Nicosia, Cyprus. European Commission Internal Affairs Commissioner Magnus Brunner said the Commission “fully” supports Cyprus joining the Schengen open-border zone. He said Cyprus’ participation would have a positive impact on the entire Schengen area.
Commission support and progress assessment
Brunner made the remarks at a press conference following an informal European justice and home affairs (JHA) council summit in Nicosia, alongside Cypriot Justice Minister Costas Fitiris and Migration Deputy Minister Nicholas Ioannides. He said “many improvements have been made in recent months” and that a new evaluation report on Cyprus’ progress towards joining is expected to be published “soon.”
Brunner did not provide a timetable for Cyprus’ accession and said the Commission is doing everything it can to support Cyprus on its path towards Schengen.
Green Line cited as challenge
Brunner referred to the Green Line which separates the island in two, calling it “a challenge,” and said he is optimistic that a solution can be found for the Green Line and for Cyprus as a whole. He said Cyprus’ specific situation would be taken into account when considering Schengen accession, while ensuring a high level of security for the Schengen area as a whole.
Cypriot officials on checks along the line
Asked whether Cyprus joining Schengen would consolidate the island’s division, Ioannides said “the Green Line is not a border and will never become a border.” He said the issue is explicitly set out in the Green Line regulation, adding that the regulation allows the Republic of Cyprus to conduct checks along the line under a specific legal framework.
Cyprus’ stated aim
While Brunner did not outline a timetable, President Nikos Christodoulides has said it is his aim for Cyprus to join the zone this year.
What impact could Cyprus’ accession to the Schengen area have on travel and checks on the island?