Cyprus faces two hurdles in Schengen Area accession bid

Cyprus faces two primary obstacles in its bid to join the Schengen Area: the unresolved Cyprus problem and the presence of British sovereign bases. Specifically, concerns involve the management of crossings via the Green Line and the need to enhance controls at two border points located within British bases.

A group of technocrats from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Filippa Karsera Hristodulidi, held its first official contact with the EU Council’s Schengen Matters group on September 15. The European Commission reportedly provided a positive assessment regarding Cyprus’s technical preparations, noting the efforts made to meet all Schengen criteria.

While the Cypriot Ministry of Foreign Affairs received positive feedback from eight EU member states, an EU source noted that the exact stance of member states remains uncertain as discussions within the European Council deepen.