Minister Jim O'Callaghan meets with his European counterparts at Justice and Home Affairs Council meeting to discuss migration and internal security
- Published on: 8 December 2025
- Last updated on: 8 December 2025
- Agreement reached on a range of measures:
- a common position on a new European returns system,
- measures to expand the concept of a safe third country,
- a proposal to establish a shared list of safe third countries,
- a decision on the new solidarity mechanism to support EU Member States facing migratory pressure
- Continued discussion on the EU’s internal security, including in relation to the threats posed by drones.
Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration, Jim O’Callaghan, met with his European counterparts today in Brussels (8 December) to discuss a range of security and migration issues.
EU Justice and Home Affairs Ministers reached an agreed position on a) a new common European return system for migrants staying in the EU unlawfully; b) a measure to establish a list of safe countries of origin at Union level; and c) a proposal to update the reasons for determining a country to be a safe third country.
Ministers also adopted a decision establishing a mechanism to provide increased support for Member States facing increased migratory pressure.
Other issues on the agenda for Ministers included the threats to internal security posed by drones, the fight against drug trafficking and organised crime, and measures to strengthen and reinforce the functioning of the Schengen area.
Minister O’Callaghan reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to support EU efforts to adopt and implement a common and effective European system for returning people with no legal permission to be in the EU.
Minister Jim O’Callaghan said:
"Ireland has long recognised the value of introducing a strong and efficient common returns system for those with no legal right to remain in the EU. The adoption today of a common position on what that system should look like, takes us a significant step closer to adopting it. Having a strong, collective approach to returns will send a clear signal to third country nationals that a return decision issued in any Member State cannot be evaded and will be enforced.”
Ministers also discussed the implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration and agreed a common position on two important additional measures related to it. The first measure will establish a list of safe countries of origin at Union level, while the second agreed position will update how a country can be deemed to be a “safe third country”.
Speaking on the agreement reached on these two measures, the Minister said:
“We are all focused on working to prepare for the implementation of the Pact on Asylum and Migration in June 2026. The agreement reached by Ministers today on two additional measures related to safe third countries will strengthen the integrity of our system and improve the operation of the Common European Asylum System.”
The Council of Ministers also adopted a decision establishing a "solidarity pool", a new EU mechanism under the Pact on Migration and Asylum to help member states facing migratory pressure, either through relocations or by providing financial assistance.
As part of this decision, Ireland was recognised as being ‘At Risk of Migratory Pressure’ and as such will have priority access to the EU Migration Support Toolbox. This toolbox offers tailor-made support to Member States including operational and technical support by EU bodies, offices and agencies; financial support and support to facilitate return and reintegration activities.
Speaking on this new solidarity mechanism Minister O’ Callaghan said:
“Ireland is committed to showing solidarity with other EU Member States and recognises the need for measures to create a responsive and fair international protection system across the EU. We have experienced a sustained high number of applications for international protection and this, together with the increased arrivals of people benefitting from temporary protection, has put our systems under pressure, which has been recognised by the European Commission.”
“As a result of the agreement reached today, Member States have the option of accepting relocations from countries under severe migratory pressure or alternatively providing financial support. Ireland will not be accepting relocations given the pressures on our system but will make a payment of €9.26million in 2027 as a pledge to support the countries under the most extreme pressure.”
ENDS…///