AN OPTIMISTIC VIEW
The Republic of Cyprus constantly affirms its aspirations of joining the ‘Schengen Area’. Although persistent, the reality of this happening remains far less likely than most predict with several criteria for joining remaining unfulfilled. Cyprus, with no solid plans to address this, remains to be seen how Cyprus will achieve its goal of accession.
WHAT IS THE SCHENGEN AREA?
Established by the Schengen Agreement in 1985, the Schengen Area is a region that currently comprises 27 European countries. Schengen membership dictates that each country agrees to abolish border control at their mutual borders. This means that people crossing each zone enjoy free and complete unregulated movement. Countries that are members also share a common visa policy. This enables all non-European Union travellers to move across member states without the hindrance of further border checks. Some non-European Union visitors arriving in Schengen zone countries, however, can be denied entry if they cannot show they have enough funds to sustain themselves for the duration of their trip. In this way, the Schengen agreement facilitates both tourism and trade among its member states, which in turn fully promotes economic cooperation and cultural exchange, while enhancing the overall sense of a unified Europe.Â
A PROFOUND SHIFT
Despite the island’s strategic location and its European Union membership, Cyprus remains outside of the Schengen Area for several multifaceted reasons. Its exclusion is primarily attributed to the overall political, security, and operational challenges arising from the island’s ongoing division. Its lack of direct control of all of its borders, along with the ongoing tensions with Turkey, remain problematic. This all creates an environment that raises significant implications for both Cyprus and the broader Schengen framework. If Cyprus were to join, it would signify a profound shift in the island’s socio-economic landscape. The process would have to involve some rigorous assessments of its border control mechanisms and legal frameworks.Â
WHY IS CYPRUS NOT INCLUDED?
The situation surrounding the island’s division, which is still separated by the ‘Green Line’, complicates the implementation of Schengen rules. Schengen requisites include comprehensive border control, as well as strict security measures. In addition to this, the presence of a non-European Union entity on the island not only raises concerns but severely complicates matters. All of this calls into question the island’s effective management of external borders, which is a main prerequisite for Schengen membership.
SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS
For Cyprus to gain full Schengen membership, it would have to meet specific criteria related to security and governance. This would have to include a visa policy alignment that would need to be successfully integrated into the existing Schengen Area framework. Many feel that this is not possible within the current environment that exists on the island. There are also unresolved issues regarding immigration and internal security. Schengen membership mandates robust mechanisms for monitoring and controlling immigration flows. These have been put in place to ensure the safety of member states against any potential threats. The unique demographics and security concerns that are often raised in Cyprus necessitate additional considerations in this context. The island’s future inclusion is contingent upon resolving several of these intricate issues.
DIFFERING PERSPECTIVES
The political dynamics within the European Union also play a critical role in the island’s aspirations of joining the Schengen Area. Member states must collectively agree on the inclusion of new countries into the Schengen Model. The division of Cyprus often leads to differing perspectives. European Union members often refer to the implications of Turkish influence and the unresolved Cypriot political situation. They often state that until Cyprus implements a cohesive strategy to address these issues, the possibility of integrating the island into the Schengen framework remains limited.
THE BENEFITS OF JOINING
If Cyprus were to join the Schengen Area, it would allow for unrestricted travel to and from other member states. This would potentially offer a welcome boost to tourism, further fostering economic growth. Moreover, the island’s inclusion would also enhance the external borders of Schengen. This would improve geographical security in the Eastern Mediterranean, ultimately offering better border management for the region. The capacity to monitor and regulate migration flows should also be improved, addressing several concerns related to illegal immigration. Accession for the island, would not only signify a pivotal advancement in its international relations and economic prospects but also contribute to its broader objectives of free movement and unity within Europe. Additionally, the integration of Cyprus into the Schengen framework would deepen the country’s ties with the European Union, reinforcing its position as a credible partner within European Union initiatives.
