Cyprus on its way to Schengen. They are looking for a solution to crossings at British bases.

Nicosia and London are to look for a way to adapt controls at the Pergamos and Strovilia crossings to Schengen requirements. According to the Politis daily, the solution would ensure an appropriate level of security without creating a regular border between the Republic of Cyprus and British bases.

This does not yet mean an agreement or a decision on Cyprus' full accession to Schengen. Base inspections are one of the issues that needs to be addressed. Another is the Green Line and reconciling its special status with the zone's operating principles.

Cyprus in Schengen - why are British bases a problem?

Pergamos and Strovilia are border crossings located within the British Dhekelia base. Their location complicates Cyprus's preparations for full implementation of Schengen rules.

The British bases are separate territories and not part of the European Union. However, they enjoy special legal arrangements that allow for daily connections with the Republic of Cyprus without the usual border controls between these two areas.

As Dr. Nasia Hadjigeorgiou, a researcher on human rights and transitional justice, explained in an interview with Politis, this model also existed before Brexit. The UK's departure from the EU did not eliminate the special base arrangements.

However, Schengen poses an additional question: who and on what terms will control people who may subsequently enter the territory of the Republic of Cyprus?

Inspections performed by a country outside the zone

The UK is neither a member of the EU nor of Schengen. However, inspections conducted by base authorities could have implications for the security of the entire zone.

Following the full entry of Cyprus, a person admitted to the area controlled by the Republic of Cyprus would be able to continue their travel to other Schengen States without standard internal border controls.

According to Dr. Hadjigeorgiou, this would mean entrusting a third country with some responsibility for controlling access to the zone. The expert estimates that special arrangements will be necessary to define the responsibilities and procedures for conducting such controls.

This is her legal analysis, not information about a solution already adopted.

What is the “technical equivalent” supposed to be?

An EU source quoted by Politis points to the possibility of developing a solution that would provide protection comparable to controls at the external Schengen borders.

It's not just about increasing the number of checks. The system would have to ensure reliable screening of individuals and meet security requirements, despite the unusual division of responsibilities.

The exact model was not presented. According to the newspaper, it would require agreements between the Cypriot side, the UK, and EU institutions, as well as the approval of the countries participating in the decision-making process.

At this stage, we should therefore talk about finding a solution, not about removing an obstacle.

The Green Line remains a separate challenge

Even a bases agreement would not resolve the Green Line issue. The Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control over the northern part of the island, which complicates the monitoring of people's movements.

Dr. Hadjigeorgiou believes that fully implementing Schengen without first resolving the Cyprus problem would be extremely difficult in practice. She emphasizes that this is her own assessment.

The expert also points out the risk that much stricter physical control of the Green Line would perpetuate the island's division. Therefore, the discussions focus on both security and the political implications of the new measures.

What does this mean for travelers?

The conversations described do not change current travel rules. They do not announce the elimination of controls on flights between Cyprus and the Schengen countries or new procedures at the Pergamos and Strovilia crossings.

For residents and tourists, the most important thing will be the final decision: whether it will be possible to ensure the required controls without creating additional barriers to everyday travel around the island.

Cyprus still does not fully implement Schengen. Reports of negotiations should be distinguished from a formal decision to lift controls.

Sources: Politis, Council of the European Union.