Cyprus technically ready for Schengen membership, Ioannides says

Luxembourg, Luxembourg. Cyprus is technically ready to become a full member of the Schengen area, with political agreement the remaining hurdle, Migration Deputy Minister Nicholas Ioannides said on Thursday.

Political agreement needed for Schengen membership

Speaking to reporters ahead of a meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council, Ioannides said all recommendations made by the European Commission were now considered to have been implemented.

“From a technical point of view, Cyprus is ready to become a full member of the Schengen area. It is now necessary to reach an agreement at the political level,” he said.

He added that Cyprus was counting on the support of its EU partners in the coming months.

Support for states facing migration pressures

Turning to migration, Ioannides expressed Cyprus’ solidarity with Spain following the recent crisis in Ceuta. He said EU member states facing large-scale migration flows should receive tangible support from the bloc.

“We must act in a coordinated manner to safeguard EU territory and the Schengen area,” he said.

Ioannides also supported closer cooperation with third countries to increase migrant returns, while warning that tougher measures should be considered when countries were unwilling to cooperate.

He said the EU should improve its situational awareness and early-warning capabilities to respond more effectively to large-scale irregular migration movements.

Existing rules and crisis-management discussions

Asked whether additional EU rules were needed, Ioannides said the new pact on migration and asylum already contained provisions covering situations of force majeure.

He said discussions had also taken place on a new crisis-management mechanism to address outstanding issues. He left open the possibility of further measures while describing the existing framework as a solid legal basis.