EU support for island states strategically vital, says Migration Deputy Minister

The support of island states is not only a matter of fair burden-sharing but also of strategic significance for the EU’s collective prosperity, said Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas Ioannides, in a speech at a conference hosted by the Association of Former Members of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC).

The event, held in collaboration with social partners at SEK headquarters in Nicosia, focused on “The Situation and Challenges of the EU’s Island States and Regions.”

Ioannides said that migration was a collective challenge no single country can handle alone. Therefore, he stressed the necessity of bolstering support for Cyprus and other island states, which often serve as front-line countries, by providing the necessary resources and tools to manage migration flows effectively. He also called for the promotion of solidarity and cooperation among EU member states to ensure the fair distribution of responsibilities and challenges.

He also pointed out that the
unilateral measures taken by certain member states, such as Germany, demonstrated the seriousness of the migration issue and the need for a unified and comprehensive management approach.

As he said the EU policy must pay more attention to island states and regions within a common framework for all European island territories. He added that supporting these regions was not only a question of fairness but also of strategic importance for the EU.

“We must join forces to ensure that our islands continue to thrive and contribute to our collective prosperity,” he said.

Regarding Cyprus’s efforts to manage migration, he noted that the Republic of Cyprus has granted international protection to approximately 18,000 migrants over the past decade, with another 22,000 applications pending.

This government, he said, has implemented significant measures to address migration pressures, successfully repatriating thousands of foreign nationals without residence rights. By 2024, he added, repatriations have exceeded new ar
rivals, accelerating the processing of asylum applications and alleviating the asylum system. Additionally, new reception and pre-departure centers have been built, and facilities at Pournara and Kofinou have been upgraded.

The government, he furthermore noted, was also enhancing its voluntary return program with financial incentives and promoting a strategy for integrating legal migrants, focusing on education and Greek language learning to prevent marginalisation and criminal behaviour.

Ioannides also stressed the government’s determination to combat human trafficking, noting that several traffickers have already been convicted by Cypriot courts, with more cases pending trial.

Secretary General of SEK trade union Andreas Matsas, highlighted the major challenges Cyprus faces due to its geographical position as a first point of entry for migrants from Africa and the Middle East. He called for a more coordinated and solidaristic EU policy to ensure smooth functioning in member states and the integration of
migrants into local societies.

Secretary General of PEO trade union, Sotiroula Charalambous, noted the importance of including the voices of citizens and workers in EU policy-making. She said that successive crises in the EU have widened social and economic inequalities, threatening the vision of a Europe serving its people. Failure to address these inequalities, she warned, provides fertile ground for the rise of far-right and fascist movements, which threaten social cohesion.

Director General of OEB employer’s union Michalis Antoniou, emphasised Cyprus’ geographical position in a “turbulent” region and the risks posed by ongoing geopolitical developments. He stressed the importance of Europe maintaining its growth momentum and preserving its productive sectors.

On his part, Tassos Giapanis, General Secretary of the Panagrotikos Farmers’ Union, highlighted the unique challenges faced by Cyprus’s agricultural sector as an island state, such as unfair competition in agricultural products due to its distance
from major EU markets and water scarcity. He called for the renegotiation of the Common Agricultural Policy to account for the geographical and climatic specificities of each country

Source: Cyprus News Agency