Despite this strong growth and the low unemployment rate (5.9% in 2014) (World Bank 2016a), Malta remains exposed to many of the same risks as Cyprus. Both are members of the eurozone, which has experienced very slow growth (0.9% in 2014) (World Bank 2016a), and could also be affected by any further Greek debt crises. There is also uncertainty surrounding the UK’s relationship with the European Union. Malta was affected by the upsurge in irregular migration in 2014 and 2015, as was Cyprus to a lesser extent, because of their proximity to conflict zones in Libya and Syria.