Brussels: Europe and the Arabs

In the final statement of ministerial meetings in Brussels, the Council of Ministers of the Interior and Justice announced its decision on three EU laws to expedite and simplify the return of rejected asylum seekers, while simultaneously accelerating and facilitating asylum procedures.

The Return Regulation stipulates common procedures for the return of refugees, obligations for third-country nationals residing illegally to cooperate with immigration authorities, and tools for cooperation between member states. The EU will also establish a list of safe countries of origin, allowing member states to process international protection applications from individuals on that list with greater speed. Finally, the new regulation on the application of the safe third country concept will provide member states with broader options for using this concept to reject asylum applications as inadmissible and to explore the possibility of cooperating with third countries in this regard.

This agreement among member states comes just six months after the European Council, on June 26, encouraged intensified efforts to facilitate, increase, and expedite returns, and emphasized the concepts of safe third countries and safe countries of origin. The statement quoted Rasmus Stoklund, Denmark’s Minister for Immigration and Integration, whose country currently holds the rotating presidency of the EU: “The European asylum system is broken. Today, the Council has put forward important solutions. We will be able to control migration to Europe and eliminate the human traffickers’ business model. We will ensure that more migrants who do not have the right to remain in the EU are returned.”

The Council also reached a political agreement on the creation of the annual Solidarity Fund for 2026. The Solidarity Fund is a key component of the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum and provides effective support to Member States facing migration pressure. When it enters into force on June 12, 2026, the Pact will improve the European asylum system through clearer rules on responsibility for handling asylum applications and solidarity among Member States. The Pact will ultimately help alleviate migration pressure on all Member States.

The Council also reached an agreement on EU legislation on the return of third-country nationals residing illegally.

The Council adopted its final position on EU legislation aimed at accelerating and simplifying the return of people residing illegally in Member States. This law establishes EU-wide procedures for their return, imposes obligations on those not entitled to remain, and sets out mechanisms for cooperation between member states. It also enables member states to establish return centers in third countries.

Three out of four irregular migrants who receive return orders in the EU remain here instead of returning to their countries of origin.

According to the representative of the current Danish Presidency of the EU, "I am pleased that we have agreed on a new EU Return Regulation. I believe these new rules will significantly improve these figures. For the first time, there will be obligations for third-country nationals residing illegally. Member States will have much better mechanisms at their disposal—for example, it will be possible to detain them for longer periods, and entry bans will be extended. Furthermore, today's agreement will allow both the EU and one or more Member States to conclude arrangements or agreements with a third country regarding return centers," as quoted in the statement by Brasmus Stoklund, Danish Minister for Immigration and Integration.

Schengen: During a working lunch, ministers discussed strengthening the Schengen Area's external borders. They addressed ongoing vulnerabilities and how to address them collectively, as well as how to prepare for new weaknesses that may arise at the external borders.

The ministers also approved a roadmap for the implementation of the EU Interoperability Framework in 2027-2028. This framework refers to the ongoing process of ensuring the interconnection of the EU's IT systems, which guarantees our security within the Schengen Area—by accurately identifying individuals and detecting Fraud and security threat verification – while ensuring seamless access for national authorities.

With the ETIAS border entry and exit system, the ETIAS travel authorization system, and the updated Eurodac fingerprint database operational by 2025 or planned for 2026, the Council is now moving on to the remaining elements of the Common Border and Security IT Architecture.

Internal Security
Ministers of Home Affairs discussed the implications of the malicious use of drones from a law enforcement perspective. They exchanged views on appropriate law enforcement measures to address these challenges, including potential EU actions. These include improving the coordination of counter-drone activities, harmonizing counter-drone systems, and increasing funding for research and innovation.

The discussion highlighted the urgent need to move quickly to respond to the growing challenges posed by drones and to equip law enforcement agencies with the necessary capabilities.

In a closed session, the ministers received a semi-annual threat assessment update on current security challenges. This briefing was presented by the Director General of the Danish Security and Intelligence Service (PET) on behalf of the European internal security and intelligence services.

Combating Organized Crime
The Presidency presented a summary report on the actions identified as priorities within the EU Roadmap to Combat Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime since October 2023. The Roadmap comprises 17 short- and medium-term actions, which formed the basis for Member States’ actions during the Belgian, Hungarian, Polish, and Danish Presidencies.

The Commission presented two communications: 1) the new EU Drug Strategy, and 2) the EU Action Plan to Combat Drug Trafficking. Both communications were presented by the Commission on 4 December 2025. They outline the EU’s response to the security, health, social, and environmental challenges.

These recommendations set out the EU’s response to the security, health, social, and environmental challenges associated with illicit drug trafficking and use.

Combating drug trafficking and organized crime was a key priority under the Danish Presidency. It is essential that we work together across Member States if we are to effectively combat these disruptive elements. I truly appreciate the constructive and fruitful discussions on these issues during today's meeting.

Peter Hommelgaard, Danish Minister of Justice

Other Business
Among other business, the Presidency reviewed the latest developments during its term regarding access to data for effective law enforcement and briefed the Ministers on the EU-Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs, held on 30 and 31 October in Sarajevo.

Poland provided an update on the security situation and the ongoing visa issuance process for Russian citizens, and the incoming Cypriot Presidency presented its work program.