Home affairs ministers to discuss temporary protection, return and readmission cooperation with Somalia and the situation in the Middle East

EU home affairs ministers will gather in Luxembourg on 4 June for a meeting of the Home Affairs Council. The topics on the agenda include the temporary protection of people fleeing the war in Ukraine, EU cooperation with Somalia in promoting readmission, and the situation in the Middle East. Finland will be represented at the meeting by Minister of the Interior Mari Rantanen.

“Finland supports Ukraine now and in the future through defence materiel, civilian material support, humanitarian support, and political support. Part of this support also includes providing temporary protection to those fleeing Russia’s war of aggression,” says Minister Rantanen.

Temporary protection has been extended by decision of the Council of the European Union until 4 March 2027. At their meeting, the home affairs ministers will exchange views on the continuation of temporary protection and on the possible limitation of its scope of application for new applicants. The European Commission is expected to present its proposal for a Council decision on the extension of temporary protection during June. The final decision will be adopted by the Council.

Effective return policy is a key factor affecting the security of the EU

The meeting will also discuss the EU’s cooperation with Somalia. The Union continues to face significant challenges in its readmission cooperation with Somalia, i.e. in returns. In 2025, the return rate (3%) was even lower than in the previous year (5%).

“An efficient and effective return policy is a prerequisite for a credible European asylum and migration system and a key factor affecting the security of the entire Union. The situation with Somalia has not improved. We must take urgent action so that a solution can be found,” says Minister Rantanen.

Finland supports the introduction of measures in accordance with Article 25a of the Visa Code in the case of Somalia. The Article lays down provisions on cooperation between the EU and third countries in the return of illegally staying persons. It will enable the EU to tighten visa procedures for countries where cooperation is insufficient, thus contributing to the readmission of their citizens.

The EU must strive to promote a diplomatic solution in the Middle East

The ministers will also discuss the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf. The EU must actively promote a diplomatic solution together with its partners. If the conflict becomes prolonged, preparations must also be made for possible consequences for the Union’s internal security and the European economy.

Inquiries:
Laura Yli-Vakkuri, Director General, tel. +358 40 720 2216, [email protected]
Communications Unit, Ministry of the Interior, [email protected] (requests for interviews with the Minister)