EU ministers responsible for home affairs will hold a videoconference to discuss the state of play and way forward on the response to COVID-19 in the area of home affairs. They will also be informed about the state of play and current challenges with regard to migration.

The Schengen Associated Countries will also take part in this videoconference.

COVID-19 response

The first part of the video conference will cover four areas:

• internal and external borders
• use of tracing applications
• asylum, return and
• resettlement shift in criminal activities

Ministers will discuss the situation at the internal and external borders and assess how the traffic at internal borders can be further improved to ensure the functioning of the internal market and the free flow of goods. They will also share their views on the future easing or lifting of internal border controls in a coordinated manner.

The focus will also be on the prevention of the further spread of the virus, in particular through the possible use of tracing applications and how this can be coordinated.

As regards the COVID-19 response concerning asylum, return and resettlement, ministers are expected to report back on the implementation of the guidance issued by the European Commission on 16 April.

Finally, ministers will cover the possible shift in criminal activities caused by the pandemic situation, and will discuss what additional support member states authorities might need in order to respond to this and how cooperation can be further strengthened.

Migration

The Commission, the European External Action Service, the Presidency and the most affected member states will provide an update on the current situation, in particular as regards the borders with Turkey and the Western and Central Mediterranean and the ongoing transfer of unaccompanied minors from Greece.

EU migration policy (background information)
Migration flows: Eastern, Central, and Western Mediterranean routes (infographic)