Zypern verschärft seine Migrationspolitik und strebt einen Schengen-Beitritt an
Cyprus Tightens its Migration Policy and Aims to Join Schengen

Summary/Abstract: Since 1 January 2026, the Republic of Cyprus (hereafter Cyprus) has held the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), taking on a key coordinating and mediating role within the EU. This offers Cyprus the opportunity to bring its priorities to the EU agenda. One of Cyprus’ aims is to present itself as a strong partner in tightening European migration policy, highlighting a sharp drop in asylum applications and record numbers of deportations and “voluntary“ returns. EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, recently confirmed that the Commission had noted progress in Cyprus’ Schengen bid, as the technical criteria regarding border management and data systems were being met. However, human rights organisations have repeatedly criticised Cyprus for illegal pushbacks and refugees’ poor living conditions, evoking insecurity and poverty. This is also reflected in the recent report (April 2025) of the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.

• Details
• Contents