Cyprus Times

Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council to Convene in Nicosia

Published January 21, 2026, 16:07
Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council to Convene in Nicosia

The Informal Justice and Home Affairs Council will be held in Nicosia on January 22-23, 2026, as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU. The first day will focus on sustainable return of migrants, their reintegration, and the external dimension of migration, chaired by the Deputy Minister of Migration and International Protection, Nikolaos Ioannidis. Discussions will also cover issues related to the Schengen area, chaired by the Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris. Press conferences will be held at the end of the first day. The second day, the Council will focus on Justice issues, such as combating financial crime, cross-border protection of cultural heritage, and dealing with juvenile and young offenders. The Minister of Justice and Public Order, Kostas Fytiris, will chair the discussions. Press conferences will be held after the conclusion of the works. The event marks the beginning of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU and the undertaking of important initiatives in the areas of Justice and Home Affairs. Cyprus aims to play a catalytic role in promoting common European policies to address the challenges related to migration, security, and the administration of justice. The Council's objective is to exchange views and find common solutions to critical issues facing EU countries. The participation of Ministers and Deputy Ministers from all Member States highlights the importance of the meeting and the expectation for substantial dialogue and cooperation.