Brussels, Belgium – Ministers representing EU Member States, Schengen associated countries, European partners, and institutions convened for the informal “Justice and Home Affairs” Council, on Thursday, the 25th of January.
The primary focus of this meeting was on Home Affairs and Migration, where State Secretary for Asylum and Migration, Nicole de Moor, emphasized the imperative nature of finalizing the legal texts of the new European Asylum and Migration Pact.
Ms. De Moor highlighted the historical importance of this reform, emphasizing that it must not only exist on paper but actively reshape the practical approach to migration and asylum. The implementation and operationalization of the pact were underscored as crucial steps towards better managing migration, serving both European citizens and those seeking protection in Europe.
Technical discussions on the Pact’s texts have been ongoing with high intensity since January. Negotiation teams are working diligently to translate the political agreement into a formal one, with a ministerial conference scheduled for the end of April to propel the operationalization of the Pact forward.
During the meeting, European migration ministers also delved into discussions about the future of Ukrainian refugees and explored alternative avenues for temporary protection measures. The looming end to temporary protection in 2025 prompted considerations for future strategies, underscoring the need for European harmonization.
The agenda further included discussions on the malicious use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and efforts to tackle organized crime. The fight against international organized drug crime, a top priority of the Belgian Presidency of the EU, saw the launch of the European Ports Alliance. This public-private partnership aims to develop operational solutions preventing criminal networks from infiltrating and exploiting European ports for drug trafficking.
Ministers also addressed the alarming trend of minors being exploited by criminal networks for illicit activities. They emphasized the importance of investing in effective crime prevention policies and tools to protect minors and disrupt this disturbing trend.
Annelies Verlinden, Belgian Minister of Home Affairs, commented on the serious internal security challenge posed by drug trafficking, emphasizing the necessity for sustained efforts to combat organized crime. The European Ports Alliance was lauded as an example of how collaborative efforts can effectively counter criminal networks.
The meeting also addressed concerns about deepfakes, mis- and disinformation, and the use of AI by criminal organizations, particularly focusing on their impact on law enforcement authorities. With 2024 being a significant electoral year, the discussions emphasized the urgency of addressing the risks associated with the criminal use of AI and the importance of investing in tools and security measures.
Minister Verlinden stressed the need for education to build resilience against the malicious use of AI, emphasizing that law enforcement authorities and society at large must acquire the necessary skills to understand the possibilities, risks, and limits of AI. The overarching message from the discussions was a collective recognition of the risks posed by criminal use of AI and the need for proactive measures to safeguard against cyber threats in an increasingly complex landscape.
