Cyprus Schengen Update: EU Council to Review Accession in September

Cyprus is one step closer to joining the Schengen Area as the European Commission has officially issued a positive assessment of the country’s readiness. The matter will now be presented to the Council of the European Union in September, where member states will determine the next stage of the accession process.

The assessment was approved by the College of Commissioners and is based on the European Commission’s monitoring of Cyprus’ preparations, which formed part of the annual State of Schengen Report released in May.

According to European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert, the Commission believes that Cyprus has made significant progress and that its full participation in the Schengen Area would strengthen the common framework of rules, standards, and cooperation among member states.

However, the final decision does not rest with the Commission. Cyprus can only become a Schengen member if all current EU countries within the Schengen Area unanimously approve its accession through the Council of the European Union.

At present, Cyprus and Ireland are the only two EU member states that remain outside the Schengen Area. Ireland has chosen not to participate fully in order to preserve its long-standing Common Travel Area with the United Kingdom.

Reports suggest that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been one of the strongest advocates for Cyprus’ accession, encouraging member states to support the island’s integration into the border-free travel zone.

Despite the positive momentum, some challenges remain. Questions continue to surround how Cyprus would implement the Schengen Entry/Exit System (EES), particularly at the Green Line crossings separating the government-controlled areas from the Turkish Cypriot north. Officials are still assessing how border management can comply with Schengen rules without affecting the island’s unique political situation.

Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman has also emphasized the importance of involving the Turkish Cypriot community in the accession process, noting that Schengen membership could have significant implications for freedom of movement, especially for Turkish Cypriots who are not citizens of the Republic of Cyprus.

If approved unanimously by the Council, Cyprus would become the 26th EU member state to join the Schengen Area, marking a historic milestone in the country’s European integration and further strengthening its position within the European Union.