The leaders of Greece, Cyprus, Italy and Malta have agreed to strengthen cooperation on migration and regional security amid concerns over instability in the Middle East and the risk of renewed migratory pressure on Europe.

The joint position was announced during the Europe Gulf Forum, following an earlier meeting held in Cyprus. In a common statement, the four Mediterranean countries stressed the need to prevent a migration crisis similar to the one Europe faced in 2015.

The leaders outlined four main areas for continued cooperation. These include supporting efforts to improve security in the region, coordinating humanitarian assistance for affected populations, ensuring the full implementation of the European Union’s new Migration and Asylum Pact, and reinforcing preparedness to protect the EU’s external borders in line with international law.

The statement also highlighted concerns over irregular migration flows and the possibility of migration being used as a form of political pressure or “hybrid threat.” The four countries said they are examining additional measures, including stronger cooperation with countries of origin and transit, tougher action against smuggling networks and the possible activation of EU emergency mechanisms for crisis situations.

As part of the ongoing coordination effort, Italy’s Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi is expected to host counterparts from Greece, Cyprus and Malta in Rome on June 17, 2026, for further discussions on migration management and emergency preparedness.

The four leaders also welcomed the unanimous adoption of the Chisinau Declaration on migration by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers on May 15, describing it as recognition of the growing and complex migration challenges currently facing European states.