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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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Industry Uproar Over Reduction in Electric Vehicle Subsidies

by News Editor

April 26, 2025

The recent move by the government to curtail subsidies for electric vehicles has stirred significant discontent among car importers in Cyprus. The Department of Road Transport (DRT) has slashed available grants under the Electric Vehicle Promotion Scheme as of April 23, leading to a rapid depletion of the subsidy pool and leaving many potential applicants disappointed.

Importers’ Concerns

According to the Cyprus Motor Vehicle Importers Association (CMVIA), the lack of transparency and failure to engage stakeholders prior to the decision have eroded trust in the government’s commitments. Importers now find themselves facing a precarious situation, with substantial stocks of electric vehicles and mounting promotional expenditures.

Public Interest and EU Compliance

Although the scheme aimed to support the transition to zero-emission transport until 2025, the DRT states that the curtailing of funds was necessary to comply with European funding terms, which warned against delays in vehicle deliveries. This decision has fueled market uncertainty despite the application portal experiencing dynamic changes.

Industry’s Ongoing Demand

The CMVIA refutes any claims suggesting waning interest in electric vehicles, underscoring the rapid exhaustion of available grants as proof of substantial demand. They highlight the importance of meeting Cyprus’s green transition targets, including putting 80,000 electric vehicles on roads by 2030.

While the total budget for subsidies saw an increase to €36.5 million in 2023, thanks to additional funding, ongoing difficulties in timely vehicle distribution have led to premature closures of applications. In response, CMVIA has called for urgent dialogue with the Minister of Transport to reassess the decision, fearing that it could endanger the future of e-mobility in Cyprus.