EPP Backs Completion of Cyprus’ Accession to Schengen Area

According to Fileleftheros, a statement issued after the EPP summit, attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, welcomed the Greek Cypriot administration’s efforts to resume substantive Cyprus negotiations and UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ initiative to convene an informal expanded meeting involving all relevant parties.

The joint statement said Turkey had been offered constructive cooperation, while stressing that it was expected to respect democracy, the rule of law and good-neighbourly relations.

The EPP expressed its full support for Greece and the Republic of Cyprus in their dealings with Turkey and underlined the importance of closer cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of NATO for the European Union.

The statement also welcomed the positive outcome of the European Commission’s assessment of the Republic of Cyprus’ candidacy for full Schengen membership and the start of the relevant discussions in the Council. It expressed support for completing the outstanding steps in a timely manner and identified the issue as one of the priorities for the 2026–2027 Schengen cycle.

The EPP also backed the activation of Article 42(7) of the Treaty on European Union, which provides for mutual assistance among member states. It further supported the establishment of a European Security Council to improve coordination on strategic issues and crisis management, while respecting member states’ traditions of neutrality.

Full Schengen Membership Still Faces Obstacles

Meanwhile, Alithia reported that despite the Greek Cypriot administration’s earlier firm assurances that full Schengen membership would be achieved in December, accession had not materialised. The newspaper said the target would also be missed this December, with the Christodoulides government now referring to 2027.

According to the report, a European Commission assessment conducted in July 2026 found that the Republic of Cyprus had achieved a positive level of technical readiness following the implementation of significant reforms and the fulfilment of several requirements. However, six additional steps specific to the island’s circumstances remained outstanding.

The most significant outstanding issue concerns the Green Line, which is not considered an external border of the European Union under EU law. The report said effective controls over the movement of people would be required for the Schengen system to operate without turning the Green Line into an international border.

The newspaper cited the example of third-country nationals entering the island through an airport or seaport in the south, travelling to the north and subsequently leaving the island through Ercan Airport. In such a case, the European Union’s Entry/Exit System would not record the person’s actual departure point, according to the report.

The report also noted that movements into and out of areas within the British Sovereign Base Areas through Beyarmudu and Akyar would require specific operational arrangements. Diplomatic sources indicated that the Netherlands and Austria had expressed reservations.

US Visa Waiver Also Delayed

Alithia drew parallels between the delays in Schengen accession and the long-standing issue of visa-free travel to the United States for citizens of the Republic of Cyprus.

The newspaper recalled that Christodoulides had repeatedly promised progress on the issue since his time as foreign minister, with initially firm deadlines later being presented as expectations.

According to the report, Christodoulides announced on January 10, 2025, that the country was in the final stage of joining the US Visa Waiver Programme. However, Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos said in June 2026 that the process had been suspended because of US immigration policy.