Copenhagen: The justice and interior ministers of the European Union are meeting in Copenhagen to deliberate on European migration and security policy. The gathering, organized under Denmark’s EU Council Presidency, is set to continue through December and is attended by prominent figures, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, along with representatives from the UNHCR and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM).

According to Emirates News Agency, the meeting’s agenda features crucial topics such as fortifying the EU’s external borders, expediting the return of rejected asylum seekers, and advancing the use of “safe third countries” and “safe country of origin.” These discussions are part of the anticipated reforms to the Pact on Migration and Asylum, scheduled for implementation in 2026.

The talks are anticipated to concentrate on the repatriation of rejected asylum seekers, tackling irregular migration, and combating organized crime and drug trafficking. Another focal point for the ministers is enhancing the European Union’s resilience to migration crises, with particular attention on improving the European repatriation system.

Discussions include the potential establishment of repatriation centers outside the EU and a more significant role for the border protection agency Frontex.