Home Affairs Ministers discuss returns, reintegration and Schengen measures

The first day of the Informal Meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers concluded today with substantive discussions on sustainable returns, reintegration support and the external dimension of migration, as well as national measures aimed at safeguarding the Schengen area.

On the first day of the Informal Meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers in Lefkosia, the focus was on strengthening the EU’s capacity to manage migration effectively and sustainably. The discussions began with a session dedicated to sustainable approaches to return and reintegration, during which the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) and Frontex presented their respective operational and strategic perspectives. 

Ministers examined how coordinated EU action, constructive partnerships with third countries and development-oriented reintegration programmes could improve return outcomes overall and enhance the credibility of the EU’s migration system. Delegations highlighted the importance of linking reintegration support more closely with broader development and capacity-building efforts in partner countries to ensure that return and reintegration processes become more sustainable and mutually reinforcing. The discussion underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation between member states and EU agencies to avoid fragmented approaches and ensure greater consistency across the Union.

During the working lunch, ministers turned to the external dimension, holding a focused discussion on Syria and Afghanistan. Delegations assessed the evolving political, humanitarian and security conditions in both contexts and considered how the EU could pursue safe, dignified and coordinated returns while fully respecting international and EU law. Participants noted the growing complexity of challenges related to returns and acknowledged the importance of reinforced coordination at the EU level, technical engagement with international partners and pragmatic, country-specific approaches.

During the second working session of the day, ministers engaged in an in-depth exchange of views on safeguarding the proper functioning of the Schengen area. The focus was on internal security measures and compensatory tools to prevent and address secondary movements. 

The discussion underlined that secondary movements present a shared challenge for all member states, regardless of their position as countries of first entry, transit, or destination. Effective implementation of the existing EU framework, enhanced cooperation and mutual trust remain essential. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of national practices, information exchange and forthcoming EU information systems in strengthening situational awareness and supporting more targeted and coordinated action, while fully respecting fundamental rights and the Schengen acquis.

Photos and videos

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Watch the relevant audiovisual material on the EC Audiovisual Services Portal.