Nicosia: The declaration on illegal immigration adopted in Copenhagen by the heads of 17 European states, including Cyprus, is a reaffirmation of the European Union’s goals, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Dr. Nicholas Ioannides told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). This declaration covers issues that the Republic of Cyprus is actively promoting.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister highlighted that the declaration reinforces the EU member states’ objectives regarding migration. He emphasized that the issues addressed are not new but are already being promoted and will continue to be advanced by the member states and the European Commission. These topics are particularly significant for Cyprus.
Dr. Ioannides remarked on Cyprus’s ongoing efforts, noting a decrease in migrant flows to the country and emphasizing Cyprus’s accomplishments in returning migrants. These aspects remain a priority for Cyprus, and the nation is committed to maintaining this focus.
Earlier this week, during the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen, leaders from Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, along with the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Parliament, agreed on a series of measures to tackle ‘the complex challenges of illegal migration.’
They pledged to enhance the fight against human smuggling through coordinated efforts and sanctions, improve asylum and return systems, and collaborate with third countries to address irregular migration. They also committed to exploring innovative solutions, including new legal frameworks and pilot projects, to weaken criminal networks and enhance border management.