Source: European Parliament
Already since its accession to the EU, Cyprus has been bound by the Schengen rules. Its gradual integration into the Schengen area without internal frontiers, culminating in a Council decision on lifting checks at the internal borders, is subject to a positive Schengen evaluation[1] and a unanimous decision of the Council .
Cyprus’ first-time evaluation is ongoing, and the Commission is closely monitoring the progress made by Cyprus in fulfilling the technical Schengen requirements.
The Commission is aware that Cyprus’ integration into the Schengen area requires due respect to its special situation and the framework applicable in line with Protocol 10[2]. The Commission stands ready to engage in a dialogue with Cyprus on how this can be achieved, including with regard to the Green Line.
The Commission already provides substantial financial support to Cyprus for border and migration management as well as police cooperation. During the 2021-2027 programming period, more than EUR 292 million[3] have been allocated to Cyprus under the Home Affairs Funds[4].
This includes measures sustaining the implementation of the Schengen requirements, such as EUR 9.9 million to support digital systems (e.g. the Schengen Information System), EUR 67.7 million for the construction of the new reception and pre-departure centres in Limnes, and EUR 30 million to enhance Cyprus’ surveillance systems at the external sea border.
- [1] In accordance with Regulation (EU) 2022/922 on the establishment and operation of an evaluation and monitoring mechanism to verify the application of the Schengen acquis, OJ L 160, 15.6.2022, p. 1-27.
- [2] Act concerning the conditions of accession of the Czech Republic, the Republic of Estonia, the Republic of Cyprus, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, the Republic of Hungary, the Republic of Malta, the Republic of Poland, the Republic of Slovenia and the Slovak Republic and the adjustments to the Treaties on which the European Union is founded — Protocol No 10 on Cyprus; OJ L 236, 23.9.2003, p. 955-955.
- [3] Under the 2021-2027 programming period, so far more than EUR 90 million have been allocated under the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund programme of Cyprus, EUR 80 million under the Border Management and Visa Policy Instrument programme and EUR 25.6 under the Internal Security Fund. On top of this support EUR 96.4 million have been provided under the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund directly from the Commission (emergency assistance, union actions for Member States under pressure).
- [4] This includes the Border Management and Visa Instrument, the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Internal Security Fund.