Cyprus has met all European Commission recommendations for joining the Schengen area and now needs political agreement from its EU partners, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides said Thursday.
Speaking before the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg, Ioannides said Cyprus is technically ready for full participation and looks to the support of its European partners in the coming months.
During the discussion on the state of Schengen, Ioannides said protecting the area requires strong external border management, effective asylum procedures and credible return policies.
He said Cyprus, despite significant migration pressure, had cut illegal and irregular arrivals and increased returns with the help of European mechanisms. He added that measures affecting the smooth functioning of Schengen should remain exceptional and be based on clear, documented evidence.
