Supporting island states is not only a matter of fair distribution of burdens, but also of strategic importance for the common prosperity of the EU, said Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nikolas Ioannidis in his speech at the conference of the Association of former members of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) ).
The conference held in collaboration with the social partners at the building of the Greek Orthodox Church in Nicosia, had as its theme "The Situation and the problems of the island States and Regions of the EU".
Mr. Ioannidis described immigration as a collective challenge that no state can face alone. Therefore, he noted, it becomes necessary to strengthen the support to Cyprus and the island states which are usually frontline states, by providing the necessary resources and tools to enable the management of the migration flow. He added that solidarity and cooperation between EU member states should be promoted to ensure a fair sharing of responsibilities and challenges.
He said recent EU policy changes, as outlined in the New Deal on Migration and Asylum, signal a shift towards a more comprehensive and coordinated approach. Nevertheless, he said, there are several challenges to its implementation.
He also noted that this shift is particularly important, as member states have been forced to take unilateral measures to deal with increased migration flows. He referred to the recent example of the measures adopted by Germany, but also to policies followed by other member states in recent years, which demonstrate the seriousness of the migration issue and the need for a unified and comprehensive management of it.
"In light of the above, we believe that EU policy should take island states and territories into account more, in the framework of a common policy for all European island territories," he said.
He emphasized that "the support of our island regions is not only a matter of justice and the need for equal distribution of burdens, but also of strategic importance for the EU." We must join forces to ensure that our islands continue to flourish and contribute to our common prosperity."
He stated the readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to face the complex challenges related to immigration, always within the framework of international and EU law, in cooperation both with the EU and the member states, as well as with third countries.
At the same time, he referred to the special conditions that Cyprus faces, such as the military occupation of the northern part of the island by Turkey and the existence of the Green Line and the proximity of Cyprus to the Middle East, where armed conflicts take place over time.
Regarding the measures Cyprus is taking on immigration, he said that the Republic of Cyprus has met its obligations, providing international protection to approximately 18.000 immigrants over the last decade, while 22.000 applications are still pending.
He added that the Christodoulidis Government has adopted important measures to address these pressures, achieving the repatriation of thousands of foreigners without the right to stay. In 2024, he said, repatriations exceeded new entries, speeding up the processing of applications and easing the asylum system. In this context, he underlined the construction of new hospitality centers and pre-departure centers, while the infrastructures at the "Pournara" First Reception Center and in Kofinou have already been upgraded.
At the same time, he said that the Government is strengthening the program of voluntary returns with financial incentives and promoting a strategy for the integration of legal immigrants, emphasizing education and learning the Greek language to avoid marginalization and delinquent behaviors.
He also said that the Republic of Cyprus is determined to deal with the criminal activity of the traffickers and some of them have been convicted by Cypriot courts, while other cases are going to be brought to justice.
Speaking at the conference, the Secretary General of the SEC, Andreas Matsas, referred to the major challenges facing Cyprus due to the immigration crisis. As he pointed out, the geographical position of the island makes it the first point of reference for migration flows, either from Africa or from the East. Linking this issue to the ongoing Turkish occupation, Mr. Matsas stressed the need for the EU to adopt a more coordinated and solidarity policy towards the management of immigration, in order to ensure the smooth functioning of the member states and the integration of immigrants into local societies.
Mr. Matsas also highlighted the challenges created by the lack of a single EU migration policy, with diverging trends from different member states. The lack of a common approach, as he noted, can lead to social tensions and the rise of extreme movements opposed to the democratic functioning of the EU.
He then referred to the need for a fair and sustainable transition towards green and blue growth, stressing the importance of social justice and preventing social exclusion.
The Secretary General of the PEO, Sotiroula Charalambous, emphasized the importance of including the voice of citizens and workers in the EU's policy-making processes. She underlined that the successive crises that have hit the EU have widened social and economic inequalities, which threatens the vision of a Europe that serves its people. The failure to address these inequalities, as he pointed out, gives ground to the rise of far-right and fascist movements, which pose a threat to social cohesion.
Referring to immigration, Ms. Charalambous noted that the concept of solidarity between EU member states should not be limited to financial aid, but should be expressed through a fair sharing of responsibility. He emphasized the need to take into account the particularities of island regions, such as Cyprus, which is located at one of the main gateways for immigrants to Europe.
The Director General of OEB, Michalis Antoniou, indicated the geographical position of Cyprus, which is in a "stormy" region, as well as the risks arising from the current geopolitical developments. He pointed out the need for Europe to keep the pace of growth and maintain its productive cells, stressing that Mario Draghi's report, delivered to the President of the Commission, is particularly important
The General Secretary of the Panagrotic Association, Tassos Yipanis, focused on the particular challenges facing the primary sector of Cyprus as an island state. He pointed out that the country's distance from the major EU markets creates conditions of unfair competition, especially for agricultural products. He asked for the renegotiation of the Common Agricultural Policy, adapted to the geographical and climatic specificities of each country.
At the same time, Mr. Giapanis referred to the need to reduce bureaucracy and simplify procedures. In addition, he supported the establishment of an auction for agricultural products in Cyprus, a model of similar structures in the Netherlands and Belgium, with the aim of stabilizing prices and securing the food chain.
Source: KYPE
