Larnaca, Cyprus. Police officers from Mediterranean countries met in Larnaca on Thursday and Friday for an international meeting focused on strengthening cooperation on migration issues. Held under the auspices of Europol, the meeting addressed efforts to combat the smuggling of migrants along land and sea routes into the European Union.
Participants and focus
The event brought together senior officials, including Europol deputy executive director for operations Jean-Philippe Lecouffe, as well as representatives from Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Malta and Spain.
Operational discussions
Participants discussed current trends and challenges linked to migrant smuggling by sea, presented ongoing operational actions and exchanged best practices in international police cooperation.
Call for closer collaboration
They also stressed the need for closer collaboration among the competent authorities of Mediterranean EU member states in tackling cross-border migration-related crime.
