Brussels: Cyprus’s Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection, Nikolas Ioannides, expressed optimism regarding Cyprus’ entry into the Schengen Zone within 2026 following a meeting with the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, at the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, he told CNA on Wednesday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides stated that Cyprus is technically ready for Schengen membership, with technical checks by the Commission expected soon. He highlighted an initial positive stance from the Commission, aiming for technical completion by 2026 and subsequent political support from other Member States.
Ioannides outlined the timeline for Cyprus’s Schengen accession, anticipating a positive technical evaluation from the European Commission before the end of 2025. He emphasized the need for political support to finalize the process by 2026.
The Deputy Minister described the meeting with the Commissioner as constructive, noting discussions on Cyprus’s priorities for its EU Council Presidency in the first half of 2026. He mentioned the implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact as a key focus and expressed willingness to advance pending legislative files.
Highlighting strong cooperation with the European Commission, Ioannides stressed the importance of a successful presidency in migration and other issues. He reiterated Cyprus’s stance on collective management of migration by the EU and Member States to prevent past mistakes.
Reflecting on the 2015 refugee crisis, he emphasized the need for a unified approach through the Pact, acknowledging challenges in reaching consensus among 27 Member States. Ioannides advocated for a general unified framework to replace past fragmentation.
He underscored the importance of the Pact’s adoption and consistent implementation to achieve desired outcomes in migration management. Addressing Member States’ unilateral positions, Ioannides mentioned ongoing bilateral meetings and a conciliatory approach for proper Pact implementation.
Ioannides concluded by emphasizing the presidency’s role in fostering consensus and cooperation for the benefit of all Member States and EU citizens.