Cyprus will join the Schengen area in 2026, announced President Nikos Christodoulides. He said that extensive work is underway to complete all technical preparations by 2025. In his words, this will be a strategic breakthrough not only for Cyprus but for the entire European Union.
He also said that the cooperation of the European Parliament is very important for joining the Schengen area and that he is satisfied with the results of his meeting with Parliament President Roberta Metsola in implementing this goal. He also said that he will raise the issue seriously during his visit to member states on the occasion of the EU Council Presidency.
The President made it clear that it is possible for Cyprus to meet all the technical conditions by 2025 and that if they are met, membership of the Schengen area will be guaranteed in 2026. As a result of achieving Schengen membership, air and sea travel between Cyprus and the 29 countries of Europe will be possible without passport or ID checks at the borders.
Cyprus is currently one of two EU countries that are not yet members of the Schengen area. The other is Ireland. However, Bulgaria and Romania will become Schengen members at the beginning of 2024. On the other hand, four non-EU countries, namely Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein, are already part of the Schengen area.
Meanwhile, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said in a statement that “the European Parliament is always ready and actively supports Cyprus in its efforts to remain at its side.”
To meet the conditions, Cyprus must complete a number of important steps. These include further strengthening border controls, especially along the Green Line, which, although not officially an external border, requires strict monitoring in line with EU standards.
In addition, increasing consular representation and concluding cooperation agreements with other states, and hiring external service providers are also seen as important steps.
It is also essential for Cyprus to comply with the Schengen visa code and the agreement on the return of migrants. Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said that Cyprus has implemented the main parts of the Schengen visa code since becoming an EU member in 2004.
A total of 10,098 irregular migrants were returned to their countries from Cyprus in 2024, according to the police department. This achievement is viewed positively by EU leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited Cyprus and praised the country’s progress on the migration issue. Echoing her comments, former European Commission Vice President Margaritis Schinas called Cyprus “Europe’s emerging champion” in migrant return.
If all technical and political conditions are met, Cyprus’s Schengen membership will be confirmed through a final evaluation by the European Commission and the unanimous approval of the 29 Schengen member states. So there are crucial times ahead, where Cyprus’s hard work and strategic progress will determine the future of its free movement in Europe.
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