Cyprus seeks political decision on Schengen accession

Nicosia, Cyprus. The government is seeking a political decision on Cyprus’ full accession to Europe’s border-free Schengen zone as soon as possible, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Friday.

He said a positive European Commission assessment had recommended that the Republic of Cyprus’ application be examined as a priority.

Decision by member states

Christodoulides said the decision will be taken by EU member states at the Justice and Home Affairs Council level.

“We are working together with the council, that is, with all the member states, as well as with the commission, so that we can have this very important political decision as soon as possible,” he said.

Commission report

The European Commission is expected to formally present its “State of Schengen” report to the Council of the European Union within the next two weeks. The report is expected to include a positive assessment of Cyprus’ preparedness to join the Schengen zone.

Commission spokesman Markus Lammert said in July that, after the Commission took its position, the matter was in the hands of the Council.

“It is clear that decisions on when and how Cyprus joins the Schengen area lie with the council,” he said, adding that Cyprus’ full accession would strengthen the common framework of rules, standards and responsibilities underpinning Schengen cooperation.

Accession process

A new country can join the Schengen zone only after a unanimous decision by all Schengen countries that are also EU member states. There are currently 25 such countries, while Cyprus and Ireland remain outside the zone.

Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, which are Schengen members but not EU member states, participate in discussions but do not have voting rights in the process.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been among the main figures pushing for Cyprus to join the Schengen zone, according to information received by Cyprus Mail.