As part of the new EU migration mechanism, Lithuania has agreed to accept 58 migrants currently in Cyprus and to pay €1.14 million for refusing to accept the remaining individuals stipulated by the quota.
Lithuania has decided on its commitments under the European Union's migration pact. As reported by Interior Minister Vladislav Kondratovich, the country will accept 58 migrants currently in Cyprus and simultaneously pay the EU €1.14 million.
This concerns the solidarity mechanism that was approved as part of the EU migration pact in 2024. It stipulates that EU countries must assist states that are the first to receive flows of migrants—either by hosting some of the individuals themselves or by providing compensation.
The Lithuanian government decided last year that the country would only accept half of the allocated quota, while paying for the rest. According to Kondratovich, Lithuania is currently preparing agreements with the country transferring the migrants—in this case, Cyprus.
The first arrivals are expected to come to Lithuania as early as next year. The payment to the EU budget is also scheduled for next year.
Importantly, Lithuanian authorities emphasize that they intend to thoroughly check all incoming migrants.
Prime Minister Inga Ruginiene previously stated that the country would ideally like to reduce the number of accepted migrants to 40 individuals, as this is the number that, according to the services, can be fully checked.
The Interior Minister also noted that priority will be given to families and individuals willing to integrate into Lithuanian society.
In Lithuania, the topic of migration remains particularly sensitive following the migration crisis at the border with Belarus. Since 2021, Lithuanian border guards have prevented more than 25,000 attempts to illegally cross the border from Belarus. Additionally, Vilnius has repeatedly emphasized that it has already accepted a large number of refugees from Ukraine.
According to official data, there are currently more than 218,000 foreigners with valid residence permits living in Lithuania. Against this backdrop, the government is trying to demonstrate a more cautious approach to new EU commitments regarding the distribution of migrants.
In the near future, the Lithuanian parliament is expected to urgently consider a package of laws necessary for the implementation of the new EU migration mechanism.
