Credit: MAINT
On Tuesday 22 July 2025, Luxembourg's Minister for Home Affairs, Léon Gloden, participated in the informal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council of the European Union, held in Copenhagen under the Danish Presidency.
According to Luxembourg's Ministry of Home Affairs, during the first discussion, Minister Gloden reaffirmed Luxembourg's support for the EU's crisis preparedness strategy, adopted on 23 March 2025. "Whether natural or man-made disasters, emergency assistance must be able to be deployed quickly, without being detrimental to civil society," he stated. "Luxembourg fully supports the strengthening of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Deeper European integration translates into greater resilience in the face of crises and, ultimately, better protection for our citizens."
Commenting on migration, Minister Gloden said: "Since the new government took office in 2023, Luxembourg has been committed to a migration policy that is both responsible and humane."
Regarding the return migration policy, he highlighted Luxembourg's voluntary return system. The EU ministers emphasised the importance of swiftly adopting the new "return" regulation and strengthening cooperation with third countries on readmission.
On visa policy, Minister Gloden reiterated the need to use available instruments more strategically, while calling for a targeted review of the EU's visa liberalisation regime.
During a working lunch on the implementation of innovative solutions for managing irregular migration, the Luxembourg Minister emphasised the need for pragmatic innovation, while respecting fundamental rights. "The Pact on Migration and Asylum is the key tool for progress, but it only works if all Member States fully assume their responsibilities," he stated, adding that the smooth functioning of the Schengen Area is essential. It is also important that all Member States implement the pact within the set timeframe, according to the minister.
On the sidelines of the JHA Council, Minister Gloden met with the Cypriot Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nicholas A. Ioannidis, to discuss Cyprus' full accession to the Schengen Area, experiences with voluntary returns and the country's upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
On the eve of the Council meeting, and following an initial exchange in January 2024, the meeting of the European Ports Alliance provided an opportunity to deepen discussions on the growing threats posed by organised criminal groups on logistics platforms. Close cooperation between police, customs, private operators and public authorities is deemed essential to ensure the security of these strategic infrastructures.
