Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus Deputy Minister for Migration Nicholas Ioannides on Monday highlighted the significance of the EU’s Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new Return Regulation for both the European Union and Cyprus. He said the measures are particularly important for frontline countries such as Cyprus, which continue to face migration pressures.
Migration pact measures
Ioannides said the migration pact, which took effect on June 12, establishes clearer rules, faster procedures, stricter border controls and solidarity mechanisms among member states.
He said these measures are of particular importance for frontline member states dealing with sustained migration pressure.
Migration figures and national policy
Ioannides reported that government policies had reduced irregular migration flows by about 90 per cent compared with 2022. He added that around 35,000 third-country nationals had departed.
He also said legislation had been strengthened to address criminal behaviour among foreign nationals.
New return regulation
Referring to the new return regulation approved by the European Parliament on Wednesday, Ioannides said it would strengthen the EU’s strategy for returning people who do not have the right to remain.
He noted that a political agreement on the regulation had been reached on June 1 following intensive negotiations, with Cyprus taking an active role through its presidency of the EU Council.
Cyprus involvement and next steps
Ioannides expressed thanks to officials from the deputy ministry and Cyprus’ permanent representation to the EU, as well as Cypriot members of the European Parliament who supported the legislation.
He said the decisions mark the beginning of a process and added that “the success of the new European framework will be judged in practice.”
Ioannides said Cyprus would continue to pursue a “strict but fair” migration policy while remaining committed to its international obligations and European cooperation.
