Nicosia:Cyprus is technically prepared to join the Schengen area, but requires a political agreement to proceed, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, announced during his arrival at the Justice and Home Affairs Council.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides stated that all recommendations from the Commission have been implemented, making Cyprus technically ready for full membership in the Schengen area. He emphasized the importance of securing political consensus and expressed confidence in the support of EU partners in the coming months.

Ioannides also extended Cyprus' solidarity to Spain amid the recent crisis in Ceuta, urging for concerted EU action to provide tangible support to any member state facing significant migratory flows. He stressed the importance of safeguarding EU territory and the Schengen area.

Regarding the need for new regulations, Ioannides mentioned that the new Pact on Migration and Asylum already contains specific rules for force majeure situations. He acknowledged ongoing discussions about crisis management mechanisms to address any gaps and expressed openness to discussing additional measures.

On the issue of temporarily suspending asylum applications during mass arrivals, Ioannides indicated this is part of ongoing discussions. He highlighted the need to address scenarios where force majeure rules are inapplicable, emphasizing Cyprus' willingness to support initiatives to effectively manage such cases.