The Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, attended the Council meeting of Home Affairs Ministers in Luxembourg. The meeting focused on security, returns, Schengen related matters, and the current situation in Libya.
As the European Union celebrates the 40th anniversary from the establishment of the Schengen Area, Minister Camilleri emphasised its importance as one of the EU's most visible achievements, ensuring the free movement of people, goods and services. The Minister noted how Malta attaches particular importance to the resilience of the EU's external borders and returns to deter irregular arrivals, dismantle smuggling networks and decrease the risk of loss of life at sea.
Minister Camilleri emphasised the importance of Frontex in supporting Member States in managing the external borders. The Minister also expressed the importance of expanding Frontex's mandate to allow the Agency to carry out returns directly from third countries.
The Minister underscored the importance of an effective and well-functioning return system as the cornerstone of a robust migration policy. In this regard, he reiterated the success registered by Malta in recent years in the decrease of irregular migration to its shores, thanks to increased investment in the competent national authorities, the establishment of a dedicated returns unit and increased outreach with key third countries, both of transit and origin. These efforts have resulted in a 93% decrease in the number of irregular arrivals registered in 2024 when compared to five years earlier, while the ratio of returns compared to irregular arrivals stood at 83% in 2023 and 68% in 2024.
The Minister highlighted how lack of cooperation from third countries remains the biggest issue when it comes to returns, and noted how the EU should make better use of the tools at its disposal to elicit third country cooperation. In this regard, the Minister noted how visa measures, trade and development can all offer powerful incentives for cooperation.
Minister Camilleri expressed concern over the events in Libya of the last days and its potential impact on security in the Mediterranean and migration management. He stressed the urgent need for a swift resolution, warning that instability in Libya could allow traffickers to exploit the situation and increase irregular departures to the EU. In this context, Minister Camilleri underlined the importance of taking all necessary measures to support the Libyan people and the relevant Libyan authorities in ensuring peace and stability.
On the margins of the Council, Minister Camilleri also had a bilateral meeting with Michael McGrath, Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer protection.
Photos: MHSE
