The fact described in the text is that the EU will continue to support efforts for a Cyprus solution, with the heads of the EU commission and parliament representations on the island expressing their commitment to this goal.
The government of Cyprus has indefinitely suspended the processing of asylum applications from people of Syrian origin, citing an “emergency situation due to sudden influxes” from Syria. This decision, made under the Christodoulides Government, includes the use of the National Guard in anti-refugee operations and the suspension of asylum applications for 21 months for Syrians. The government’s measures have been criticized for violating international obligations under the Geneva Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights, as well as for contributing to anti-immigration and anti-refugee sentiments. Additionally, the government’s actions have been deemed illegal and disproportionate, with concerns raised about military-style pushbacks conducted with the navy and police.
Cyprus expects substantive support from the EU in the face of soaring migrant flows. Cyprus is facing increasing flows of Syrian irregular migrants from Lebanon. EU competitiveness should be bolstered through the deepening of the EU single market.