Lithuania and Cyprus sign migrant relocation deal under EU solidarity scheme

Lithuania and Cyprus signed a memorandum of understanding on Friday under the European Union's solidarity mechanism. The agreement provides for the relocation of 58 migrants from Cyprus to Lithuania, while Lithuania will fulfill its remaining obligations through a financial contribution of 1.14 million euros.

The memorandum was signed during an informal meeting of EU ministers between Lithuania's Migration Department and Cyprus's Ministry of Migration and International Protection. It is part of the implementation of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, which allows member states to meet their solidarity obligations either by accepting migrants from countries under pressure or by making financial contributions.

Last December, the Lithuanian government decided to split its obligations: accepting half of the required number of migrants and paying for the other half. Under the terms of the deal, Cyprus is responsible for registering the individuals to be relocated, preparing documentation, conducting medical checks, arranging translation, and providing information. Lithuania will cover the remaining share of its obligations financially.

Indrė Gasperė, head of the Migration Department, said the agreement demonstrated Lithuania's readiness to contribute to shared European solutions. She emphasized Lithuania's support for the principles of the EU Migration and Asylum Pact and its desire for stronger cooperation among member states. The EU solidarity mechanism is designed to share responsibility among member states when particular countries face disproportionate migration pressure. Lithuania is implementing its obligations alongside other EU members as the pact enters into force.