Brussels: Cyprus’ priorities for its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU will be outlined on Monday in Brussels by Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides. Speaking ahead of the last Justice and Home Affairs Council before Cyprus assumes the rotating presidency, he stressed the importance of fully activating the new Migration and Asylum Pact, addressed questions on the solidarity mechanism, and expressed openness to innovative approaches to returns, including the proposed ‘return hubs.’
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Deputy Minister noted that the Pact will define the Cypriot Presidency’s core agenda. ‘The hallmark of our Presidency will be the entry into force of the Pact on Migration and Asylum in June, and we will work tirelessly for its full implementation’ he noted.
On outstanding legislative files, Ioannides commended “the constructive deliberations on the Return Regulation, as well as on the concepts of a safe third country and a safe country of origin. I would like to stress once again the importance of establishing a robust and resilient legal framework for returns.’
He also welcomed the Commission’s acknowledgment of Cyprus’ situation. ‘We welcome the fact that the Commission, through its first Asylum and Migration Report, has recognised the particular situation Cyprus is facing in terms of migration. Nevertheless, we expect this recognition to be translated into tangible and meaningful support, in the form of both relocations and funding, applied fairly across member states facing migratory pressures.’
Speaking about the solidarity mechanism, Ioannides said Cyprus agrees with the overall direction but needs concrete outcomes. ‘There have been long discussions, and we agree with the essence of the mechanism. We have seen the numbers rising, and we believe the deal is a good one. However, we need to see tangible results – relocations are crucial for us. The general framework is acceptable, and we can work with it, but we need to see it applied in practice.’
Addressing NGO criticism of return hubs as inhumane or ineffective, the Deputy Minister expressed support for exploring new solutions. ‘Cyprus supports innovative ideas to address migration, as we have been struggling for ten years to find effective solutions. We are now at a point where ideas discussed in recent months and years are beginning to take shape. We support the materialisation of such innovative approaches, including return hubs, provided they comply with international law. I believe most member states and the Commission share this view. We will not proceed with any solution that violates human rights or international law. Our focus is on solutions that are both functional and compliant with international standards’ he added.
Asked whether NGOs have reason to be concerned, he responded: ‘If they disagree with the essence of the idea, then yes, they will have concerns. I understand issues related to legality, but as I’ve said, neither the Union nor member states will adopt solutions that breach international obligations.’