Cyprus is getting closer to joining Schengen. The Netherlands is waiting for clarification.

Cyprus is getting closer to joining the Schengen area, but a positive assessment of technical preparations does not yet imply acceptance of accession. According to "Kathimerini," the Netherlands is awaiting clarification regarding the Green Line and the crossings controlled by British bases. A unanimous decision by the member states is required to complete the process.

For residents and travelers, this means that existing rules remain unchanged. Border controls on flights to Poland and other Schengen countries remain in place. No date has been set for their abolition, although President Nikos Christodoulides expects a political decision by late 2026 or early 2027.

The Netherlands wants clarification before making a decision

Cypriot diplomats are conducting talks aimed at translating technological progress into political support. According to Kathimerini, representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs visited The Hague to outline preparations and explain the specific conditions resulting from the island's partition.

The Netherlands is analyzing the European Commission's assessment. It is also awaiting solutions regarding controls on the Green Line and crossings operated by British bases.

However, this position should not be equated with a final veto. During the September discussion in the EU working group, the Netherlands did not speak. At this stage, the goal is to obtain clarification and safeguards before further decisions are made.

The Green Line is not an ordinary border

The most difficult issues arise from the island's specific political situation. The government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise control over the northern part of the country, and traffic across the Green Line operates under separate rules.

This line is not considered a standard external border of the European Union. Therefore, preparations for Schengen require solutions that ensure appropriate control of the movement of people while preserving its special status.

Freedom of movement for Cypriots and their families is also important. The new regulations must reconcile this with the security requirements of the common area.

So it's not just about hardware or additional control stations. A clear legal framework is needed to define how the system will operate once it's fully implemented.

The second problem is crossings at British bases.

Separate arrangements are required for two police-controlled crossings at British bases. These crossings are intended to ensure a comparable level of control to that which will apply at other points covered by appropriate procedures.

Close cooperation with the Cypriot police is essential, as the presence of British territories means that some traffic flows through points outside the direct control of the Republic's authorities.

According to reports, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established separate expert teams to address the Green Line and British bases. Their task is to develop solutions in conjunction with EU institutions.

Cyprus in Schengen: Technical readiness is not everything

A positive assessment of the preparations is an important step. However, it does not replace a political decision to fully apply Schengen rules and abolish controls on connections with other Schengen countries.

This is why announcements of the end of 2026 or beginning of 2027 should be treated as government expectations. They do not constitute a confirmed date for changes to travel regulations.

The process can only be completed once the remaining terms have been agreed upon and the required consent obtained. Support from some countries will not be enough if others continue to demand additional guarantees.

What will change on flights to Poland?

Following full accession and the abolition of controls on internal flights, passengers flying to Poland or Greece would not undergo standard border controls.

However, security checks would still apply. Carriers would also be able to check passengers' identities, so Schengen membership does not mean traveling without a document.

The changes will also apply to some residents with citizenship in non-EU countries. Their entitlements will depend, among other things, on the type of residence permit and applicable travel conditions.

For now, passengers should plan their trips according to the current rules. Only a final decision will determine when controls will actually be lifted.

Sources: Kathimerini, Knews, Presidency of the Republic of Cyprus