Nicosia: Preventing and countering migrant smuggling is not theoretical, it is a daily operational challenge with consequences on the ground, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection for the Republic of Cyprus Nicholas Ioannides said Thursday, addressing the 18th Meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Scrutiny Group (JPSG) on Europol in Nicosia.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister stated that due to Cyprus' measures, there has been a significant decrease in irregular arrivals and asylum applications compared to previous years, while pending asylum applications have also been on the decline. He assured that the government will persist in its efforts both domestically and at the European level during the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU, in collaboration with the Commission, Member States, and EU agencies, including Europol.
Over the last years, Ioannides noted, individuals seeking international protection have become a significant portion of the population, surpassing the EU average and exerting pressure on reception capacity, public services, and communities. He emphasized that Cyprus faces a unique challenge due to the occupation of the northern part of the island by Turkey and the existence of the Green Line, which, while not a border, requires monitoring according to the Green Line Regulation. This creates a complex operational environment where Cyprus must balance security, public order, and humanitarian obligations.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the government's comprehensive strategy to efficiently address migration, marking the establishment of the Deputy Ministry for Migration and International Protection as a pivotal moment for setting priorities, improving coordination, and implementing a coherent migration strategy. He outlined the government's strict, practical, and measurable approach with objectives focused on reducing irregular flows, decreasing pending asylum applications, and increasing returns.
Cyprus has prioritized external engagement to disrupt smuggling routes, enhanced surveillance at sea and along the Green Line in line with international law, intensified action against smugglers, accelerated asylum procedures while respecting rights and due process, and invested in returns. The Deputy Minister affirmed that these efforts have resulted in a decline in irregular arrivals and asylum applications.
He acknowledged that these achievements were not solely due to Cyprus' efforts, citing the European Union's support, particularly Europol's role in transforming fragmented information into operational impact. Cyprus supports the European Commission's objective to enhance Europol's mandate, with plans to engage constructively during their Presidency to strengthen Europol's operational capabilities.
Regarding the forthcoming EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the Deputy Minister stated it aligns with Cyprus' approach of stricter border controls and expedited asylum procedures, emphasizing the importance of its timely implementation for cohesive and effective migration management.
As the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, Cyprus views migration as a shared European responsibility, with priorities including advancing the implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, reinforcing external dimensions through partnerships, improving returns effectiveness, and supporting action against smuggling networks. Ioannides concluded by emphasizing the importance of ensuring the European framework is operationally effective in practice.