Paris, France. President Nikos Christodoulides and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed Cyprus’ efforts to join the Schengen area and the Cyprus problem during a meeting on Tuesday, deputy government spokesman Yiannis Antoniou said.
Cyprus problem
Antoniou said the Cyprus problem and the full integration of the Republic of Cyprus into the Schengen area were the focus of the meeting.
Christodoulides thanked von der Leyen for the European Commission’s “decisive role” in efforts to resume substantive negotiations aimed at resolving the Cyprus problem, he said.
Von der Leyen told Christodoulides that the appointment of European Commission Vice President for Cohesion Raffaele Fitto as the commission’s envoy for the Cyprus problem reflected the commission’s strong commitment to Cyprus’ reunification, Antoniou said.
She said the appointment confirmed the European Union’s interest in the Cyprus problem and that pursuing a solution was considered a priority, according to Antoniou.
He said von der Leyen added that the EU would use all available tools, noting that the Republic of Cyprus would remain an EU member state after a resolution of the Cyprus problem.
Schengen accession
Antoniou said satisfaction was expressed that Cyprus had completed all technical obligations for joining the Schengen area and that only a political decision remained.
Von der Leyen offered support for Cyprus’ full integration into the Schengen area as soon as possible, he said.
Concerns over implementation
Von der Leyen has been among the main driving forces behind efforts for Cyprus to join the Schengen zone, according to information received by the Cyprus Mail.
However, diplomats on the island, speaking anonymously, expressed reservations about the feasibility of the move and its potential impact on the Cyprus problem.
Some concerns relate to the Cypriot government’s position that the Schengen area’s new digital entry/exit system would not be implemented at the nine crossing points connecting the island’s two sides.