Toros Warns of Risks to Movement and Trade Without Diplomatic Action

Speaking to Kıbrıs Postası, Toros urged Turkish Cypriot leader Ersin Tatar to immediately initiate diplomatic contacts to prevent complications that could affect both the movement of people and commercial activity across the island.

Greek Cypriot leader Nikos Christodoulides recently confirmed that South Cyprus is on track to join the Schengen Area by 2026, with all technical procedures expected to be completed by the end of 2025.

Toros noted that while most European Union countries, with the exception of Cyprus and Ireland, are already part of the Schengen Area, Cyprus presents a unique case due to the island's divided status. Since Cyprus joined the EU, movement and trade across the island have been governed by the Green Line Regulation.

Highlighting that the Green Line Regulation is an official EU instrument, Toros warned that Schengen accession could alter the current arrangements unless special derogations are secured. Without such exemptions, Schengen rules could supersede the Green Line Regulation, effectively creating a “hard border” and severely restricting movement and trade between the two sides.

“If Diplomatic Steps Are Not Taken Urgently, Schengen Accession Will Work Against Turkish Cypriots”

Toros stressed that Turkish Cypriots must be actively included in the Schengen integration process and called for derogations to be introduced to safeguard the current crossings and trade mechanisms. If such diplomatic measures are not taken in time, he warned, the resulting restrictions could lead to serious complications, particularly for Turkish Cypriots who do not hold Republic of Cyprus citizenship. These individuals could face new financial burdens and visa requirements.

“Green Line Regulation Currently Lacks Provisions for Trade – This Must Be Addressed Urgently”

Toros identified trade as another major area of concern. He pointed out that the Green Line Regulation, in its current form, does not include specific arrangements for commercial activity. As a result, new frameworks are urgently needed to ensure that cross-line trade is not obstructed by Schengen rules.

Without these adaptations, Toros said, commercial operations could face similar difficulties as cross-border movement, potentially leading to additional costs and administrative hurdles.

Concluding his remarks, Toros stated that his warnings serve as a call to action for Ersin Tatar. He emphasized that the Turkish Cypriot side must act swiftly to engage in diplomatic efforts, particularly with the European Commission, to ensure it is not excluded from a process that could reshape fundamental aspects of daily life and commerce on the island. He noted that, to date, no such diplomatic initiative has been undertaken by Tatar.