Schengen, migration challenges, displaced persons from Ukraine, as well as internal security issues in light of developments in the Middle East and Iran, were discussed by the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the EU in Luxembourg, which was chaired by the Minister of Justice Kostas Fytiris and the Deputy Minister of Migration Nikolas Ioannidis.
The full announcement:
The Minister of Justice, Costas Fytiris, is in Luxembourg these days, for the work of the Justice and Home Affairs Council of the European Union, which takes place on June 4 and 5, 2026, in the framework of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU.
During the first day of the proceedings, in the composition of Home Affairs, which was jointly chaired by Mr. Fytiris and the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Mr. Nikolas Ioannidis, the Ministers exchanged views on important issues that concern the European Union today. These include the situation in the Schengen area, migration challenges, the future of displaced persons from Ukraine, as well as internal security issues, in the light of developments in the Middle East and Iran.
The debate also focused on the need to strengthen cooperation between Member States on security, information exchange and critical infrastructure protection. At the same time, the Ministers dealt with the European Union Strategy on Drugs and the actions promoted to tackle drug trafficking and its consequences for society, health and safety of citizens.
On Friday, the Minister of Justice and Public Order chaired a meeting of justice ministers, during which the Council reached a partial negotiating position on the new Justice programme for 2028-2034, which is part of the EU's next multiannual financial framework.
The new programme aims to support judicial cooperation in civil and criminal matters, train judges and other justice professionals, strengthen the independence of judicial systems and ensure better access to justice for citizens and businesses.
Particular emphasis is also placed on the digitalisation of justice and cross-border judicial proceedings, with the aim of making procedures more efficient, faster and more accessible to citizens. The programme will support, inter alia, actions that facilitate cooperation in tackling serious crime, such as corruption, terrorism and environmental crime.
In a statement, Mr. Fytiris said:
"At a time when justice and the rule of law must continue to be safeguarded, today's agreement is an important step towards a more efficient, accessible and digitalised European area of justice. The new Justice programme will support cross-border cooperation, improve access to justice and strengthen the independence of our judicial systems across the EU."
The meeting of Justice Ministers also discussed the recognition of parenthood in cross-border cases, the state of play of the work of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, efforts to be held accountable in relation to crimes committed in Ukraine, as well as issues related to hate crime and hate speech.
The Minister's presence in Luxembourg and the Presidency of the Council by the Republic of Cyprus demonstrate the active role of Cyprus in the European discussions on justice, security and migration, at a time when Member States are called upon to provide common and meaningful responses to complex challenges.
