation in the Schengen area appears close to being removed, according to information obtained by Kathimerini, following consultations between the Foreign Ministry and the administration of the British bases.
The talks aim to bring checks at the two crossing points within the British bases up to the standards expressly required by the EU. A government source in Nicosia told Kathimerini that the consultations had already produced “an understanding between the Foreign Ministry and the British bases on upgrading the operational checks” at the two crossings.
Among the arguments put forward is the unprecedented decline in the number of irregular migrants who crossed the Green Line...a reduction the source puts at an extraordinary 680%.
An EU source in Brussels confirmed this, telling us on condition of anonymity that “we have been officially informed by Nicosia that there is agreement and coordination on this issue.” The source expressed “satisfaction with the arrangements being put in place to upgrade the checks.”
Upgrading operational checks at the two crossings within the British bases is one of the two main requirements set by the European Commission. Nicosia’s other unresolved issue, as we previously reported, concerns establishing in EU law the procedures governing movement across the Green Line.
We understand that three-way discussions on this issue are underway between the Commission, its Legal Service and a team of technical officials from the Republic of Cyprus’ Foreign Ministry.
According to our information, the Commission is expected to prepare a proposal for a decision that would give movement across the Green Line “a legally clear status.” Government sources in Nicosia insist that this “will not depart from the provisions of Protocol 10 and will under no circumstances create the conditions for, or the appearance of, a hard border along the Green Line.”
Beyond the decision the Commission is preparing on the two issues, the Green Line and the British bases, which it is expected to submit to member states, Nicosia is focused on securing a date for full Schengen membership.
A government source told us that “while we do not underestimate Cyprus’ particular political circumstances or the difficulties involved, there is nevertheless a positive outlook.” The source believes Nicosia will secure the necessary green light from its 26 EU partners.
Bilateral contacts are already taking place with various member states, particularly those that take a tough stance on Schengen matters. It is no coincidence that Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides chose last Thursday to meet his counterparts from three of the toughest countries: Austria, Finland and the Netherlands.
As we reported last Sunday, Philippa Karsera Christodoulides, who heads the Foreign Ministry’s Schengen directorate, also held meetings in The Hague.
We understand that the Foreign Ministry’s arguments during the recent bilateral contacts with the Netherlands centered on assurances that “Cyprus’ particular political circumstances will not undermine the smooth functioning of the Schengen arrangements.”
The messages conveyed to The Hague also emphasized “Cyprus’ status as an island, its lack of a land border with another EU state and the considerable distance separating it from the rest of Europe.” According to Nicosia, these factors limit any risk of migration flows from Cyprus to other Schengen countries.
Among the arguments put forward is the unprecedented decline in the number of irregular migrants who crossed the Green Line from the occupied areas into the government-controlled areas in recent years. The number stood at 16,627 in 2022, compared with 2,433 in 2025, a reduction the source puts at an extraordinary 680%. An even greater decline is expected by the end of 2026.
Despite this positive picture, EU sources say Nicosia must ensure that, should migration flows increase again, it can maintain control over the Green Line, its airports, and its ports, making clear that irregular migrants will not move onward to other Schengen countries.
“The major challenge for Nicosia here concerns the impression created along the Green Line,” a foreign diplomat told Kathimerini.
“If ‘Schengen area’ signs are put up and stricter checks are required, not only on those crossing from the occupied areas into the government-controlled areas, but also in the opposite direction, to record the exit or departure of third-country nationals holding Schengen visas, it will be difficult to avoid the appearance of a hard border,” the diplomat said.
Nicosia nevertheless maintains that full participation in Schengen will not change the level of checks and that “there will be no change on the ground.” This assurance also appears in an internal Foreign Ministry briefing note.
Next meeting at the Council
According to information obtained by Kathimerini, Cyprus’ next meeting at the Council of the EU is expected on Oct. 21, at working-group level, with the participation of senior technical officials.
Our sources agree that neither decisions nor substantive developments concerning Cyprus’ application for full Schengen participation are expected at that meeting.
However, it offers an opportunity for political discussions, which Nicosia is expected to use. In practical terms, it is now awaiting the Commission’s proposed decision.
This would, on the one hand, establish in EU law the monitoring and checking procedures to be followed along the Green Line. On the other, it would address the arrangements being developed within the British bases to strengthen checks and bring them closer to the standards required by the EU.
EU sources did not rule out a second meeting during October of the Schengen Matters working group to advance the necessary action plans.
An unsettled picture in the EU
Despite Nicosia’s optimism about full Schengen participation, no one overlooks the fact that managing the common area, together with irregular migration, ranks high on the national agendas of several member states. As a result, their policies are gradually becoming tougher.
This has been evident in Germany, where the Merz government is under pressure and continues to lose ground to the nationalist AfD. The equation must also take account of elections due in 2027 in three other major member states: Italy, Spain and France.
Although, at first glance, Cyprus’ application to join Schengen does not affect any of these countries, renewed debate over irregular migration, as seen recently in the case of Ceuta, is unhelpful. Inevitably, it creates friction and political disputes within the EU, with all that entails.
The issue concerning Ceuta nevertheless “appears to be moving toward a resolution,” a well-informed source told us, referring to discussions at the recent Justice and Home Affairs Council.
Commission’s confirmation report is positive
A confirmation report issued by the Commission has formally closed all 120 recommendations made to Cyprus during the technical assessment for Schengen membership.
The new report confirms the completion of 17 recommendations that had not been recorded in writing in last June’s report. The Commission had, however, already informed member states orally at that time that Nicosia had fulfilled all its obligations and was technically ready for full Schengen participation.
The latest report therefore formally closes all 120 recommendations. It does not, however, change the substance of the information available to member states since June concerning Cyprus’ technical readiness to participate fully in Schengen.
In light of the Commission’s confirmation report, Deputy Migration Minister Nicholas Ioannides “referred to the Republic of Cyprus’ efforts to join the Schengen area, noting that all European Commission recommendations are now considered implemented and that Cyprus is technically ready for full participation.”
Speaking before the start of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council last Thursday, Ioannides stressed that “agreement at the political level is now required and that the Republic looks forward to the support of its European partners in the coming months.”
On the sidelines of the Council, the deputy minister held bilateral meetings with Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner, Dutch Minister of Asylum and Migration Bart van den Brink, and Finnish Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.
According to a written statement, "The discussions focused on the Republic of Cyprus’ efforts to join the Schengen area. With his Austrian and Dutch counterparts, discussions also covered the possibility of establishing return hubs in third countries, in accordance with European and international law, and Cyprus’ participation in these efforts.”
“With the Finnish minister, discussions covered strengthening returns and readmission through cooperation with third countries, stronger management of the EU’s external borders, and new approaches to addressing illegal and irregular migration.”
It should be noted that Cyprus’ full participation in Schengen was not on the ministerial council's agenda. At this stage, the matter remains before the relevant working groups, which must complete the necessary preparatory work before discussions and final decisions can proceed at the ministerial level.
