Cyprus supports new ideas to address migration pressures, deputy migration minister Nicholas Ioannides said on Monday, as he outlined the priorities of the upcoming EU council presidency in Brussels.

He said the presidency would build on the work of Poland and Denmark.

Welcoming progress on outstanding legislation, including regulation on repatriation initiatives and the definition of safe countries of origin, he emphasised the importance of a strong legal framework to support effective returns.

Ioannides commended the commission’s first report on asylum and migration which acknowledged the pressures Cyprus faces, adding that this recognition must now translate into practical support.

He called for fair funding measures for member states under such pressure, stressing that relocations remain crucial for Cyprus.

He described the agreement as ‘workable’ but underlined that Cyprus needs to ‘see results on the ground’.

Responding to criticism from NGOs over proposed repatriation hubs, he said Cyprus remains open to any other innovative approaches if they comply with international law.

He insisted that no measures would be pursued that violate human rights, and that any new approach must be both functional and legally sound.