Luxembourg Ministers ,Jean Asselborn and Étienne Schneider, were both in Brussels on Thursday 10 March 2016 to attend the "Justice and Home Affairs" (JHA) Council.
Étienne Schneider, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Internal Security of Luxembourg, attended the session regarding Internal Security that focused on three main topics: the EU directive on the control of acquisitions and possession of firearms, the progress of the implementation of measures against terrorism (as decided by the heads of state or government and the JHA Ministers in 2015) and the fight against organised crime against private homes.
On the topic of the EU directive on the control of acquisitions and possession of firearms those attending debated the need for conditions regarding the online purchase of firearms, regulations on the minimum age for possessing a gun and conditions for permits on semi-automatic firearms.
Regarding the second issue, that of monitoring the implementation of anti-terrorism measures it was stressed that, despite significant efforts, additional advancements in the Passenger Name Records (PNR), and in the power of European data banks are required.
On the final issue of the agenda the Federal Minister of the Interior, Thomas de Maizière, presented a Franco-German initiative in the fight against crimes targeting private homes. It was suggested that this initiative may achieve a more coordinated approach by enhancing the exchange of information and developing highly specific prevention projects, amongst others.
Minister Schneider affirmed Luxembourg’s support to such a collaborative initiative and emphasised the importance of the regional dimension in the fight against organised gangs, as well as the need to mobilise European measures to combat this phenomenon as a whole.
In another session attended by Minister Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Asylum of Luxembourg, the Council reported on the EU’s cooperation with Turkey - an issue that was raised in a previous meeting of heads of state and government earlier in the week on Monday 7 March 2016.
"We must now consider proposals from a legal and political point of view, but above all look at the human side," said the Luxembourg Foreign Minister, adding: "whilst returning those who do not fall under the Geneva Convention to Turkey is practical, I have my reservations about sending back people fleeing the atrocities of Aleppo."
Jean Asselborn also stressed the need for strengthening humanitarian assistance in Greece and the rapid implementation of relocation measures.
The Council also noted the progress of the proposal to implement a European Border and Coast Guard Agency to replace Frontex. This force would also consist of the national authorities responsible for border management of said country and would aim to implement and ensure an integrated European management of external borders.
Photo by: MFA. (L-R) Thomas de Maizière, Minister German Interior and Jean Asselborn, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Minister for Immigration and Asylum of Luxembourg.
