Nicosia: The EU Informal Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council is set to take place on Thursday and Friday, 22-23 January 2026, marking the first Informal Council under Cyprus's Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the meeting will bring together Ministers and Deputy Ministers responsible for Home Affairs on Thursday, 22 January. This session, chaired by Cypriot Deputy Minister for Migration and International Protection Nicholas Ioannides, will focus on sustainable migrant returns, support for reintegration, and the external dimension of migration. The arrivals of European Ministers and Deputy Ministers are scheduled between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., with proceedings commencing at 10:00 a.m. local time. The afternoon session, starting at 2:30 p.m., will address issues related to the Schengen Area, under the chairmanship of the Cypriot Minister of Justice and Public Order, Costas Fitiris. A press conference will conclude the first day at 5:00 p.m.
On Friday, 23 January, the focus will shift to Justice matters, with discussions led by the Minister of Justice. Arrivals of European Ministers and Deputy Ministers are expected between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. The agenda includes combating financial crime, cross-border protection of cultural heritage, and handling juvenile and young offenders. A press conference is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. following the conclusion of the discussions.