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- Ελληνικά
It is a great pleasure to attend the 2nd Meeting of the Monitoring Committees of the Internal Affairs Funds for the Programming Period 2021-2027. The Monitoring Committees are a body with a key role in monitoring the implementation of the Funds' Programmes and the achievement of their objectives, as well as in the exchange of views on migration and internal security issues.
Cyprus is one of the frontline Member States of the European Union and has been subject to intense migratory pressures over time. Currently, 5.4% of the country's population are either applicants or beneficiaries of international protection. The political tensions and conflicts currently raging in the region are likely to put pressure on European states with increased migration flows. In order to best manage such a development, proper and timely preparation is needed at national and European level.
Conversely, the challenges posed by migration must be addressed collectively by European states, on the basis of the responsibility and solidarity arising from our membership of the Union. In this context, there is an urgent need to implement the measures contained in the new EU Action Plan for the Eastern Mediterranean. The adoption, at European level, of a needs assessment system to promote legal migration and procedures for granting targeted migration permits are among the measures that must be implemented immediately in order to reduce illegal migration.
Dear all,
During the 2014-2020 programming period, projects were implemented under the National Programmes of the Home Affairs Funds with a total funding, from European and national resources, of €116.7 million (€106.8 from EU funds and €9.9 from national funds). In addition, additional funds were secured directly from the European Commission for migration management, bringing the total expenditure for projects to €126.9 million from EU and national resources in the 2014-2020 programming period.
For the 2021-2027 programming period, the European Commission has approved an increased allocation to Cyprus under the Home Affairs Funds Programmes of €162 million. This amount includes €134 million from European funds and €28 million from national funds.A total of €75.2 million of EU (€67.7 million) and national (€7.5 million) funds, earmarked for the construction of the Lakes Accommodation Centre for Applicants for International Protection and the Pre-Removal Centre, [*]a total of €6.7 million of EU funds to provide accommodation for displaced Ukrainians, fully funded by the EU. [*]€31 million for the implementation of two Special Actions concerning the strengthening of administrative capacity and upgrading of the infrastructure of the Social Welfare Services in the field of unaccompanied minors. [/LIST]
In total, for the implementation of the Programmes and actions of the Republic of Cyprus, within the framework of the Programming Period 2021-2027, amounts totalling €276.4 million have been approved so far. At the same time, the European Commission has awarded directly to the International Organization for Migration Greece an amount of €22 million for the upgrading of the "Pournara" First Reception Centre.
In addition to the financial assistance provided to the Republic by the European Commission, equally important is the staff support provided under the Support Plan for Cyprus by the European Asylum Agency. The staff of the European Asylum Agency employed in our country provides services for the examination of asylum applications, staffing of reception and accommodation centres, facilitation of the relocation process, translation and training. At the same time, the Agency contributes to equipping the Centres with prefabricated offices and/or housing units. The approximately 240 staff members of the European Asylum Agency, who staff the relevant Departments, constitute the Agency's largest team in a Member State and the total budget for 2022 amounted to €12 million.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
An important measure to tackle irregular migration is the promotion of returns. Up to October, 25.3% of applications submitted in 2023 involved persons from safe countries. The figure for 2021 and 2022 was 41.29% and 40.32%, respectively.
The importance of strengthening the returns sector, a policy that the Home Office places high on its priorities, is therefore clear. Indicative of the importance attached is the fact that since April the number of asylum examiners has gradually more than doubled, which, combined with a 50% reduction in the number of new applications, has led to a 60% increase in the number of returns compared to 2022. Specifically, in absolute numbers, 9,300 persons had left Cyprus by October 2023, compared to 5,800 who had left in the same period in 2022. Taking into account the data so far for the month of November, where the same increasing trend is observed, it is important to note that, for the first time, the balance of arrivals-returns shows a positive picture, with Cyprus being among the first among the EU Member States in absolute numbers of returns.
The issue of returns requires coordinated actions at the level of the European Union.
The issue of returns requires coordinated actions at the level of the European Union. We consider it essential to promote the conclusion of agreements with third countries, a measure included in the Eastern Mediterranean Action Plan, which is expected to contribute to the decongestion of Member States, especially those on the front line.
At the same time, the establishment and operation of the Deputy Ministry of Migration and Asylum is an important parameter for the Government in the effort for a holistic approach and effective management of the migration issue. The relevant bill is currently under discussion in the relevant Committee of the Parliament and we hope that it will soon be submitted to the plenary session of the House for adoption.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I would like to thank the European Commission, the European Asylum Organisation and the International Organisation for Migration for their continuous, practical support to the Republic of Cyprus and their contribution to our efforts for effective management of the migration issue.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
In conclusion, I would like to thank the European Commission, the European Asylum Organisation and the International Organisation for Migration for their continuous, practical support to the Republic of Cyprus and their contribution to our efforts for effective management of the migration issue. I would also like to convey my congratulations to the European Funds Unit for the exemplary management and high absorption rate of the funds under the Internal Affairs Funds.
I wish you every success in the proceedings of today's session.
(MKE)
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