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Deputy Migration Minister: Cyprus ready to face migration challenges

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 26, 2024

The readiness of the Republic of Cyprus to address the complex challenges related to migration, always within the framework of international and European law, was highlighted during meetings held in Athens by the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nikolas Ioannides.

According to a press release, circulated by the Press and Information Office (PIO) on Wednesday, the Deputy Minister met on September 19 with the Minister of Migration and Asylum, Nikolaos Panagiotopoulos, and the Deputy Minister, Sofia Voultepsi. Also attending the meeting from the Greek side were the General Secretary of Migration Policy, Manos Logothetis, and the Head of the Asylum Service, Marios Kaleas.

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The Cypriot delegation, included the Director-General of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and International Protection, Neofytos Papadopoulos and the Head of the Asylum Service, Andreas Georgiades.

The two delegations examined the recent developments in EU countries and the new challenges arising in relation to migration. They agreed on the need for close cooperation through the operation of technical committees and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to ensure better management of shared challenges.

Discussions also focused on the implementation of the provisions of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, the Greek model for managing unaccompanied minors, and the need to exploit potential synergies in tackling smuggling networks in collaboration with FRONTEX and other countries. Additionally, they discussed issues related to the management and effective integration of legal migrants.

The press release also said that the Deputy Minister met with the Head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Greece, Sanja Celebic Lukovac, and the former Head of IOM Greece and current Regional Emergency Coordinator, Gianluca Rocco (via teleconference).

The two officials expressed understanding of the challenges and concerns posed by the increased migration flows to Cyprus and recognized that the Republic of Cyprus is a model in voluntary returns, ranking first in the EU in terms of returns relative to its population, the press release says.

The Deputy Minister thanked the IOM officials for their support and determination in managing the multiple challenges and requested their mediation to hold Turkey accountable, particularly regarding the arrival of migrants in the Buffer Zone via Turkey and the occupied areas.

Ioannides also met with the Head of the Greece Sector in the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Aristides Psarras. They discussed, among other topics, the re-evaluation of areas in Syria to classify them as safe zones and issues concerning the implementation of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum.

The press release said that during the meeting, the crucial role of Cyprus in safeguarding the EU’s external borders was highlighted, and the need for practical solidarity among member states was emphasised. Dr. Ioannides pointed out that the Republic of Cyprus looks forward to the support of its partners in protecting the state’s interests, fully respecting the provisions of international and European law.

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EU Moderates Emissions While Sustaining Economic Momentum

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

November 15, 2025

The European Union witnessed a modest decline in greenhouse gas emissions in the second quarter of 2025, as reported by Eurostat. Emissions across the EU registered at 772 million tonnes of CO₂-equivalents, marking a 0.4 percent reduction from 775 million tonnes in the same period of 2024. Concurrently, the EU’s gross domestic product rose by 1.3 percent, reinforcing the ongoing decoupling between economic growth and environmental impact.

Sector-By-Sector Performance

Within the broader statistics on emissions by economic activity, the energy sector—specifically electricity, gas, steam, and air conditioning supply—experienced the most significant drop, declining by 2.9 percent. In comparison, the manufacturing sector and transportation and storage both achieved a 0.4 percent reduction. However, household emissions bucked the trend, increasing by 1.0 percent over the same period.

National Highlights And Notable Exceptions

Among EU member states, 12 reported a reduction in emissions, while 14 saw increases, and Estonia’s figures remained static. Notably, Slovenia, the Netherlands, and Finland recorded the most pronounced declines at 8.6 percent, 5.9 percent, and 4.2 percent respectively. Of the 12 countries reducing emissions, three—Finland, Germany, and Luxembourg—also experienced a contraction in GDP growth.

Dual Achievement: Environmental And Economic Goals

In an encouraging development, nine member states, including Cyprus, managed to lower their emissions while maintaining economic expansion. This dual achievement—reducing environmental impact while fostering economic activity—is a trend that has increasingly influenced EU climate policies. Other nations that successfully balanced these outcomes include Austria, Denmark, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania, Slovenia, and Sweden.

Conclusion

As the EU continues to navigate its climate commitments, these quarterly insights underscore a gradual yet significant shift toward balancing emissions reductions with robust economic growth. The evolving landscape highlights the critical need for sustainable strategies that not only mitigate environmental risks but also invigorate economic resilience.