Ministers agreed to prolong the application of the temporary protection mechanism, initially activated in March 2022, for an additional year. Without this extension, the current protection would have expired in March 2026. The Council is expected to formally adopt the decision in the coming weeks. They also discussed the need to prepare for a coordinated transition once temporary protection comes to an end, including possible shifts to other residence statuses and the gradual return of beneficiaries.

Cooperation on return and readmission with third countries was another focus, notably during a working lunch dedicated to the external dimension of migration. Discussions centred on how the EU’s visa policy has contributed to improving cooperation with some countries of origin and how this leverage could be further developed.

Finally, Ministers endorsed the priorities for the Schengen area for the period 2025–2026, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the Schengen Agreement. These priorities include accelerating the digitalisation of procedures and the deployment of large-scale IT systems, strengthening the resilience of external borders and the effectiveness of returns, while also enhancing internal security in a context of free movement without internal border controls. A Schengen declaration was also adopted, reaffirming the Council’s commitment to the functioning and development of the area.

For further details, please refer to the press release from the Council of the European Union.