Informal meeting of home affairs ministers in Cyprus on returns and the Schengen area

Ministers spent the morning discussing sustainable approaches to the return of persons who do not fulfil the conditions for stay in the EU and to reintegration. The State Secretary noted that return can become more acceptable and easier to implement when accompanied by a well-designed reintegration programme, ensuring sustainable outcomes and strengthening the credibility of return policies.

The State Secretary stated that Slovenia uses the Frontex EU Reintegration Programme, with which it has had excellent experience, to support persons in return procedures. She expressed the hope that the programme would, in the future, be expanded to additional partner countries, thereby contributing to a more unified approach to the external dimension of migration. This would require a more effective approach by the European Commission and the European External Action Service.

The State Secretary further stressed that existing differences between national support programmes and variations in financial incentives lead to secondary movements. Such fragmentation places an additional burden on the financial and operational capacities of Member States, making a joint approach essential. She also called for the establishment of common standards and safeguards to prevent abuse. To ensure greater success in these efforts, stronger operational cooperation and assistance between Member States should be established, particularly with regard to identification procedures and procedures for the issuance of the necessary travel documents, as these form the basis for the return of persons who do not fulfil the conditions for stay in the EU.

It is important that partner countries continue to fulfil their obligations under international law, and that the EU continues to encourage them to assume responsibility through the use of existing instruments, such as the mechanism under Article 25a of the Visa Code and trade policy measures. At the same time, transit third countries should be encouraged to cooperate in return procedures and supported in doing so.

During the working lunch, discussions focused on the return of Syrian and Afghan nationals staying in the EU without a residence permit. There is a growing number of initiatives among Member States to return, in particular, convicted criminals and persons who pose a threat to the internal security and public order of Member States.

Cyprus Minister of Justice and Public Order Costas Fitiris, State Secretary Tina Heferle, and Cyprus Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection Nicholas A. Ioannides | Author Cy2026.EU

Part of the afternoon session was devoted to a discussion on safeguarding the Schengen area. The Cyprus Presidency presented national internal security measures with a focus on preventing secondary movements.

For Slovenia, the proper functioning of an area without internal border controls depends on effective border management and protection of the EU's external borders, as well as on enhanced implementation of internal compensatory measures within the EU. It is important to ensure adequate financial support for these measures in the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, as they contribute to greater efficiency of the competent authorities, help prevent secondary movements, and ensure greater security for citizens. Slovenia believes that strengthened implementation and financing of alternative and internal compensatory measures could also lead to the gradual abolition of internal border controls.

Ensuring the interoperability of information systems and the consistent implementation of legislation are also essential for safeguarding the Schengen area. Particular attention should also be paid to the timely entry of up-to-date data into these systems. Cross-border and regional cooperation through police cooperation centres, the implementation of bilateral and trilateral mixed patrols and operational working groups to prevent smuggling, as well as close cooperation with neighbouring countries have also proven effective along the Western Balkans route. All these activities are aimed at addressing common challenges more efficiently and effectively.