Category: Cyprus

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Cyprus Sets Sights on Schengen Area Accession by 2024

Cyprus is gearing up for Schengen Area membership, eyeing 2024 as the pivotal year for its inclusion in the passport-free zone. A full-fledged member of the European Union since May 1, 2004, Cyprus has yet to secure a spot within the Schengen area. Highlighting the country’s foreign policy agenda for the upcoming year, Foreign Minister…
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EU Enlargement: Will The EU Welcome New Members?

The European Union’s Commission recently greenlit the 2023 Enlargement Package, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the advancements made by Georgia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Ukraine. Recommendations have been put forth for each country’s progression towards EU membership. The Commission has recommended granting Georgia the status of a candidate country, marking a significant step in its…
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Temporary Border Controls in the Schengen Zone

The Schengen Agreement is predicated on the fundamental principle of allowing the freedom of movement for its citizens within the Schengen Zone meaning no controls at the group’s internal borders. However, there are clauses in the treaty that provide for the temporary reinstatement of border controls, primarily when there is a threat to public order…
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Austria and the Netherlands Still Against Bulgaria and Romania’s Schengen Membership

Bulgaria and Romania are intensifying their diplomatic efforts to secure entry into the European Union’s Schengen Area by year-end. However, Austrian and Dutch misgivings are likely to continue delaying their entry, as well as the economic benefits that come with it. Austria and the Netherlands currently stand in the way of Bulgaria’s Schengen accession, citing…
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UK Launches Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) System for Qatari Travellers

The UK government has committed to completing the digitisation of its borders by 2025. The UK has launched the ETA system, an electronic travel authorisation system meant to ease the admission process for visa-free travellers from diverse countries. The implementation of this system will take place in stages, with different nationalities targeted. The system is…
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