Cyprus could join the Schengen Area by the end of the year, according to Politico.

By the end of 2025, Cyprus will resolve all technical issues necessary for the country's accession to the Schengen Area. 

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides stated this, as reported by Politico.

He noted that the country has "considered all political issues regarding the line of ceasefire." Since 1974, Cyprus has been divided into two parts: the internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus, predominantly inhabited by Greek Cypriots, and the unrecognized "Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus," mainly populated by Turkish Cypriots.

Christodoulides emphasized the advantages of Schengen membership for Cyprus, particularly in the areas of tourism and investment. He mentioned that a special team in the foreign ministry is monitoring the process.

Cyprus has been a member state of the European Union since 2004. Although Cypriots enjoy freedom of movement within the bloc of 27 countries, the island in the eastern Mediterranean is not yet part of the Schengen Area, which includes countries outside the EU.

The president also informed that Cyprus is in the final stages of eliminating visa requirements for Cypriot travelers to the USA. An American delegation is expected to visit the island soon, after which appropriate statements will be made. 

Background. Earlier, Mind reported that on January 1, 2025, Romania and Bulgaria joined the Schengen Area.