The Mediterranean Migration and Asylum Policy Hub (MedMA) participated as Knowledge Partner at Cyprus Forum 2026, contributing to a high-level panel discussion entitled “Migration Governance at the EU Frontline: Protection, Capacity, Integration, and the Role of Cyprus.”
The discussion examined the challenges and opportunities shaping migration governance in Cyprus, from international protection and returns to integration, labour mobility and the responsibilities of frontline EU Member States.
The panel was chaired by Dr. Markos Karavias, Assistant Professor of Public International Law at the University of Piraeus and Director of MedMA. He was joined by Dr. Nicholas A. Ioannides, Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection of Cyprus; Elizabeth V. Kassinis, Executive Director of Caritas Cyprus and Co-Chair of the European Philanthropic Initiative for Migration (EPIM); and Zinaida Onoufriou, Senior External Relations Associate at UNHCR Cyprus.
Dr. Ioannides highlighted the need for European solidarity to translate into practical support for frontline Member States. He also addressed returns, efforts to expand legal migration pathways, and the relationship between labour mobility and successful integration.
Ms. Kassinis brought the perspective of civil society to the discussion, focusing on the everyday realities of integration. She underlined the importance of practical access to employment, education, housing, transport and essential services, alongside coordinated action by the different actors involved.
Ms. Onoufriou addressed international protection and returns, emphasising the importance of fair and effective asylum systems, safe and dignified returns, and appropriate safeguards. She also reflected on the continued relevance of the 1951 Refugee Convention, 75 years after its adoption, and the importance of responsibility sharing.
A central conclusion of the discussion was the need for closer cooperation between government, civil society, international organisations and academia to address the practical challenges of migration governance and translate policy commitments into effective implementation.
MedMA thanks the Cyprus Forum for the invitation and all the panellists for a thoughtful and substantive exchange on an issue of particular importance for Cyprus and the European Union.
