Cyprus is working harder to stop people smugglers. This is to reduce the number of people arriving without permission. It also helps calm public worries. Cyprus has many asylum seekers compared to its size. The country is now making asylum processes faster. They are also sending more people back to their countries. Nicholas Ioannides, Deputy Minister of Migration, said this is a very important issue for Cypriots.
The government has a plan with three main goals. They want to reduce arrivals by sea and land. They also want to process old asylum applications faster. And they want to send more people home. Mr. Ioannides said that smugglers work when borders are weak. They also work when processing takes too long. This plan needs better national work and help from Europe. They are working with Europol and the European Commission.
A recent survey shows that 86% of Cypriots worry most about migration. This is more than wars or disasters. People are also worried about fake news and hate speech. This shows that people are concerned about the world. They want Europe to work together better.
Most Cypriots want the European Union to protect citizens more. They think EU countries should act together. They also want the EU to have more influence in the world. Many people want more EU money to fight global problems. They want the EU to protect its citizens better. They believe working together in Europe is important.
This feeling is important for the EU's future plans. Defence and security are top priorities. Education and migration are also important. Cyprus is in a key location. It wants a stronger EU to solve world problems.