Frontex officers from the Italian Guardia Di Finanza OPV Osum patrol by speedboat on the Aegean Sea near Iraklio, Crete, February 16, 2026. [AP]
Greece joined Cyprus, Italy and Malta on Friday in urging a coordinated European response to potential migration pressures linked to the conflict in the Middle East, warning against a repeat of the 2015 migration crisis.
In a joint statement issued after a meeting on the sidelines of an informal European Council gathering in Ayia Napa, Cyprus, the leaders said they discussed possible coordinated initiatives aimed at preventing uncontrolled migration flows toward the European Union.
The meeting included the president of Cyprus and the heads of government of Greece, Italy and Malta – countries at the EU’s external borders that are considered most directly exposed to potential migration movements.
The leaders reaffirmed the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a swift resolution to the Middle East conflict, while stressing the need for continued cooperation with regional partners “to ensure the necessary assistance and support for the affected populations.”
They also examined potential measures, “in full respect of international law,” to safeguard and effectively manage the European Union’s external borders in the event of increased migration pressure.
The four countries called for a unified European approach to strengthen national responses and maximize their effectiveness. They tasked their interior and migration ministers with continuing close coordination, including working with the European Commission to integrate national efforts within EU frameworks and initiatives.