Luxembourg: Cyprus has emerged as a pivotal player in the European Union’s efforts to manage returns, particularly with regard to Syria. During the Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting in Luxembourg, Marios Hartsiotis, the Minister of Justice and Public Order of Cyprus, highlighted that 90% of all EU member state returns to Syria from January 1 to September 1, 2025, were conducted by Cyprus.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Council sessions on October 13-14, 2025, addressed several significant issues. The European Commission presented the results of the Schengen Barometer, recognizing Cyprus as a model country for its effective use of the voluntary return mechanism. The Barometer noted, “Cyprus is working to implement the Schengen recommendations, and its first Schengen evaluation is underway. The Commission supports Cyprus in its process toward deeper integration into the Schengen system.”
Hartsiotis emphasized Cyprus’s efforts in the return process, referencing the April 2025 report by the Commission, which commended Cyprus for implementing corrective measures and improving the Schengen Information System.
During the Council’s first day, discussions focused on modernizing Eurojust to combat evolving cross-border crime. Hartsiotis stressed the need for adequate funding and tools for Eurojust to fulfill its mandate effectively. The ministers also shared best practices for protecting political figures from threats and discussed safeguarding public dialogue.
On the second day, the agenda shifted to internal affairs, discussing the EU’s internal security challenges due to the situation in Gaza, such as increased polarization and radicalization risks. The rise in mass protests and attacks against law enforcement was also addressed.
The ministers also reviewed the Schengen area’s status and deliberated on strengthening the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, FRONTEX, for future needs.