Nicosia, Cyprus. European Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner said Cyprus could take a decisive step toward joining the Schengen zone as soon as this spring, as the European Commission prepares an evaluation of its readiness.
Commission evaluation report expected next month
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency on Friday, Brunner said the European Commission is expected to adopt its “special evaluation report” on Cyprus’ membership of the Schengen zone in the coming month.
“Once technical readiness is confirmed, it will be up to the Council [of the EU] to make a decision on accession,” he said.
Accession requires unanimous approval by Schengen EU members
A Council of the EU decision would be taken by EU members which are also inside the Schengen zone, and must be unanimous for Cyprus to accede. All EU members are in the Schengen zone except Cyprus and Ireland.
Brunner said the European Parliament will also be required to vote in favour of Cypriot accession, with a simple majority required.
Brunner cites progress and commission support
Brunner said Cyprus has made “significant progress” in fulfilling the technical requirements for accession and said the commission “fully supports Cyprus’ efforts to join the Schengen area”.
He added that the commission is “working closely with the Cypriot authorities to achieve this goal”.
Schengen benefits and broader impact
“Schengen remains one of the EU’s most tangible achievements, offering freedom of movement and boosting tourism, trade, and daily life across the union,” Brunner said.
His remarks followed his comments after Thursday’s informal European justice and home affairs council summit in Nicosia, where he said Cypriot accession to the Schengen zone “would have a positive impact on the entire area”.
Brunner did not set a timetable for Cyprus joining the zone, but said “many improvements have been made in recent months” and that “we are doing everything we can to support Cyprus on its path towards Schengen”.
What steps remain before Cyprus can formally join the Schengen zone?