Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta tighten border controls

On June 17, 2026, in Rome, the migration ministers of Cyprus, Greece, Italy and Malta agreed on a plan to strengthen control of the EU’s external borders. The meeting, convened by Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, was a response to the risks of a new migration crisis caused by the war in the Middle East.

Results of the talks and key decisions:
• Border protection: The four countries intend to wrest control from smuggling networks. Coordination will be strengthened within the framework of the EU’s new migration pact and the migrant return regulation, previously agreed under Cyprus’s presidency.
• Accelerated deportation: Special emphasis was placed on the swift return of people who have been denied international protection, as well as on cooperation with transit countries.
• Legal basis: The ministers supported the Chisinau Declaration of the Council of Europe dated May 15 (approved by 46 countries). The document expands states’ rights to control borders within the framework of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The April declaration by the leaders of these countries includes four areas: security in the region, humanitarian aid, implementation of the EU pact and readiness for a sharp increase in refugee flows.