Cyprus is set to spearhead crucial European Union negotiations concerning a unified and robust policy for the return of irregular migrants. Under the guidance of Deputy Minister of Migration Nicholas Ioannides, the island nation will champion EU-wide discussions on a new returns framework. This significant initiative arrives as the bloc intensifies its efforts to manage asylum flows and bolster cooperation with third countries on readmission agreements. Recent EU decisions have even indicated a willingness to leverage trade preferences as a diplomatic tool in these efforts.
The impetus for Cyprus's proactive role is deeply rooted in its own recent experiences. Following a record influx of asylum seekers in 2022, the country experienced the highest per capita rate of asylum applications within the EU for an extended period. This surge transformed migration into a highly contentious political issue, unfortunately leading to social tensions, demonstrations, and regrettable violent incidents targeting migrant workers and businesses. In response, Cyprus implemented a stringent migration strategy in 2024, placing a pronounced emphasis on facilitating returns.
This policy has demonstrably yielded remarkable results, with departures now reportedly five times higher than arrivals, a significant proportion of which are voluntary. Mr. Ioannides articulated this success, stating, "Cyprus has implemented a successful programme for returns, most of which are voluntary, and we would like to see a solid legal basis that will help other states to implement them." The forthcoming negotiations, anticipated to commence around March, will involve complex "three-way talks" between EU member states, the European Parliament, and the European Commission.
Cyprus aims to leverage its demonstrable success in implementing returns to foster consensus on a common European approach. The overarching objective is to create a cohesive legal foundation that streamlines the removal of individuals whose asylum claims have been rejected. Furthermore, it seeks to explore innovative solutions for processing asylum requests and managing returns at centres located outside European borders. This intensified focus on returns aligns perfectly with the broader European agenda, as the EU's recently agreed-upon Migration and Asylum Pact incorporates enhanced provisions for returns. This pact is slated to become operational in mid-2026, signifying a more assertive stance on migration management across the continent.