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It is with great pleasure that
we visit the newly upgraded Accommodation Centre for Applicants of
International Protection in Kofinou, made possible with the invaluable
support of the European Union Agency for Asylum (EUAA).
Our joint visit with Ms. Nina
Gregory, Executive Director of the EUAA, and Ms. Beate Gminder, Deputy
Director General in DG Home, signifies the completion of the center's
construction works and the beginning of its operational phase, scheduled to
commence in nearly two weeks’ time when it will start accommodating
residents.
EUAA has provided significant
support by supplying pre-fabricated housing and office units to meet the
growing needs of the Center during a period of continuous migration flows
towards Cyprus, which highly impacted our reception capacity.
The development of this center
will soon move to another phase, where its capacity will significantly
increase, enabling us to accommodate approximately 700 residents. The second
phase is anticipated to be completed by the first semester of 2024.
As I mentioned in our meeting
today with Nina Gregory, the substantive and continuous assistance provided
by the EUAA to the Cypriot authorities in various aspects of the asylum and
reception procedure, including manpower, expertise, training, technical
support, and equipment, is highly appreciated. Undoubtedly, the EUAA has been
one of our most valuable partners in our efforts to efficiently manage the
increased and disproportionately large migratory flows towards the island
over the past few years.
Pending the final agreement on
the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and with the uneven distribution of
asylum applicants across the EU member states, EUAA faces the challenge of
establishing uniformity in asylum and reception procedures among member
states with different national asylum policies, practices, and mechanisms.
The raising of quality and harmonization standards can only result to the
strengthening of the overall trust in EU asylum procedures and contribute to
the establishment of the common European asylum system.
Improving reception and
accommodation infrastructure remains a top priority in the current
government's migration policy. In addition to enhancing the Kofinou
Accommodation Centre, we also have other important projects underway. These
include constructing an Accommodation Centre for Applicants of International
Protection with 1000 residents and a Pre-Departure Centre in Limnes, with
approximately 800 capacity. The European Commission financially supports
these projects with a contribution of €67,6 million.
At the same time, the First
Reception Centre, “Pournara” in Kokkinotrimithia, is also undergoing an
upgrade, with direct financing from the Commission to IOM Greece.
These ongoing projects are of
major significance as they aim to improve the living conditions for
residents, enhance the management and efficiency of asylum procedures, and
facilitate the return of migrants whose asylum applications have been
rejected. They are important milestones in our efforts to strengthen Cyprus's
capacity to manage migration flows effectively.
In conclusion, I would like to
express my gratitude to the EUAA and personally to Nina, not only for their
contribution to the Kofinou Centre but for their continuous support towards
Cyprus during the last challenging years. I extend my appreciation to the
EUAA office in Cyprus, particularly to Francesco and the entire team, for
their invaluable support and excellent cooperation. I look forward to further
strengthening our cooperation to achieve even more tangible results.
Finally, I would like to take
the opportunity of Mrs. Gminder’s presence today to extend the Government’s
sincere gratitude to the European Commission for its unwavering support. The
solidarity displayed by the EC and EU Agencies is truly valued and deeply
appreciated.
In addition to EUAA and the
European Commission, I would also like to thank the Asylum Service, the
Technical Services of the Ministry of Interior, the Nicosia District Officer,
the Department of Land and Surveys, the Department of Town Planning and
Housing, the Department of Electrical and Mechanical Services, and all others
who played a role in the rapid implementation of this Accommodation Centre in
Kofinou. Many thanks to the Cyprus Police and the Local Authority of Kofinou
for their cooperation, support, and assistance.
(EFys/EP/SCH)
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