CYPRUS: Migration needs to be tackled collectively in the EU

Challenges arising from the refugee and migrant crisis need to be tackled collectively by EU member states, said Cyprus Interior Minister Constantinos Petrides.

Addressing an event of the Monitoring Committees of the EU Home Affairs Funds 2014 – 2020, in Nicosia, Petrides said that Cyprus has always been a host country for refugees.

But recently there has been a steady and increasing trend of irregular migrant flows, with Cyprus ranking first in arrivals among EU member states, in relation to its population.

During the first 8 months of 2018, applications for international protection status were up by 55% in relation to the same period in 2017.

 According to the Minister, during this period a total of 4,022 applications were filed in the Republic of Cyprus, compared to 2,600 claims in the first 8 months of 2017, after recording an increase of 56% in 2016.

Increased flows also mean increased challenges which the country is called upon to tackle, Petrides said

He noted the disproportionate pressure, Cyprus’ small size, the demographics, and the country’s vicinity to a volatile region among the factors which call for vigilance.

In the 2014-2020 period, two national programs are being implemented with European funding from the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund and the Internal Security Fund.

The Minister assured that every effort is being made in order to absorb EU funds and achieve substantial results.