Cyprus Foreign Minister addresses Schengen accession and crossing rules

Cyprus Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has stated that the rules governing crossing points between the northern and southern parts of the island will remain unchanged if Cyprus joins the Schengen Area. He emphasized that the current framework is dictated by European Union regulations and that Schengen membership will not affect existing transit rights.

Kombos noted that while some controls are necessary for security and identification, they do not constitute border-type controls. He acknowledged the complexity regarding Tymbou (Ercan) airport and the potential administrative challenges posed by the Schengen Area’s new Entry/Exit System (EES).

The Cypriot government maintains that the EES will not be implemented at the Green Line crossing points. However, experts suggest this could lead to administrative issues for third-country nationals traveling via Ercan airport. Conversely, implementing the system at the nine existing crossing points carries the risk of transforming the Green Line into a hard border.