Cyprus says it is technically ready for Schengen — Cyprus Mail

In Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Cyprus Deputy Minister of Migration Nicolas Ioannides said that the country is technically ready to become a full member of the Schengen Area. According to him, a political agreement must be reached to complete the process.

European Commission recommendations

Ioannides spoke to journalists ahead of a meeting of the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council. He said that all recommendations of the European Commission are now considered fulfilled. Cyprus expects support from its EU partners in the coming months, Cyprus Mail reports.

EU migration policy

Ioannides also expressed solidarity with Spain following the recent crisis in Ceuta. He noted that EU states facing large-scale migration flows should receive tangible support from the bloc.

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The deputy minister supported closer cooperation with third countries to step up migrant returns. In his view, tougher measures should be considered against countries that refuse to cooperate. He also stated the need to strengthen situational awareness and early-warning mechanisms to respond to large-scale irregular migration movements.

According to Ioannides, the new EU Pact on Migration and Asylum already contains provisions for force majeure situations. The EU Council adopted the pact on May 14, 2024, and its rules began to apply on June 12, 2026.