Cyprus and Romania in 2025: From Football Rivalry to Enhanced European Cooperation

Growing Bilateral Relations

Cyprus and Romania maintain excellent bilateral relations founded on mutual respect and understanding, sharing common goals across various areas including foreign policy issues, human rights, and multilateral cooperation.

The two nations have developed substantial relations based on shared democratic values, reinforced through their membership in the European Union and United Nations. Their connection is further strengthened by a significant Romanian community in Cyprus and Cypriot students attending Romanian universities.

Sports and Competition

In the most recent sporting encounter between the two nations, Cyprus and Romania drew 2-2 in a dramatic World Cup qualifier match. The result, while exciting for spectators, effectively ended both teams’ hopes of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

European Integration and Schengen Aspirations

Cyprus is working toward joining the Schengen Zone by the end of 2025, alongside Romania and other European nations. This process requires Cyprus to undergo rigorous evaluations, including adopting the Schengen acquis, implementing strong border controls, and ensuring smooth cooperation with other Schengen members. Final approval will require unanimous support from existing members and consultation with the European Parliament.

For Cyprus, Schengen membership would be transformative, allowing travelers from member states to visit without border checks and enabling Cypriots to travel freely across Europe for business, study, or leisure.

Economic Outlook

Cyprus has demonstrated robust economic performance, with growth of 3.4 percent ranking among the highest in the euro area, supported by strong export of services and consumption. Growth is expected to moderate to around 2½ percent this year before gradually stabilizing at 3 percent in the medium term.