Home affairs ministers to discuss crisis preparedness and development of border management

The EU home affairs ministers will gather in Luxembourg on 14 October. The topics on their agenda include the development of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex and the reform of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen. 

“The security situation in Europe has deteriorated, requiring the Civil Protection Mechanism to adapt to changing circumstances. The threat posed by Russia is existential, and it does not only concern frontline countries but affects the whole of Europe,” said Minister Rantanen.

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism covers the prevention of threats and risks, preparedness and response. In July, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a reform of the Civil Protection Mechanism. Finland supports efforts to improve preparedness for crises, including increasingly diverse threats such as hybrid threats and security risks related to disruptions to critical infrastructure.

Frontex plays an important role in third countries and return processes

The ministers will discuss the development of Frontex. Finland supports Frontex's efforts to improve the effectiveness of returns and increase their overall number as much as possible, and emphasises the Agency's key role in discussions and partnerships with third countries.

Finland considers that in addition to cooperation, Frontex should have a stronger presence in third countries in countering illegal entry into the Schengen area. Supporting returns from third countries to third countries would also be a viable way to develop Frontex's activities. 

“It is important for Finland to make proactive and effective use of Frontex's operational support in responding to hybrid influence activities,” said the Minister.

Efficient and effective migration and return policy affects the security of the entire Union

The home affairs ministers will also discuss the EU's migration and return policy. In March, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a new return regulation that aims to improve the effectiveness of the return of persons staying illegally in the EU and to prevent unauthorised movements within the Schengen area. The regulation would replace the current Return Directive.

An efficient and effective return policy is a prerequisite for a credible European asylum and migration system and a key factor affecting the security of the entire Union. Common procedures are the best way to ensure the effective return of third-country nationals staying illegally in the Union, in particular those who have committed crimes and pose a security threat.

Inquiries:
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 40 720 2216, firstname.lastname@gov.fi