Traffic at the Agios Dometios (Metehan) checkpoint—one of the busiest crossings on the Green Line separating the Republic of Cyprus from the island’s north—has reached breaking point after years of double-digit growth in vehicle flows. On 4 December, the European Commission announced a €435,000 investment, implemented by the UN Development Programme, to add a third lane, upgrade paving and install new electrical and mechanical systems within the UN Buffer Zone.
The works, which kicked off the same day, are funded under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish-Cypriot community and are scheduled for completion by the end of January 2026. The Commission said the goal is to “facilitate smoother and safer crossings” for thousands of commuters, shoppers and business travellers who rely on the checkpoint daily. Waiting times can top two hours at weekends, hurting local retailers and disrupting cross-community trade.
![EU funds third lane at Agios Dometios / Metehan crossing to ease Nicosia gridlock]()
Local residents have welcomed the upgrade but complain of interim chaos as heavy machinery narrows already congested streets. Logistics companies operating just-in-time supply chains between north and south are advising drivers to reroute via Astromeritis or Pergamos until works finish. Employers with staff who cross the Green Line—for example, casino workers, hospitality staff and auditors—should update mobility policies to account for temporary delays.
Strategically, the project showcases the EU’s continued investment in confidence-building measures ahead of Cyprus’ 2026 EU Council Presidency. Improved people-to-people mobility is also cited by Nicosia as a practical prerequisite for eventual Schengen accession. If the pilot succeeds, officials hint that similar lane-expansion projects could follow at Ledra Palace and Pergamos crossings.
For multinational firms, faster checkpoints cut travel time between client sites on either side of the island and may open new recruitment pools. However, managers will need to monitor Green Line Regulation compliance, as stepped-up infrastructure often goes hand-in-hand with tighter customs and document checks.
The works, which kicked off the same day, are funded under the EU Aid Programme for the Turkish-Cypriot community and are scheduled for completion by the end of January 2026. The Commission said the goal is to “facilitate smoother and safer crossings” for thousands of commuters, shoppers and business travellers who rely on the checkpoint daily. Waiting times can top two hours at weekends, hurting local retailers and disrupting cross-community trade.
Local residents have welcomed the upgrade but complain of interim chaos as heavy machinery narrows already congested streets. Logistics companies operating just-in-time supply chains between north and south are advising drivers to reroute via Astromeritis or Pergamos until works finish. Employers with staff who cross the Green Line—for example, casino workers, hospitality staff and auditors—should update mobility policies to account for temporary delays.
Strategically, the project showcases the EU’s continued investment in confidence-building measures ahead of Cyprus’ 2026 EU Council Presidency. Improved people-to-people mobility is also cited by Nicosia as a practical prerequisite for eventual Schengen accession. If the pilot succeeds, officials hint that similar lane-expansion projects could follow at Ledra Palace and Pergamos crossings.
For multinational firms, faster checkpoints cut travel time between client sites on either side of the island and may open new recruitment pools. However, managers will need to monitor Green Line Regulation compliance, as stepped-up infrastructure often goes hand-in-hand with tighter customs and document checks.
