On 22 and 23 January, Justice and Interior Ministers from EU Member States and Schengen Associated Countries gathered in Nicosia, Cyprus, for an informal Justice and Home Affairs Council session.
On 22 January, Commissioner Magnus Brunner represented the European Commission, addressing EU Home Affairs issues. Discussions centred on sustainable approaches to returns and reintegration, steered by the new EU Council Presidency and joined by Amy Pope, Director-General of the IOM, Ruvendrini Menikdiwela, Assistant High Commissioner for Protection (UNHCR), and Hans Leijtens, Executive Director of Frontex. Commissioner Brunner highlighted that the success of EU migration reforms depends on effective returns and readmissions. To that end, the Commission will present proposals on the digitalisation of returns and the strengthening of Frontex’s role in the return process.
When addressing the external dimension of migration, in particular regarding returns to Syria and Afghanistan, dialogues focused on stabilising these regions to facilitate dignified returns. The Commission signalled that it will continue to foster EU-level coordination and support Member States in dealing with returning migrants, also with the help of Frontex.
Later, exchanges took place on the functioning of the Schengen area and preventing secondary movements. Cyprus showcased national measures to curtail irregular arrivals and called to fully use the Schengen acquis and tools to ensure the proper functioning of the area. Commissioner Brunner noted a 23% reduction in secondary movements due to enhanced policies and cross-border cooperation, urging Member States to intensify police cooperation and employ the available instruments under the Pact.