Agenda highlights

Migration

Meeting at 9:30 on Thursday, home affairs ministers will discuss several issues related to migration.

The Council is expected to discuss the future management of EU external borders and of the return policy. On the latter the Council is also expected to adopt conclusions.

Ministers will also follow up on several measures proposed by the Commission on 9 September 2015 to respond to the current refugee crisis and to prepare for future challenges. They will be briefed on the latest developments regarding the relocation of 40 000 persons in need of international protection, following the decision adopted on 14 September.

On Friday, justice ministers will hold a debate on the judicial aspects of the migration crisis, including judicial cooperation and the fight against xenophobia.

Counterterrorism

On Thursday, the Council is expected to adopt conclusions on strengthening measures to fight trafficking in firearms. Ministers will also be briefed on the implementation of measures regarding counterterrorism, following the statement by EU leaders on 12 February 2015, and on recent developments on railway safety.

Data protection

Starting at 10:00 on Friday, justice ministers will aim to reach a general approach on a proposed directive for the protection of personal data processed for law enforcement purposes. This directive is part of the general data protection reform.

A conference on the Eastern Mediterranean - Western Balkans route will take place in the margins of the Justice and Home Affairs Council, on Thursday 8 October 2015 at 18:00. Both ministers of foreign affairs and ministers of home affairs are expected to attend.