The Cyprus Presidency takes place as the EU faces ongoing geopolitical and migration challenges. The Presidency builds on the work of the previous Poland-Denmark-Cyprus trio, continuing efforts to ensure a secure, resilient, and integrated European area.

Migration, asylum and returns are identified as key areas of focus in the Cyprus Presidency programme. The Presidency plans to ensure the "coherent, fair and effective implementation" of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum, advance a "more efficient, coherent and balanced" European return system, and develop return-related innovative solutions. It also aims to conclude negotiations on the safe third country concept and the EU list of safe countries of origin, and to strengthen the external dimension of migration through mutually beneficial strategic partnerships with key international partners on a “more for more” basis. Among the key objectives are the effective dismantling of criminal networks, the enhancement of legal migration pathways, and the improvement of the Union’s return policy.

As the Cyprus Presidency begins, international organisations have issued recommendations on the EU’s migration agenda. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has called for evidence‑based, inclusive migration policies, emphasising the need for targeted, robust migration data systems and analysis to guide policy decisions, strengthen monitoring and inform governance. IOM also highlights the importance of safe and regular migration channels, improved reception and border management, and cooperation with partner countries along migration routes. The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has urged the Presidency to support a principled and coherent EU agenda on forced displacement, including attention to the functioning of the Common European Asylum System, ongoing Pact reforms, and sustainable responses through long‑term planning and partnership.

For further information, please read the programme of the Cyprus presidency on this page and visit this website.