Nicosia, Cyprus. Diplomats representing member states of Europe’s Schengen zone have expressed doubts about Cyprus’ readiness to join the border-free area, with six mission representatives voicing reservations about the island becoming its 30th member.
The diplomats, who spoke anonymously to the Cyprus Mail, said Cyprus’ accession process has become driven more by personalities and political direction than by technical evaluation.
Diplomatic reservations
One diplomat said there was “no serious way” that Cyprus could join the Schengen zone, adding that while it could happen, it would not be a serious process.
According to those who spoke to the Cyprus Mail, concerns remain over the substance of Cyprus’ preparations and the way its bid is being advanced.
Commission leadership and policy direction
The diplomats said the European Commission has operated in a more top-down manner since Ursula von der Leyen took office in 2019, particularly after the formation of her second commission in 2024.
One diplomat contrasted this approach with previous commissions under Jean-Claude Juncker and Jose Manuel Barroso, saying individual commissioners and vice presidents had previously developed policy within their own areas before presenting it to the president. Under von der Leyen, the diplomat said, commissioners are instead told what is expected of them and are required to follow that direction.
Cyprus and the Schengen debate
One diplomat said that for many years the prevailing view across Europe was that Cyprus could not join the Schengen zone without a resolution to the Cyprus problem.
The diplomat said that this position has changed and that von der Leyen has told member states that Cyprus must join the Schengen zone and that they should accept that outcome.
Cypriot government strategy
The Cypriot government has hired an Austrian consultancy firm to privately assess its progress in meeting the technical requirements for joining the Schengen zone.
The firm employs former Austrian deputy head of mission in Nicosia Martin Kramer. The choice of an Austrian firm was described as deliberate, given Austria’s role as a major obstacle during Bulgaria and Romania’s efforts to join the Schengen zone.
According to the report, Nicosia believes that securing Austrian support could encourage other countries to follow, and members of the Cypriot government have made that view explicit to the firm.
Reported remark to consultants
A high-profile member of the Cypriot government is said to have told the Austrian consultants that “if we do not get into the Schengen zone, it will be because of you”.