Baykallı: Schengen Membership Not a Crisis, But a Potential Risk Exists

Speaking on the “Morning News” program broadcast on Kıbrıs Postası TV and hosted by Canan Onurer, Baykallı commented on the possible implications of Greek Cypriot accession to the Schengen Zone.

“Talking about a crisis is not accurate at this stage, but there is a potential risk,” Baykallı said, noting that crisis perceptions on the island often stem from exclusion from key processes and flows.

“Schengen Is Not So Different from Other Open Border Examples”

Baykallı explained that the Schengen Agreement is not fundamentally different from other open border frameworks seen around the world. “Similar open border applications exist in other regions globally,” he noted.

Regarding the possible impact of Schengen membership on trade conducted under the Green Line Regulation, Baykallı pointed out that while the Regulation sets out the conditions for trade, it does not specify implementation details. He elaborated:

“For example, when a product moves from the north of Cyprus to the south, there are no detailed instructions on how inspections should be carried out. If the Republic of Cyprus joins the Schengen Area, travel between the areas it controls and other Schengen countries will be further simplified. This would also involve the sharing of common databases, including those related to criminal information.”

“Uncertainty Around New Procedures”

Baykallı underlined that procedures to be introduced for crossing into southern Cyprus after Schengen accession remain unclear. “These practices are ultimately determined by the member states themselves,” he said, reiterating: “It’s not accurate to describe this as a crisis, but there is certainly a potential risk.”

He further explained that challenges in trade across the Green Line are not due to the content of the Regulation itself but arise from shortcomings in its implementation. Baykallı emphasized that political decisions made by authorities directly affect people’s daily lives, and this often leads to fear and uncertainty among the public.