Results of the Justice and Home Affairs Council (Home Affairs), 5 March 2026

Ministers exchanged views on the external dimension of migration. Strengthening cooperation with key third countries remains a central pillar of the EU’s migration policy.

In this context, discussions focused on Lebanon and Libya, two key transit countries along the Eastern and Central Mediterranean migration routes. Many ministers reaffirmed their support for Lebanon and are in favour of a more structured cooperation with the country, once necessary reforms in various other areas are implemented. On Libya, several ministers underlined the importance of supporting cooperation at technical level, highlighting that preventive actions, combatting smugglers' networks and enhancing voluntary returns remain priorities.

The Commission gave an update on the implementation of the asylum and migration pact, ahead of its entry into application on 12 June 2026. The pact will make the common European asylum system more effective with faster procedures and clearer rules regarding both sharing responsibility and solidarity among member states. It will also contribute to reducing the migratory pressure on all member states.

Press conference video

Find more information on the official website of the Council of the EU.