Cyprus has moved a step closer to joining the Schengen Area, with the process of meeting the bloc's technical requirements entering its final stage.
According to information obtained by Politis, the bulk of the technical and operational work required by the European Commission has been completed, with no objections reportedly raised regarding the Republic's readiness.
The next step is the adoption of a European Commission report assessing Cyprus' preparedness before the matter is formally referred to the Council of the European Union, where member states will make the final political decision on accession.
The draft assessment has already circulated among commissioners without objections, and the process is expected to be formally concluded during this week's meeting of the College of Commissioners.
Commission report expected in September
European Commission spokesperson Markus Lammert told CNA that the report will be formally presented to the Council in September.
While stressing that the report does not constitute a final accession decision, he said Cyprus' entry into Schengen would represent an important step for both the country and the European Union.
A positive report from the Commission is widely seen as a significant milestone in the accession process.
Sources familiar with the discussions told Politis that Cyprus has fulfilled the required criteria both in terms of technological infrastructure and operational preparedness.
Cypriot authorities have integrated the necessary European information systems and put in place procedures required for the management of external borders and migration policy under the Schengen framework.
Green Line remains key issue
The most sensitive aspect of the process remains the Green Line, with questions continuing over how Schengen rules will apply to the division line separating government-controlled areas from the occupied north.
Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos has repeatedly stated that Schengen accession will not transform the Green Line into an external Schengen border and that it will continue to operate under the provisions of the existing Green Line Regulation.
In practice, officials say accession is not expected to significantly alter arrangements for individuals who currently cross through authorised crossing points.
Existing procedures, including identity checks and verification of entry rights by Republic of Cyprus authorities, are expected to remain in place.
The integration of Schengen information systems is expected to make those checks more effective, with the necessary technology already installed and ready for use by the Cyprus Police.
Mixed-marriage families remain concerned
One area where uncertainty persists concerns third-country nationals, particularly Turkish citizens married to Turkish Cypriots.
According to sources, questions remain over how Schengen rules will apply in cases where individuals entered Cyprus through the north and therefore may not have entered EU territory through a recognised point of entry.
The issue has generated concern among Turkish Cypriot families, particularly children born to mixed Turkish Cypriot-Turkish marriages who, in many cases, have not obtained citizenship of the Republic of Cyprus.
Some possess Republic-issued birth certificates or are listed in the population registry but do not hold Cypriot identity cards or passports. Others currently rely on documents issued by the Turkish Cypriot administration to cross the Green Line.
Representatives of affected groups say the government has yet to present a clear and publicly accessible plan addressing these concerns.
Calls for clarity
Sunde Dogan, founder of the Movement for Solving Problems Arising from Mixed Marriages (Karma Evlilik Sorunu Çözüm Hareketi), said significant questions remain unanswered.
She noted that many children of mixed marriages do not hold internationally recognised citizenship documents and currently depend on Turkish Cypriot identity cards to cross checkpoints.
Dogan suggested possible solutions could include the issuance of EU family-member residence permits or special biometric travel documents linked to records already held by the Republic of Cyprus.
Among those affected is Hasan Parali, a Turkish Cypriot born to one Turkish and one Turkish Cypriot parent, who says he has spent nearly 15 years seeking citizenship from the Republic.
Without a Cypriot passport, he must apply for a Schengen visa every time he wishes to travel to Europe.
While Cyprus appears close to securing a positive technical assessment, questions surrounding the Green Line and the status of certain categories of residents are likely to remain central to the political debate as the accession process moves forward.
