According to the Cyprus Mail, the European Commission will conduct a specific evaluation of Cyprus's accession to the Schengen Agreement at the end of December 2013. At that time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other ministries and service agencies will complete the necessary preparations as required by the Cabinet.
As a prerequisite for joining the agreement, Cyprus has divided itself into five administrative districts, two of which have already been evaluated. After the remaining three districts pass the evaluation, Cyprus will strive to join the agreement before 2016.
Previously, Cyprus undertook annual projects under the framework of the EU External Borders Fund in 2008 and 2009 to upgrade its national passport control system. The total cost of these projects exceeded one million euros, with 75% funded by the aforementioned fund.
