The highly-anticipated Annual Contact Committee Meeting of the European Union (EU) Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) recently concluded at the prestigious Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort in Paphos, Cyprus. This two-day event, organised by the Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus, was held over October 16-17, 2024, and brought together top officials from EU member states and the European Court of Auditors to address critical issues surrounding migration. George Ioannou, CEO of Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort, expressed his pride in hosting the event, welcoming the participants to Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort and emphasising the resort’s commitment to fostering meaningful international discussions.
Key discussions on migration policy
The first day of the meeting, October 16, 2024, opened with a welcoming address from Andreas Papaconstantinou, Auditor General of Cyprus, setting the stage for an important dialogue on migration. Senior officials, including Corinna Ullrich, Director of International and Horizontal Affairs at the European Commission, and Nicholas A. Ioannidis, Cyprus Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection, took the lead in addressing the EU’s migration policy and the reasons that have led to the need for reform. The challenges faced by the Republic of Cyprus in implementing these policies as a member state were also a focal point.
Joining them, Sophie Magennis, Head of the UNHCR Liaison Office to the EU Agency for Asylum (EUAA), and Gianluca Rocco, Director for the EU subregion at the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), highlighted the humanitarian aspects of migration, as outlined in international conventions. The discussions also connected these issues to the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with an emphasis on how well-managed migration policies could play a role in achieving broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
These in-depth presentations provided valuable insights into the need for collaboration between EU institutions and member states to ensure that migration policies are effective, sustainable, and aligned with global humanitarian standards.
Day Two discussions
On October 17, 2024, the focus shifted towards how Supreme Audit Institutions (SAIs) can incorporate the challenges of migration into their auditing frameworks. Through a series of working groups, participants examined the role that SAIs can play in auditing migration-related policies and how these institutions can help identify potential opportunities arising from effective migration management.
The working groups covered key areas such as:
- Migration challenges for EU Member States: This session explored how countries like Malta, Austria, and Germany have tackled migration issues, sharing national experiences that offer valuable lessons.
- Migration as an opportunity to address labour market gaps: This discussion highlighted how migration can help fill labor shortages across the EU, focusing on how SAIs can support the integration of migrants into national workforces.
- Managing irregular migration flows: Cyprus led this session, presenting its own strategies for managing irregular migration and demonstrating how proactive management can turn migration challenges into opportunities.
These discussions provided practical recommendations for how SAIs can support more effective and transparent migration policies, contributing both to national objectives and broader EU goals.
Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort: the perfect host for international events
Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort, set against the stunning backdrop of Cape Agios Georgios in Paphos, proved to be an ideal venue for this high-level international gathering. Known for its luxurious accommodations and first-class facilities, the resort has become a sought-after destination for hosting major events. With its world-class service, commitment to sustainable practices, and scenic beauty, Cap St. Georges offered a unique combination of professionalism and relaxation, making it the perfect setting for productive dialogue and collaboration.
George Ioannou, CEO of Korantina Homes, the company behind Cap St. Georges, shared his pride in hosting the event. “At Cap St. Georges, we believe in creating spaces that not only offer luxury, but also foster meaningful discussions that can lead to positive change. Hosting the EU Supreme Audit Institutions meeting on migration is a testament to our commitment to being part of initiatives that have a lasting impact,” Ioannou said.
This event highlights Cap St. Georges’ growing reputation as a premier venue for international conferences, while also reinforcing its contribution to Cyprus’s position as a key player in global hospitality.
As the Annual Contact Committee Meeting of EU Supreme Audit Institutions concluded at Cap St. Georges Hotel & Resort, the event served as a crucial platform for discussing the challenges and opportunities surrounding migration. With input from EU officials and global experts, these discussions are expected to shape the future of migration policy across Europe. Meanwhile, Cap St. Georges continues to stand out, not only as a luxurious destination, but also as a venue that supports global cooperation, solidifying its place on the international stage.
