The debates during the meeting revolved around internal affairs and the issue of migration. The first part was devoted to asylum and migration issues in the European Union, after which the focus shifted to the status of displaced persons from Ukraine in the Member States, with emphasis placed on the Temporary Protection Directive and its context. The directive not only grants the displaced Ukrainians the right to reside legally in the Member States, but also to gain access to the labour market, the education and healthcare systems, and social and housing assistance as well. 

As the war against Ukraine has been going on for two years, the ministers discussed alternative means of temporary protection for its displaced population. Additionally, the ministers highlighted the issue of artificial intelligence tools being increasingly used by criminals, focusing in particular on deepfake technology. During the afternoon session, the attendees discussed the issue of combating illegal drug trafficking, which is currently one of the most serious challenges to the internal security of European countries. 

The next formal meeting of the Justice and Home Affairs Council will be held in Brussels on 4-5 March 2024.

Between the sessions, Deputy Minister Maciej Duszczyk also held talks with European Commissioner for Home Affairs Ylva Johansson and Swedish Minister of Justice Gunnar Strömmer. Their talks concerned the current European agenda and views on ongoing challenges in the areas of internal affairs and migration. 

In addition, on the eve of the Council meeting, Deputy Minister Duszczyk visited Antwerp to attend the inauguration of the European Ports Alliance public-private partnership, which aims to combat organised drug crime in ports.

EU Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA)

The event brings together ministers of EU Member States, Schengen associated countries, representatives of EU institutions (European Commission, European Parliament, General Secretariat of the Council of the European Union), as well as representatives of EU agencies, including Europol, Frontex, the European Union Agency for Asylum and the European Union Agency for Fundamental Rights.