Cyprus’ Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou held separate meetings in Rome on Wednesday with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and Transport Matteo Salvini and Minister for Civil Protection and Maritime Policies Nello Musumeci, discussing housing policy and civil‑protection cooperation ahead of Cyprus’ 2026 EU Council Presidency.
Housing: Call for Stronger EU Support
Housing was the central topic in Ioannou’s meeting with Salvini. The two ministers exchanged information on national policies aimed at easing housing pressures, with Italy expressing particular interest in Cyprus’ fast‑track permitting system and urban‑planning incentives.
Ioannou also outlined the priorities Cyprus has set for its EU Council Presidency, noting that the European Affordable Housing Plan should serve as a foundation for deeper cooperation among member states. While housing remains a national responsibility, both ministers agreed the EU can play a supportive role.
“It is extremely important for both Cyprus and Italy to activate investment, especially by engaging the private sector and giving member states the flexibility needed to use available funds,” Ioannou said. He added that Cyprus looks forward to the launch of the European Investment Platform at the end of 2026.
Salvini expressed Italy’s support for the initiatives promoted by the Cypriot Presidency and said his government is ready to contribute constructively to advancing the measures included in the EU’s housing plan.
Civil Protection: Memorandum of Cooperation Planned
Ioannou also met with Musumeci to discuss strengthening cooperation in civil protection. The two ministers agreed to proceed with a memorandum of cooperation focused on exchanging expertise, sharing best practices and improving crisis‑management capabilities.
“Italy has long experience in crisis management, which can be very beneficial for Cyprus,” Ioannou said. He added that Italy will participate in a joint civil‑protection exercise in April and that the memorandum will formalize cooperation on early‑warning systems and critical‑infrastructure issues.
Musumeci emphasized the need for stronger prevention measures and greater resilience to natural and man‑made disasters. He welcomed Cyprus’ intention to clarify the roles of member states and the European Commission in the ongoing negotiations on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism regulation.
