Luxembourg: Cyprus’ Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Dr. Nicholas Ioannides, is set to participate in the EU Justice and Home Affairs Council (Home Affairs) in Luxembourg. The agenda includes discussions on returns to Syria and establishing a common system for the return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the EU, as announced by the Deputy Ministry.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting will see ministers exchanging views on a draft law aimed at creating a unified system for the return of third-country nationals who are illegally residing in the EU. The proposed legislation, currently under expert-level discussion among Member States, outlines common procedures for issuing return decisions, clear rules on forced returns, and stronger obligations for returnees to cooperate with national authorities.
The working lunch discussion will focus on the external dimension of migration, particularly returns to Syria. Dr. Ioannides will present Cyprus’ stance supporting the return of Syrian nationals.
Alongside the Council meeting, Ioannides plans to hold bilateral discussions with Belgium’s Minister of Asylum, Migration, Integration and Urban policy, Anneleen Van Bossuyt, Switzerland’s Minister of Justice, Police, Federal Councillor, Beat Jans, the Netherlands’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Asylum and Migration, David van Weel, and Sweden’s Minister for Migration, Johan Forssell.
In preparation for Cyprus’ upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU, the Deputy Minister will engage in additional meetings on Wednesday with members of the European Parliament.