Schinas Addresses Cyprus Issue and Refugee Matters

In an interview with Politis newspaper, Schinas stated that there is no successful Plan B for the Cyprus issue and they are working towards the reunification of the island based on UN resolutions and principles of International Law.

According to the report, Schinas mentioned that the European Commission always approaches any procedure that would lead to progress in the Cyprus issue positively and constructively. He also noted that when Cyprus reunites, it should become a member of the Eurozone and the EU from day one.

Sharing his views on refugees, Schinas stated that the pressure on South Cyprus due to refugees has relatively decreased, and with the help of Europe, there has been a 50% reduction in refugee flows and a 60% increase in returning refugees to their countries.

Schinas highlighted this as a significant achievement, mentioning that refugee crossings through the Green Line have also been prevented, attributing this to the pressure exerted by the European Commission on Turkey.

He further stated that the next step is to sign a strategic cooperation agreement with Lebanon on refugee matters, aiming for a similar logic as the agreement signed with Egypt.

Schinas also pointed out that South Cyprus is aligning with people-centered European policies and expressed confidence that it will succeed with the support and funding from the EU.