The European Union’s Council of Internal Affairs and Migration has reached a consensus on the need to draft a plan for the voluntary repatriation of Syrian citizens.
Greek Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos, who participated in the meeting, underscored the initiative's significance while highlighting the uncertainties surrounding Syria's geopolitical landscape.
“This was an exceptionally full day of discussions among EU ministers of Internal Affairs and Migration,” Mr. Panagiotopoulos said following the session.
“We began with a debate on Syria, where the profound uncertainty limits our ability to make definitive assessments.
Nevertheless, we unanimously agreed on the importance of starting work on a voluntary return plan for Syrians who wish to return to their homeland.”
The Council also addressed the implementation timelines for national plans related to the EU Migration and Asylum Pact, as well as the anticipated European directive on returns. Reflecting on the discussions, Mr. Panagiotopoulos remarked, “It was a highly engaging session. The rapid geopolitical developments at hand were a top priority on the agenda, underscoring the need for the EU to respond with a cohesive and comprehensive strategy.”
On the sidelines of the meeting, Mr. Panagiotopoulos held bilateral talks with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi.
Both ministers agreed that Greece and Italy face shared migration challenges and reaffirmed their commitment to close cooperation, both bilaterally and within the Med 5 framework—a coalition of Mediterranean EU states.
As the EU navigates complex migration issues amid regional instability, this agreement marks a pivotal step in crafting adaptive and coordinated strategies to address the evolving realities of migration and asylum across the continent.