Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta coordinate migration policy in Rome

Ministers from Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta met in Rome on Wednesday to discuss strategies for managing irregular migration. This meeting followed a joint declaration issued by the leaders of these four Mediterranean nations in April. Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection of Cyprus, Nikolas Ioannides, represented his country at the summit hosted by Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi. The representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening EU external border security and addressing illegal migration flows. Discussions focused on implementing the European Union Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new Returns Regulation, the latter of which was negotiated during Cyprus’s Presidency of the Council of the EU. The ministers emphasized the need to combat criminal smuggling networks and prevent a recurrence of the migration pressures seen in 2015. Cooperation with third countries in the region was highlighted as a key component of their strategy to support affected populations and reduce pressure on European borders. The officials stated that these measures will operate under the principles of responsibility and solidarity, while remaining in compliance with international and EU law.