Pafos Live 24 April 2025
"The first assessment of Cyprus for its accession to the Schengen area is underway and the European Commission is closely monitoring the progress made in fulfilling the technical requirements," reads, among other things, the European Commission's response to a question by the MEP of the Democratic Rally and the European People's Party, Michalis Hadjipantela. The question concerned the progress made by the Republic of Cyprus, but also the support that the Commission can provide to address the challenges, in particular with regard to the supervision and control of the Green Line, to facilitate Cyprus' accession to the Schengen area.
Michalis Hadjipandela pointed out that Cyprus' accession to Schengen will strengthen EU integration, improve security cooperation, increase tourism and stimulate economic growth.
In particular, according to the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Bruner, the Commission is aware that Cyprus' accession to the Schengen area requires due respect for the specific situation and is ready to start a dialogue with Cyprus on how this can be achieved, including with regard to the Green Line.
As regards the support measures provided by the EU to Cyprus for border management, migration and police cooperation, according to the European Commission's answer to Michalis Hadjipantelas' question, for the period 2021-2027, more than €292 million has been allocated through the Home Affairs Funds.
Key investments include:
· €9.9 million to strengthen digital systems, such as the Schengen Information System (SIS).
· €67.7 million for the construction of new reception centres and pre-removal centres (Lakes).
· €30 million to strengthen surveillance systems at maritime borders.
According to the European Commissioner, the Commission will continue to work with the Cypriot authorities to speed up the evaluation process and support the necessary reforms.
