Lithuania to accept 58 migrants from Cyprus under EU solidarity mechanism

Lithuania will accept 58 migrants currently in Cyprus and pay €1.4 million under the EU’s solidarity mechanism, Interior Minister Vladislavas Kondratovičius announced on Wednesday, LRT reports.

The government decided last December that Lithuania would take in half of its assigned migrant quota under the EU Migration and Asylum Pact—approved in May 2024—while paying a financial contribution for the remainder. “The final number of migrants to be accepted is 58, with a payment of €1.14 million,” the minister confirmed.

Negotiations with the European Commission will be renewed annually to assess the situation, as Lithuania must decide again in autumn. An agreement is currently being finalised with Cyprus, the country transferring the migrants.

Prime Minister Ingrida Ruginienė had previously stated that Lithuania sought to limit the number to 40—the maximum its institutions could process. The first migrants are expected to arrive next year, with payments due by spring 2027.

“The first step will be for authorities to vet the individuals and submit conclusions before selection continues,” Kondratovičius said. “We expect families and people genuinely willing to integrate into our society.”

A legislative package implementing the pact has been submitted to the government for approval. The minister expressed hope for expedited parliamentary review, aiming for adoption in June.

The EU solidarity mechanism requires member states to share responsibility for migrants arriving in frontline countries. As of May, Lithuania has over 218,000 registered foreign nationals with valid residence permits.