Cyprus has cleared the technical requirements for joining the Schengen Area but questions surrounding the island’s division are delaying a final decision, according to TravelMole.
The European Commission concluded that Cyprus was technically ready following its latest Schengen evaluation, adopted in July. The assessment has moved to the EU Council, where Schengen countries must approve the removal of internal border controls.
However, unresolved arrangements for the UN-patrolled Green Line, which separates the Republic of Cyprus-controlled south from the Turkish Cypriot-administered north, are complicating the process. EU law is suspended in the north because the Republic does not exercise effective control there.
EU officials must determine how crossings can operate within Schengen’s border requirements. Checks at two crossing points within Britain’s Sovereign Base Areas are also under examination.
Cyprus remains outside Schengen, with passengers arriving from Schengen countries continuing to undergo passport checks.
