In recent years the MED5 countries, which are the frontline Member States facing a number of problems from irregular migration, have been working together and joining forces. We have taken a number of initiatives, such as in the case of the development of the European Asylum Service, in order to arrive at a Common European Pact on Asylum and Migration. We will continue to be constructive in this direction.
All our efforts are based on the need for solidarity. Solidarity that will not be a mere slogan nor devoid of substance, but is essential if we want to have an effective and robust common European policy that effectively addresses all the problems that Europe is facing today. It is precisely for this reason that solidarity cannot be voluntary.
We fully support the French Presidency's initiative, a strong basis for negotiation, for a step-by-step process, in an attempt to overcome the obstacles and move forward with the Pact. We would like to thank in particular the French Interior Minister, Mr. Gerard Darmanin, for his commitment and initiative, as well as the incoming Czech Presidency, which has assured us that it will continue to work in the same direction.
Cyprus, as the Member State facing the greatest migratory burden for the 5th consecutive year, needs the solidarity of its European partners. No state can manage the situation on its own. This solidarity must be translated into action by the immediate relocation of migrants from our island if we do not want to see dramatic demographic changes in the near future. At the same time, the European Commission needs to proceed with bilateral return agreements with a number of third countries. If these simple but vital elements are not part of the new Common European Pact on Asylum and Migration, unfortunately no agreement will be able to solve the problem, especially considering that estimates suggest 150,000 new migrants in frontline Member States for the current year alone.
Cyprus will continue to participate in the constructive debate with the perspective of creating a new, strong and fair asylum and migration system based on the fair sharing of responsibility. This is the only way to effectively manage migration pressures.
EΦys
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