Luxembourg, Portugal Discuss Migration, Schengen & Security Cooperation

On Wednesday 28 October 2026, Luxembourg's Minister for Home Affairs, Léon Gloden, travelled to Lisbon for a working visit with his Portuguese counterpart, Luís Neves, to discuss the main European challenges concerning migration and internal security, as well as to strengthen bilateral cooperation in these areas.

According to Luxembourg’s Ministry of Home Affairs, the discussions focused in particular on the implementation of the European Pact on Migration and Asylum and the new European regulation on returns. In this context, Minister Gloden stressed the need for effective return procedures and highlighted the government's practice of voluntary returns.

Cooperation with third countries on readmission was also discussed. The two ministers emphasised the importance of prioritising dialogue and migration diplomacy to strengthen this cooperation. They stated that the Frontex agency must have the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in the areas of return and reintegration, noted the ministry.

Concerning the Schengen Area, ministers reaffirmed their commitment to free movement and the absence of internal border controls. They, reportedly, highlighted the impact of controls maintained by certain Member States on citizens' daily mobility and stressed the need to define a concrete exit strategy for lifting them. In this context, Minister Gloden stated: "Schengen is the solution, not the problem."

The ministry said that on internal security, discussions focused on police cooperation between Luxembourg and Portugal. Minister Gloden welcomed the quality of existing cooperation and emphasised the importance of intensifying direct contacts between the operational services of the two countries, particularly in the fight against cybercrime, drug trafficking and organised crime.

According to the ministry, the working visit reaffirmed the “excellent relations between Luxembourg and Portugal” and their shared commitment to continuing close cooperation in addressing European challenges concerning migration and internal security.

Cooperation with third countries on readmission was also discussed, added the ministry. The two ministers emphasised the importance of prioritising dialogue and migration diplomacy to strengthen this cooperation. They stated that the Frontex agency must have the necessary resources to fulfil its mandate in the areas of return and reintegration.