A report from the European Commission to the Council, published on 30 June 2026, details the implementation of Council Regulation (EC) No 866/2004 for the period from 1 January to 31 December 2025, showing an overall increase in crossings across the Green Line in Cyprus, a decrease in trade value, and a continued decline in irregular migration.
The report covers the movement of persons, trade, and enforcement activities. Greek Cypriot crossings rose to 1,453,135 (up from 1,346,121 in 2024), Turkish Cypriot crossings increased to 1,983,610 (from 1,814,647), and crossings by EU and third-country nationals grew to 2,053,958 (from 1,777,946). Irregular migration dropped to 2,433 migrants crossing from non-government-controlled areas, down from 3,319 in 2024. In the Eastern Sovereign Base Areas (ESBA), 33 migrants were apprehended, and 4,609 persons were refused crossing.
total trade with accompanying documents fell 5.3% to EUR 14,430,669, and goods issued documents dropped 12.9% to EUR 15,866,752. However, trade from government-controlled areas rose 13.5% to EUR 1,491,582. Two consignments were rejected due to incorrect performance certificates: sinks on 5 February and emulsion paints on 30 May.
the Republic of Cyprus made 2,870 seizures (down 9.5%), and the ESBA made 661 seizures (down from 997). Enforcement efforts included an increase in Republic of Cyprus police officers at crossing points to 108, risk-based patrols by the ESBA, and continued engagement by the Commission with authorities and the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.
The report notes persistent obstacles such as vehicle restrictions and banking issues affecting trade and movement. The Commission's findings are based on data from the Republic of Cyprus, the ESBA, and other sources.