Cyprus as a Key Player in Shaping EU Migration Policy
October 25, 2026
Cyprus has transitioned from being a supplicant to a significant influencer of EU migration policy. The government's efforts have yielded results, with a drastic reduction in both asylum applications and irregular arrivals. From 2021 to 2023, arrivals dropped by 91% and asylum requests by 92%. Cyprus is showing that it has taken on an active role in this process, with Europe now looking for more comprehensive solutions beyond just funding. Consequently, Cyprus's position in the European dialogue has dramatically changed.