The European Commission's 22nd report on the Green Line Regulation, published on 30 June 2026, documents a mixed picture for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2025: crossings by Greek Cypriots, Turkish Cypriots, and other EU citizens and third-country nationals all increased, while the value of authorised trade across the line fell by 5.3% to EUR 14.4 million. Irregular migration continued its downward trend from recent years but remains a concern, and several obstacles to trade persist.
The report, issued under Council Regulation (EC) No 866/2004, covers movement of persons, goods, and services across the line separating areas of the Republic of Cyprus under and not under government control, as well as the UK Eastern Sovereign Base Area (ESBA). Crossings by Greek Cypriots rose to 1,453,135 (up from 1,346,121 in 2024), Turkish Cypriot crossings reached 1,983,610 (up from 1,814,647), and other EU citizens and third-country nationals crossing numbered 2,053,958 (up from 1,777,946). Irregular migration fell sharply: 2,433 migrants crossed irregularly, down from 3,319 in 2024, 6,793 in 2023, and 16,627 in 2022. A further 33 migrants were apprehended via the ESBA.
Trade value declined to EUR 14,430,669 from EUR 15,238,221 in 2024, a drop of 5.3%. However, trade from government-controlled areas to the north increased by 13.5% to EUR 1,491,582. Seizures of smuggled goods fell to 2,870 (from 3,170), with 661 seizures in the ESBA (down from 997). The report identifies persistent obstacles: Turkish Cypriot commercial vehicles over 7.5 tonnes still require acquis-compliant documents, bank account access difficulties remain unresolved, and no progress was made on allowing trade in processed food of non-animal origin.
The report's findings carry implications for several stakeholders. For Cypriot consumers and businesses on both sides, the rise in crossings signals continued demand for contact, but the trade decline and unresolved barriers limit economic integration. For the Republic of Cyprus authorities, the drop in irregular migration eases pressure on border management, while the increase in crossings from the north may require continued infrastructure and administrative support. For Turkish Cypriot traders, the lack of progress on vehicle documentation and banking access restricts their ability to export to the government-controlled area. For EU institutions, the report underscores the slow pace of resolving technical trade obstacles, which may prompt renewed calls for political engagement on the Cyprus issue.
The report will be transmitted to the Council for discussion. No legislative follow-up is proposed at this stage, but the Commission is expected to continue monitoring implementation and to report again in 2027.