Nicosia:Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannides participated in the Justice and Home Affairs Council in Luxembourg to advance Cyprus's bid for Schengen area accession.

According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides emphasized that Cyprus has implemented all the European Commission's recommendations and is technically ready to join the Schengen area. However, he noted that political agreement from European partners is still needed.

Ioannides expressed solidarity with Spain following the recent crisis in Ceuta and highlighted the importance of EU support for member states managing mass migratory flows. He stressed the need for coordinated actions to protect the Union's territory and maintain the integrity of the Schengen area.

He also discussed the importance of managing external borders, effective asylum procedures, and credible return policies. Despite facing significant migratory pressure, Cyprus has reduced illegal arrivals and increased returns with European support.

During discussions on enhancing cooperation with third countries for returns, Ioannides underscored the role of migration diplomacy, visa policy, and strategic partnerships. He highlighted the necessity for the EU to use its tools effectively if cooperation is lacking.

Ioannides called for better data collection and analysis on border procedures to guide decisions on readmission cooperation. He warned against using migration as a political tool and urged EU unity against such manipulations.

He supported Greece's proposal for a European emergency mechanism to handle migration crises, stressing the need for compliance with international law. Ioannides also highlighted Cyprus's progress in implementing the Pact on Migration and Asylum, emphasizing the importance of continued support for frontline states.

In discussions on improving migration monitoring, he advocated for enhanced information exchange among EU members to prevent crises. He also addressed the role of disinformation and the need for legal frameworks to manage public information, respecting data protection rights.

On the sidelines of the Council, Ioannides met with Austrian, Dutch, and Finnish counterparts to discuss Cyprus's Schengen accession and potential cooperation on establishing return hubs and enhancing border management.