Cyprus’ long-standing ambition to join the Schengen area received fresh political backing on Thursday, as European Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner expressed optimism that the island’s unique circumstances, including the Green Line, can be addressed within the Schengen framework. Speaking after the Informal Meeting of EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Nicosia, Brunner underlined the European Commission’s support for Cyprus’ application, while discussions also focused on migration returns, internal security and secondary movements within Schengen.
Schengen accession and the Green Line
Acknowledging the sensitivities surrounding Cyprus’ divided status, Brunner described the Green Line as a challenge but not an insurmountable one.
“The Green Line is a challenge, definitely. That’s what we are all aware of,” he said, adding that he remains confident solutions can be found for both the Green Line and Cyprus as a whole.
He stressed that Cyprus’ exceptional situation would be fully taken into account during the accession process, while ensuring that the high security standards required across the Schengen Area are maintained. The Commissioner reiterated the Commission’s unequivocal support for Cyprus’ bid, describing accession as beneficial not only for the island but for Schengen overall.
While declining to commit to a specific timeline, Brunner pointed to tangible progress in recent months and confirmed that a new evaluation report on Cyprus’ readiness is expected soon.
‘The Green Line is not a border’
Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides firmly rejected concerns that Schengen accession could harden the island’s division.
“The Green Line is not a border and will never become a border,” he said, recalling that this principle is explicitly set out in the EU’s Green Line Regulation.
Ioannides clarified that the regulation nonetheless allows the Republic of Cyprus to carry out checks and controls along the line within a specific legal framework, stressing that this does not alter its non-border status.
Returns to Syria and Afghanistan
Migration returns, particularly to Syria and Afghanistan, were also scrutinised during the meeting. Brunner highlighted developments in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, pointing to what he described as a changing environment for returns.
“Over three million Syrians have been returned already,” he said, mainly through internal returns and returns from neighbouring countries. He added that Frontex has supported almost 6,000 voluntary returns to Syria, citing improved stability in certain areas.
Brunner also outlined the EU’s broader engagement with Syria, including political dialogue, economic assistance and the gradual lifting of sanctions. He said the EU has allocated around €620 million for 2026 and 2027, arguing that improving living conditions is key to enabling sustainable returns. EU asylum authorities, he noted, assess that conditions have improved for specific groups.
On Afghanistan, Brunner reaffirmed that the EU continues its policy of non-recognition of the de facto authorities, while engaging pragmatically at a technical level to structure cooperation on readmissions in coordination with member states.
Identification and criminal cases
Ioannides acknowledged that the lack of identification documents remains a major obstacle to returns, not only for Syrians and Afghans but more broadly. He said such cases are handled through contacts with diplomatic or governmental authorities in countries of origin.
Focusing on Syria, he noted that around 5,000 Syrian nationals in Cyprus have already revoked their status or withdrawn their asylum applications, with most having returned voluntarily.
Questions regarding the return of convicted criminals and individuals posing security risks were addressed by Justice and Public Order Minister Costas Fitiris, who clarified that transfers of sentenced persons require the consent of the country of origin. Voluntary returns remain possible for those who renounce asylum or stay illegally, in line with international procedures.
Ioannides stressed that each case involving convicted individuals is assessed individually, noting that EU and international law allow for revocation of protection in cases of serious crimes. He emphasised that human rights protection remains a red line, with full access to judicial remedies before any return decision is enforced.
Safeguarding Schengen and secondary movements
The broader functioning of Schengen was a central theme of the informal Council. Fitiris said Ministers held a substantive exchange on internal security and compensatory measures aimed at preventing and limiting secondary movements.
He noted that secondary movements continue to pose challenges across Schengen, requiring coordinated and trust-based responses. Ministers underlined that the area’s proper functioning depends on mutual trust, shared responsibility and consistent implementation of agreed rules.
In his concluding remarks, Brunner praised the Cypriot Presidency for a strong start and effective cooperation. He noted that 2025 marked significant progress in EU migration and asylum policy, with most legislative elements now in place, except for the EU Return Regulation, which remains under negotiation with the European Parliament.
Ioannides reaffirmed Cyprus’ commitment, in its role as EU Presidency, to translating shared priorities into concrete results. He stressed that effective, fair and sustainable return policies are essential to a credible EU migration and asylum system, alongside strong external borders, streamlined procedures and reinforced cooperation among member states.
Source: cna