Atlı Warns on Schengen Membership: “A Special Formula Must Be Developed to Protect Turkish Cypriot Rights”

Atlı warned that without such a measure, Turkish Cypriots—particularly those without Republic of Cyprus citizenship—risk losing key rights, including freedom of movement.

“A Special Formula Must Be Developed to Safeguard Turkish Cypriot Rights”

In a written statement, Atlı highlighted that the Republic of Cyprus’s ongoing process of joining the Schengen Zone has become a matter of public interest in recent weeks. She emphasized that this significant development will directly affect the lives of all island residents and that steps must be taken to ensure that Turkish Cypriots, especially those who do not hold a Republic of Cyprus passport, are not adversely affected.

Underscoring that Turkish Cypriots are equal co-inhabitants of the island, Atlı said:
“Full Schengen membership poses the risk of new restrictions for the thousands of Turkish Cypriots living in the north who do not possess passports. Therefore, we call on the authorities of the Republic of Cyprus and the institutions of the European Union to take the following actions:

• A special legal mechanism must be developed to protect the rights of Turkish Cypriots.

• Legal provisions must be made to allow Turkish Cypriots without passports to apply for a Schengen visa from the south.

• No new barriers should be introduced to crossings between the north and south of the island; on the contrary, freedom of movement should be facilitated.

• In accordance with European principles, the travel freedoms of Turkish Cypriots must be guaranteed.”

“Schengen Can Be an Opportunity—If Equality and Human Rights Are Prioritized”

Atlı further noted that Schengen membership, if approached from a foundation of equality and human rights, could become an opportunity for all Cypriots. However, if the process proceeds unilaterally, she warned that existing discrimination and isolation may worsen, further damaging hopes for a comprehensive solution to the Cyprus problem.

“In the upcoming presidential election, it is imperative that we elect a visionary leader capable of addressing these critical issues,” Atlı concluded.