EU Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, expressed support for Cyprus' efforts regarding Schengen, in a post on X after a meeting with the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, in Brussels.
“I had a good meeting with Deputy Minister Nicholas Ioannides to discuss Cyprus’ priorities for their Presidency in the first half of 2026. This comes as we enter the final phase of implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum and advancing the adoption of our new Returns proposal,” the Commissioner said.
Regarding the discussion on Cyprus’ path towards full participation in the Schengen area, Brunner added that “we also discussed Cyprus’ path towards full Schengen participation. Cyprus has our full support in its efforts to swiftly complete technical preparedness across all areas, ensuring a high level of compliance with smart border-control systems, while promoting best practices – particularly in the area of returns.”
An EU source who spoke to CNA on the matter, highlighted the positive atmosphere of the meeting as well as the good cooperation with Cyprus at a technical level.
I had a good meeting with Deputy Minister Nicholas Ioannides to discuss Cyprus’ priorities for their Presidency in the first half of 2026. This comes as we enter the final phase of implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum and advancing the adoption of our new Returns… pic.twitter.com/m9OSrJG1ZT
— Magnus Brunner (@magnusbrunner) November 19, 2025
(Sources: CNA,X)
