Cyprus and Denmark discussed re-evaluating the status of specific areas in Syria. Danish official supports examining real facts in Syria to allow states to carry out returns under specific conditions. Interior Minister Ioannou suggested creating a group with European countries to prepare an official joint document on the Syrian issue. Ioannou will also meet with the interior minister of the Czech Republic in Prague.
Fact: Architects and engineers involved in the construction of a monastery at the environmentally protected Natura 2000 site in Cape Greco will appear before a disciplinary board.
The 2023 wildfire season in Europe was one of the worst this century, with over half a million hectares scorched. The three worst years for wildfires in the century were 2017, 2022, and 2007. Fires intensified during the summer of 2023, especially in the Mediterranean region. Climate change is causing more frequent wildfires, with areas previously not considered fire-prone now being affected. Preliminary data for the first three months of 2024 show almost double the average number of fires. The wildfires in 2023 produced around 20 megatonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to a third of all emissions from international aviation in the EU in one year. The final 2023 report, including national contributions, will be published in the autumn.
Cyprus seeks to secure a package similar to Egypt for Lebanon to deter illegal migrant trafficking. President Christodoulides plans to involve Ursula von der Leyen in negotiations with Lebanon, following discussions with the EU Commission President. The Cypriot government’s focus is on coordinating with the EU to address increased migration flows, with efforts continuing to designate safe areas in Syria.
President Nikos Christodoulides visited Lebanon to address the increased flow of Syrian refugees to Cyprus, with over 15 boats carrying 800 migrants arriving in the last week. The president discussed ways to stop the influx with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and agreed on messages to convey to the Lebanese government. Cyprus would push for a bigger EU assistance package for Lebanon if the flow of migrants stopped, implying that lack of action from Lebanon could affect the aid. Lebanon, home to two million Syrian refugees, has received minimal EU support compared to other countries like Turkey and Egypt. The effectiveness of Lebanon’s government in tackling trafficking networks remains uncertain.
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Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou stated that Cyprus understands Lebanon’s position and will work with EU allies to address migration flows. Lebanon has promised increased surveillance and cooperation to dismantle migrant smuggling rings. Cyprus is preparing for various scenarios related to migration. President Nikos Christodoulides may visit Lebanon again with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss migration. The next stop will be the informal European council meeting on April 18-19, where immigration and Lebanon’s actions will be evaluated. Lebanon recognizes the need to intensify and monitor the situation on its borders.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced the scrapping of the golden visa programme, which grants residency rights to foreigners who make large investments in real estate. The programme, which required a minimum investment of 500,000 euros, will be eliminated to make access to affordable housing a right instead of a speculative business. Portugal has also revamped its golden visa scheme, excluding real estate investment to address a housing crisis.
Cyprus and Lebanon are cooperating to address the issue of growing migrant flows, particularly Syrian refugees coming from Lebanon. Cyprus has seen an increase in migrants arriving by sea, causing tension between the two countries. Lebanon hosts a large number of Syrian refugees, putting strain on its economy. Cyprus is seeking greater financial assistance from the European Commission to help Lebanon manage the situation. Both countries have agreed to coordinate actions and work with the EU to address the issue.
After the 15th Congress of the New Democracy, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen joined Nikos Christodoulides for a lunch in Athens. The focus of the lunch was on addressing the increased migration flows from Lebanon and finding ways to prevent this with more active EU involvement.