EU Home Affairs Ministers Debate Schengen Controls, Internal Security & Frontex

On Tuesday 14 October 2025, Luxembourg’s Minister for Home Affairs Léon Gloden attended the EU Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) Council held in Luxembourg.

According to Luxembourg’s Ministry of Home Affairs, ministers discussed internal security in light of the situation in Gaza, including risks linked to radicalisation, disinformation and social fragmentation. They were also briefed on work concerning law-enforcement access to digital data and the rollout of systems interoperability, with the Entry/Exit System (EES) having become operational on Sunday 12 October 2025.

On migration, Commissioner Brunner presented the Schengen+ barometer. Minister Gloden voiced concern about reintroduced internal border controls and their impact on Luxembourg, stating: “I therefore look forward to the Commission’s report on the proportionality and necessity of these controls. The Commission must assume its role as guardian of the Treaties and preserve the integrity of the Schengen area. We need an effective exit strategy, not unnecessary extensions.” On the planned reform of Frontex, he stressed that reinforcing the EU’s external borders and returns, including cooperation with third countries, should remain the priority.

Ministers also reviewed the draft Returns Regulation, focusing on mutual recognition of return decisions. Minister Gloden added: “We must move away from fragmented national procedures, and mutual recognition will be one of the elements that contributes to this. But we need to find a balance in burden-sharing and avoid excessive bureaucratic workload.”

In the afternoon, ministers exchanged views on the proposed regulation to strengthen the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and EU support for preparedness and response to health emergencies. In line with the European “Union of Preparedness” strategy of 26 March 2025, Luxembourg supported the main thrust of the proposal while noting areas that require further work. The planned development of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) was highlighted as a key element.

At a working lunch, ministers took stock of the situation in Syria and prospects for returns, with Minister Gloden supporting the UNHCR “go and see visits” approach. On the margins of the Council, he met German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt to discuss internal border controls, bilateral cooperation and returns to Afghanistan.