Luxembourg: Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, highlighted the urgent need for consensus on the Return Regulation during the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting. He emphasized the collective agreement among member states on the regulation’s necessity and the importance of an effective and balanced approach.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Ioannides stated that the meeting in Luxembourg would address several critical issues, particularly focusing on returns to Syria and the ongoing negotiations regarding the Return Regulation. He noted Cyprus’ role in facilitating voluntary returns of Syrian nationals, with around 4,000 individuals returning to Syria by December 2024.
Ioannides also stressed Cyprus’ support for returning third-country nationals who pose national security and public order threats. He underscored the significance of a comprehensive Return Regulation, which would complement the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, aiming to balance a stringent legal regime with flexibility for member states like Cyprus that have effective return programs.
Looking ahead to the Cypriot Presidency, Ioannides stated that Cyprus would prioritize implementing the Pact and adopting the Return Regulation. The Luxembourg Council marks the first high-level political debate on the new Common European System for Returns, addressing the challenge of preventing individuals from moving to other European countries if unsuccessful in securing a visa or asylum.
Addressing questions about disagreements on the Return Regulation, Ioannides acknowledged the partial disagreements but expressed optimism about overcoming obstacles and moving forward with the regulation. The council’s agenda also includes discussions on migration, border security, and internal security. On the sidelines, Ioannides plans to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from various member states to discuss issues of mutual interest.