Cyprus confirmed that it is among at least eight EU member states seeking to declare safe areas in parts of Syria to facilitate the return of refugees from the decade-long war. The Mediterranean island, the closest EU member state to Syria, hosted a conference for member countries supporting its proposal, just days after the 27-member bloc signed a comprehensive reform of migration and asylum policies. The other participants include Austria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Malta, and Poland. The eight countries are part of a broader group of 15 member states that called on Wednesday for "new ways" to deal with illegal migrants, including sending some to third countries, as the bloc plans how to implement its comprehensive asylum policy reform.
Cypriot Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou stated that the eight governments believe that after 13 years of conflict, the EU needs to reassess the changing security conditions in Syria. Ioannou emphasized in a statement, "It is time for the EU to redefine its position" regarding Syria. He added, "Stability has not been fully restored in the country... (but) we must expedite the processes to take all necessary measures to create conditions that allow individuals to return to Syria."
Cyprus reports an increasing flow of irregular Syrian migrants from Lebanon, amid escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, which have undermined Lebanon's efforts to monitor its territorial waters and prevent migrant boats from leaving. The government has enhanced maritime patrols and suspended the processing of asylum requests for Syrians, denying newcomers access to benefits. The Cypriot minister called for increased financial support for Lebanon and warned that "if Lebanon is allowed to collapse, the consequences for the entire EU will be countless."
Lebanon hosts approximately two million people from neighboring Syria—the largest number of refugees in the world relative to its population—and requires assistance from donor countries.
