Leaders of Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Malta discuss migration crisis prevention

On April 23-24, 2026, the leaders of Cyprus, Greece, Italy, and Malta met in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, on the margins of an informal European Council. President Nikos Christodoulides, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and Prime Minister Robert Abela held talks to address potential irregular migration flows stemming from the conflict in the Middle East. The leaders expressed their commitment to a coordinated European response to prevent a crisis similar to the one experienced in 2015, referencing European Council conclusions from March 19, 2026. They emphasized the importance of diplomatic solutions, regional cooperation, and humanitarian support for affected populations. Furthermore, they tasked their respective Interior and Migration ministers with coordinating national efforts alongside the European Commission to ensure effective border management. The discussions underscored the specific vulnerabilities of EU member states situated at the external borders. Additionally, President Christodoulides scheduled bilateral meetings with the leaders of Egypt and Lebanon to address regional stability.